• Director of Cybersecurity Administration
  • Assistant Professor
Gary Tharaldson School of Business

About Me

With over 25 years of professional experience in cybersecurity and IT, I have dedicated my career to advancing technological solutions and sharing my knowledge with others. Before coming to the University of Mary, I was a cybersecurity advisor with the federal government and currently hold multiple industry certifications. Throughout my career, I have been committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, coaching middle school cyber competitions, and participating in community initiatives.  I am a member of various national and global Cyber, IT, and AI organizations.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and staying active outdoors, especially in the summer.

Why I’m At Mary

Much of my life success is because of the teachers and professors that helped shape me into the person I am today. I have in many ways achieved the impossible and I owe a large part of that to professors like Dr. Kevin Fishbeck. I want to use my expertise and knowledge to be part of someone else's success story.

Expertise

NICE Cybersecurity Career Ambassador

BSC CyberCon - I am currently a committee member but have participated in various roles for this event, including facilitator, and have been a presenter on multiple occasions.

Tanya Taplin, “Cyber Threats: Reshaping Our Defense Strategies”  at the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center https://jrecenter.com/

Tanya Taplin and Matt Frohlich, Presented Live on Cybersecurity, KFYR 550 Radio

Education

MS: Dakota State University, 2023
BS: University of Mary, 2018
AAS: Bismarck State College, 1999