Gardner-Webb Hires Assistant Professor for Cybersecurity Program

Oscar Gonzalez has 22 years of Experience Teaching in the Field

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s administration has announced the hiring of a new lead faculty member for cybersecurity. Oscar Gonzalez will serve as assistant professor of computer science in the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. He has 22 years of experience teaching information technology, which includes eight years in the cybersecurity field. The University began offering the cybersecurity concentration in January to prepare graduates for this field that is expected to have 3.5 million job openings in 2025.

“We are excited about Oscar Gonzalez joining us as we begin our cybersecurity program,” affirmed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey. “His breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the field will provide an excellent educational experience for our students as they pursue a foundation for a successful career in a high-demand area.”

Gonzalez comes to Gardner-Webb from South Piedmont Community College in Monroe, N.C., where he was an information technology instructor and cybercrime program lead. Since January 2009, he has taught introductory and advance courses in computer applications, windows server, networking, cybersecurity, databases and various programming languages at the college level. While in South Piedmont he served as the Co-PI of the Advanced Cyberforensic Education Consortium (ACE), a grant from the National Science Foundation for $1.8 million for 4 years. Gonzalez also served as an adjunct professor for Central Piedmont Community College, where he taught Introduction to Computers and Introduction to Programming and Logic. His experience also includes over four years of teaching in Union County Public Schools and nearly 10 years in the banking industry.

Gonzalez observed, “I enjoy working with students to further their interest in the critical field of cybersecurity. Businesses are in need of people with the skills to protect and defend their data and infrastructure and I am thankful to have the opportunity to teach students the knowledge and skills they need.”

Gonzalez received his Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla., in May 2001. He earned his Master of Science in management information systems from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. He has certifications in internet and computer core, computer/business teacher and internet webmaster. His computer skills encompass several operating systems, programming languages, application software, security, forensics and virtualization.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.