Biography - Dallas K Cecil

Dr. Dallas K. Cecil
Ph.D. in Organization and Management in IT, Capella University

EDUCATION
Dr. Dallas K. Cecil completed the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management with a specialization in Information Technology Management in March of 2009 from Capella University. Dr. Cecil earned both his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland University College. His Master of Science is in Computer Systems Management with a specialization in Database Systems and Security. The capstone professional project in his Master’s program focused on the implementation and deployment of a database-centric application to a world-wide wide area network utilizing a variety of network connections and protocols. His Bachelor of Science degree is in Computer and Information Systems.

He maintains several industry certifications including Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (multiple versions), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (multiple versions), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer, and several Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists certifications including SQL Server 2005 and .NET Framework 2.0: Windows Applications.

IT WORK EXPERIENCE
Dr. Cecil has over 15 years experience in Information Technology, serving in increasing levels of responsibility across multiple technology areas. He started his career in the United States Army as a systems analyst (software developer). Quickly recognized as a technology-savvy soldier, he was assigned as one of two (the only enlisted) soldiers to a special project called the Theatre Rapid Response Intelligence Package (TRIP) system. He excelled in his position and was awarded the Department of Defense Military Intelligence Award (special category) by the Secretary of Defense. He was next assigned to a Military Intelligence unit in the Washington, DC area where he was the technical lead the design and implementation of the new enterprise Windows-based network integrating it with the existing UNIX and Macintosh environments. He was also the lead database developer of the organizations human resources system.

After leaving the military in 1999, Dr. Cecil joined Software Technology, Inc. (soon to be purchased by Harris Corporation) as a Senior Software and Integration Engineer. In that role, Dr. Cecil was responsible for the engineering and deployment of multiple disparate engineering projects. His engineering responsibilities included requirements elicitation; system, software, and network architecture; engineer; integration; documentation; and all aspects of project management. Dr. Cecil was then promoted to Lead Software Engineer and served as the Information Technology Manager for a highly-successful government contract. As the lead software engineer, Dr. Cecil led a team responsible for the integration of large-scale commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS), government-off-the-shelf (GOTS), and custom applications.

After completing his Master’s degree, Dr. Cecil was promoted to Chief Systems Architect. In that role, he was responsible for the architecture and oversight of multiple integration, development, and database projects across multiple teams. During this time Dr. Cecil lead a multi-disciplined team improving internal processes and operational interfaces saving over 2000 labor hours per year and over $80,000 is yearly software licensing costs. In additional to his senior architect responsibilities, Dr. Cecil is now the program manager of a multi-million dollar engineering and development contract. He has received multiple 99% or higher government award fees while reducing labor costs and increasing engineer productivity.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Dr. Cecil’s research interests are varied. His dissertation focused on personality differences between computer science and information technology professors. Through that study, several differences between those stratified groups were identified. Though more research is necessary, the alignment of personality types, teaching methods, and personalities represented in the classroom may lead to higher course completion rates and lower program attrition. A paper based on his dissertation is being presented at the 2009 Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Information Technology Education (ACM SIGITE) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. His other research interests include the proper use of source code comments in both software and database development and the use of technologies in non-traditional education programs.

PERSONAL
Dr. Cecil, an Eagle Scout, tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible. He has served on multiple week-long hiking trial work teams with the American Hiking Society and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Conference. He serves in various leadership offices in this church, coaches youth soccer, and will soon become an active leader in Cub Scouts.

 
 

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University.

American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association.

© 2012 American Public University System | 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 | Toll Free: 1-877-755-2787 | Privacy Policy