Joe Urbz: Building Human-Centered Cybersecurity & Learning Experiences
I’ve spent over 25 years teaching, building, and translating technology for real people. For the last 6.5 years, I’ve been at the heart of GCU’s Cyber Center of Excellence—creating programs, launching national events, mentoring students, and crafting digital experiences that ignite interest and learning.
I’m not just an instructor. I’m a builder of ecosystems—someone who brings both vision and execution, even when the path isn’t clear. I’ve led initiatives like GenCyber, GCU’s Cyber Range, served as SME for Ethical Pen-Testing courses, and turned institutional silence into strategic value.
My work bridges cybersecurity, education, AI, and enablement, with a deep belief that technology works best when it empowers people.
I'm currently seeking a role that values education, enablement, and impact, not just maintenance. Let’s build forward.
Professional Background
Cybersecurity Instructor
  • Adjunct and Instructional Assistant for GCU's ITT-340 class: Ethical Pen Testing
  • Integrated tools like Burp Suite, Juice Shop, OWASP Top 10 into student labs
Cyber Range Coordinator
  • Grand Canyon University Cyber Center of Excellence
  • Directed CCE operations, curriculum design, and student engagement
  • Built microsites, digital media, and produced live events including Technology Unplugged, Lopes CyberCon, and GenCyber Camps
SME & Technology Consultant
  • SME for Ethical Pen-Testing
  • Lead Teacher for GenCyber Camp 2025
  • ROP/CTE Consultant for Rim of the World USD
  • Volunteer mentorship
K-12 CTE Teacher: Media & Technology
  • Rim of the World Unified School District (CTE Media & Tech)
  • Taught high school media production and cybersecurity for 20+ years
  • Consulted post-retirement with ongoing contributions to technical curriculum
  • Sandra Day O'Connor CTE Teacher
Key Skills & Expertise
Technical Proficiencies
  • Cybersecurity Education & Awareness
  • Trello, ClickUp, LMS tools, media production
  • AI-Enhanced Curriculum Design
  • Project & Program Management (Trello, ClickUp, Jira, Slack)
  • Media Production for Technical Training
  • Cross-platform experience (MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS)
  • Virtual lab architecture (Proxmox, Virtualbox, VMware)
Instructional Strengths
  • Cybersecurity instruction (Ethical Hacking, Pen-Testing)
  • Curriculum development (GenCyber, CTE)
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration in Higher Ed & Industry
  • AI integration for education (Claude, ChatGPT, Ollama, LM Studio)
  • Team Enablement & Training Facilitation
  • Collaborative leadership, mentoring, and public speaking
  • Student Mentorship & Leadership Development
Notable Achievements
5
GenCyber Camps
Designed and led multi-day cybersecurity training camps for students and educators. Integrated technical labs, theory, and awareness education. Partnered with state and federal stakeholders including NSA, DHS, and AZ DOE.
1100%
CCE Growth
Grew daily user engagement at GCU’s CCE by over 1100% from 2021 to 2024 by launching digital platforms, streamlining access, and building student-facing initiatives.
Education & Credentials
Education & Certificates
BA Psychology, Roosevelt University, Chicago, 1994
State of California: ROP/CTE Arts, Media & Entertainment, CSUSB
State of Arizona: CTE Emerging Technologies
Certifications
CompTIA: A+, Network+, Security+, Secure Infrastructure Specialist – CSIS, Operations Specialist – CIOS
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), 2024
Threat Intelligence Support Unit (TISU), 2023
LogRhythm Security Analyst - LRSA Level 1 v7.4, 2020
Professional Memberships
ICS2
Infragard - AZ
TISU via ACTRA: Threat Intelligence Support Unit Alumni
Personal Interests & Values
Music
Listening to many artists, while tinkering on the piano and learning the guitar.
STEM Education & Mentoring
Volunteer instructor at local schools, introducing students to cybersecurity concepts and inspiring the next generation of digital defenders.
Photography: Travel, Landscape, Car Shows, Production Sets, and more…
Please visit my portfolio at these sites: SmugMug & Pixels.com
Explore my work in travel, automotive, and landscape photography.
Testimonials & Endorsements
Here's what people are saying:
Dr. Pam Rowland, Associate Dean, College of Engineering & Technology
“Wowowowow. Joe! That was so fast and so awesome!” —
Mike Manrod, CISO, Grand Canyon Education
“Wow – way to go Joe – love it!! Great work!!”
Connect with Joe Urbz
Follow my professional journey and insights
Schedule a Call
Let's discuss how we can collaborate
I'm always open to connecting with fellow security professionals, industry leaders, and organizations committed to strengthening their digital defenses. Let's build something remarkable together!