Westcliff Welcomes Dr. Irvin Heard: Champion for Military Students
Westcliff University welcomes Dr. Irvin Heard, MSIT., Ph.D., as the new program chair for the College of Technology and Engineering! With a distinguished career in both the military and academia, Dr. Heard brings a plethora of experience and a fresh perspective to his new role at the university. His unique background makes him an invaluable resource for military students pursuing higher education and seeking to maximize their veterans’ benefits.
Forged in Service
Dr. Heard’s journey to Westcliff is both unconventional and inspiring. Born in Athens, Georgia, he joined the Marine Corps at 17 and served in the branch for eight years. Following his military service, he transitioned to law enforcement, where he served as a federal guard and then as a police officer. His talent for training and mentoring was quickly recognized, leading to accepting a position at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the Applied Cybersecurity Division.
At NIST, Dr. Heard had a transformative experience teaching high school students the importance of networking and also cybersecurity. “I taught students from challenging backgrounds, and seeing them turn their lives around because of my mentorship was when the light bulb came on,” he recalls. This pivotal moment sparked his passion for education and mentoring.
Embracing New Horizons
Dr. Heard’s dedication to teaching continued as he moved to the Department of Labor, where he also taught cybersecurity to adults. His journey took another turn when his wife, a Florida native, encouraged them to move to the Sunshine State. Although initially reluctant, Dr. Heard found new opportunities, eventually becoming the Associate Dean of Advanced Technology at Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, where he oversaw 21 campuses, including three international ones.
His vast experience and military background instilled core values that he brings to his role here at Westcliff: integrity, honor, sacrifice, and humility. “In the military, you learn to give your best in everything you do, and I bring that same commitment to my work here,” he explains. His approach is rooted in being open to criticism and constantly striving for improvement.
An Advocate for Veterans
Dr. Heard is particularly passionate about supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life. As a veteran himself, he understands the unique challenges veterans face and advocates for using VA benefits and the GI Bill® to pursue education at Westcliff. “Westcliff is known for its support of veterans, and we offer various programs and certifications in trending fields like AI and cybersecurity,” he highlights.
Having a program chair like Dr. Heard at Westcliff is a significant advantage for military students interested in pursuing higher education. His firsthand experience with the military and his dedication to supporting veterans make him a relatable and inspiring mentor for any individual.
Vision for Tomorrow
Looking ahead, Dr. Heard aims to expand Westcliff’s doctoral and Ph.D. programs, particularly in IT. His goal is to merge existing technologies to create new, innovative solutions, preparing students for the demands of the industry. He is excited to contribute his extensive experience and innovative vision to the university’s programs and plans to introduce cutting-edge courses in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, anticipating the future needs of the IT industry. “I see myself as a visionary, preparing for the inevitable convergence of AI and cybersecurity,” he states.
Dr. Irvin Heard’s remarkable journey from the Marine Corps to academia exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a passion for education. His vision and leadership are set to propel Westcliff University to new heights, making him a valuable addition to the Westcliff community and an ally for military students pursuing higher education.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Heard to the Westcliff family!