University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Each year, National Dissertation Day celebrates the persistence, curiosity, and deep thinking required to complete a dissertation. While that milestone represents the peak of formal academic research, the mindset behind it—questioning, evolving, and pushing knowledge forward—is what truly matters. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), that mindset extends beyond the classroom. It’s reflected across both faculty and staff, creating a campus-wide culture where continuous learning isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected.

From Cybersecurity to Game Studies: Learning That Stays Current

UAT’s degrees span everything from Network Security and Artificial Intelligence to Game Programming and Robotics Engineering—fields that evolve constantly and require educators and staff who evolve with them.

Faculty like Dr. Briant Becote bring advanced research and real-world insight into cybersecurity programs, while Dr. Hue Henry applies innovative thinking to game studies and interactive learning. In robotics and autonomous systems, Dr. Matt Prater helps students explore how intelligent machines interact with the physical world—bridging software, hardware, and real-world application. 

Dr. Prater emphasized why continuing education is important and how his experience in the dissertation process impacts his teaching, saying "The only constant is changes the one only way to keep up with change is education, and I tend to approach things more systematically after going through the PhD process."

Communication and critical thinking are reinforced by educators like Dr. Daniel Pike and Dr. Ellen Wolterbeek, while staff across departments help students translate those skills into career readiness—from resumes and portfolios to real-world application.

Supporting Graduate-Level Thinking and Student Success

This culture of continuous learning is especially impactful within UAT’s graduate degrees, where advanced concepts meet real-world application. Students benefit from guidance shaped by experienced educators like Dr. Mark Smith and UAT Provost Dr. David Bolman, whose leadership helps ensure the curriculum remains innovative, relevant, and aligned with industry needs.

When asked how his PhD impacts UAT students Dr. Bolman stated "My PhD research was partly about identifying technology trends so that organizations have the tools and people trained in building their product portfolios and infrastructure so they are ready right at the moment when an emerging tech becomes mainstream. I teach these same techniques in MS649 Technology Forecasting and Change Management. The rest of my doctoral research involved what kinds of leadership techniques help the most when leading technology teams and creative builders. UAT students get to hear about these techniques whenever I teach MS624 Managing People in a Technology Environment."

Dr. Smith brings his experience with the dissertation process into his classroom, he said "The dissertation process was the main aspect of my program that made me a better professor. The amount of work, iterations, research and constant criticism that came with it allows me to be more connected to my students. As a lifelong learner myself, I can empathize with them and understand all the challenges that come from being a student myself."

Beyond academics, staff play a critical role in supporting graduate and undergraduate students alike—helping them navigate their education, refine career goals, and prepare for what comes next. From admissions to student services, UAT’s teams work together to create an environment where students can thrive.

Lifelong Learners Across Campus

What makes UAT unique is that the commitment to learning isn’t limited to teaching—it’s embedded across the entire university.

Faculty members such as Dapzury Valenzuela, Jake Perrine, Tony Hinton, Adam Zeiner, and Rawad Habib are actively pursuing their doctoral degrees while continuing to teach and mentor students. Their journeys reflect the same perseverance and curiosity that National Dissertation Day celebrates.

Professor Perrine highlighted his PhD experience, stating "Pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering has been an amazing opportunity to stay at the forefront of emerging biotechnologies, while also being a wonderful way to continue to fuel my passion for bioengineering. This has helped me as a Professor to bring the latest advancements in the field to the classroom. This includes the newest biotechnology, best practices in biotech design, and even some of the coolest discoveries from the most recently published studies in biomedical engineering."

Professor Habib reiterated that lifelong learning is a constant here at UAT, stating "Starting my PhD this fall reflects my belief that learning never stops. Continuing my education allows me to bring the latest research, deeper technical knowledge, and real-world problem solving approaches into the classroom so students benefit from both current industry practices and emerging ideas."

That same drive extends into university leadership and staff. Dean of Faculty Allyson Videtic and VP of Student Affairs Brandi Beals are also pursuing their PhDs, demonstrating that growth and development are priorities at every level of the institution—not just in the classroom, but in how the university supports and serves its students. Brandi described how earning her EdD will impact UAT students "Continuous learning drives innovation, strengthens leadership, and ultimately improves student success — making the pursuit of continuing education one of the most valuable investments I can make. This investment isn’t just in myself; it’s in the students and communities I am privileged to serve."

Across campus, this culture of lifelong learning shows up in meaningful ways:

• Faculty and staff staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends
• Leadership modeling professional growth through advanced education
• Cross-department collaboration to enhance the student experience
• Ongoing curriculum updates to reflect real-world applications
• Student support teams aligning services with evolving career pathways

A Community Built on Curiosity

National Dissertation Day is ultimately about the pursuit of knowledge—and at UAT, that pursuit is shared across an entire community.

Faculty bring expertise and evolving insight into the classroom. Staff create the structure and support that allow students to succeed. Leadership models what it means to keep growing. Together, they create a university culture rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and forward momentum.

At UAT, learning doesn’t stop with a degree—it’s a mindset that shapes everything.

Join a university built on continuous learning—explore UAT and apply today.