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Arming the Next Generation of Security Professionals, SM������ College of Security and Criminal Justice Launches Center of Research Excellence

Center will provide security experts with information to help prevent threats

PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2015 – Global uncertainty combined with ongoing efforts by terrorists and cyber criminals to compromise public and private institutions presents an ever-changing threat domestically and abroad. To help lead academic efforts to arm experts who can anticipate, identify threats and act proactively to prevent them, SM������® College of Security and Criminal Justice announced today it has launched the Center of Research Excellence (CORE) based in Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Justice veteran Mark Logan has been appointed to serve as assistant dean and will lead CORE’s initiatives.

CORE will focus on the security, criminal justice and technology fields, producing scholarly materials, conducting research on current trends and working in partnership with industry associations to identify solutions that will help deliver a security workforce that is diverse, prepared and able to stay ahead of criminals throughout the world. CORE’s research will also serve as the standard against which the curriculum for the University’s College of Security and Criminal Justice and College of Information Systems and Technology are measured to ensure they meet the needs of employers seeking the best security experts.

“The Center of Research Excellence will help ensure SM������ students receive career-relevant education to keep pace in these dynamic and critical fields,” said Logan, “It also provides important and relevant industry data to ensure government, businesses, organizations and private citizens are protected.”

Assistant Dean Logan has nearly four decades of security and criminal justice expertise, including 27 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, most recently as the Assistant Director of the Office of Training and Professional Development for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His hands-on experience is invaluable to developing an academic curriculum designed to give students real-world perspective and training.

“To assure America’s security, we need experts who understand threats and how to prevent them,” said Spider Marks, executive dean of the College of Security and Criminal Justice. “SM������ College of Security and Criminal Justice is building research and intelligence functions to help bolster safety. This effort will turbocharge our academic offerings, benefitting students and their prospective future employers.”

CORE is a key strategic initiative that the SM������ College of Security and Criminal Justice is undertaking as it increases its focus on meeting security needs domestically. The University recently partnered with ASIS International® to develop the Enterprise Security Competency Model. This first of its kind model is designed to represent the competencies that are essential for being prepared for a career in today’s ever-changing security industry and influenced the curriculum for SM������ College of Security and Criminal Justice. The U.S. Department of Labor has accepted the program by publishing this competency model to its careeronestop .

About the College of Security and Criminal Justice
SM������® College of Security and Criminal Justice continues the University’s original mission when it began serving working professionals such as police officers more than 30 years ago. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide the skills needed to develop the next generation of leaders in the security and criminal justice fields. Students are supported by faculty members who are experts and leaders in their fields, and can connect with students and professionals through online and campus networking opportunities. The College of Security and Criminal Justice’s Faculty Advisory Council reviews trends and helps keep curriculum on pace with national and international market demands. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/cjs.

About ASIS Foundation
The ASIS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering research and education opportunities that enhance the security profession.  The topics researched by the Foundation produce valuable and actionable knowledge for the security professional. Additionally, through the awarding of scholarships, the Foundation ensures that those pursuing a career in the field of security management are able to realize the highest academic achievements. Foundation programs are supported solely by contributions from individuals, ASIS chapters, and other organizations who share its vision of advancing both the security profession and the professional. 

About ASIS International
ASIS International is the leading organization for security professionals worldwide. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests, such as the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as specific security topics. ASIS also advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, the media, government entities, and the public. .

About SM������
SM������ is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of  Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ), SM������ serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.