College of Business, Security & Intelligence Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Matthew J. Heath Van Horn

How did you get from the Air Force to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Business, Security & Intelligence in Prescott, Arizona?

My path from the Air Force to becoming a Cyber Intelligence & Security professor has been shaped by a commitment to practical learning. In my 23 years in the Air Force, training was hands-on — we learned the fundamentals and were taught to apply our knowledge to solve real problems, whether in electronics or cyber operations.

We were well-prepared to adapt to evolving technologies, and that Air Force experience has proven invaluable in shaping my teaching philosophy.

Transitioning to academia, I initially relied on conventional lecture-based teaching but quickly realized many students struggled with this format. At my first teaching position in New York, a lackluster student success rate forced me to rethink my methods.

I returned to the hands-on techniques I knew from the Air Force, focusing on active participation and real-world tasks like building networks.

Why is Cybersecurity important?

The essence of cybersecurity is to protect digital systems from theft, damage or unauthorized access by defending against cyberattacks while ensuring their continued operation.

What sets Embry‑Riddle’s CBSI and the Prescott Campus apart?

At Embry‑Riddle, we encourage professional networking, connecting students with organizations such as Raytheon, Honeywell, the FBI, CIA, DHS and DOD. These agencies begin recruiting our students as early as freshman year.

On the Prescott Campus, we host a major job fair each autumn, followed by a smaller one in the spring. Given the abundance of opportunities in cybersecurity, if you’ve applied yourself and gained the necessary skills, you are virtually guaranteed employment.

What qualities make a good “Cyber Defender”?

Be tenacious. There are many dead ends in “Cyber”. Only 40% of projects will finish on time and on budget. Failures happen every day, but you must put your frustrations aside and get things back on track.

From there, you need to develop skills in critical thinking, constant inquiry, creative thinking, problem solving, self-efficacy and communication. A cyber defender needs to be able to speak to geeks, business leaders and non-cyber folks.

What advice would you give prospective CBSI students?

I’ve gotten so many jobs just because I was the only one who raised my hand when someone asked, “Who would like to take this over?”

I got to write the software used in controlling our nation’s nuclear weapons and participated in missions that established presidential communications for the National Airborne Operations Center. I even ran a motor pool and fixed radios in Turkey during an emergency — all because I raised my hand.

I teach my students this life lesson, as well, encouraging them to seize every opportunity. This isn’t limited to research or competitions — some of my students have written textbooks while others have landed unique and unexpected jobs.

My advice is to keep a positive attitude and say yes to opportunities.

Secure Your Future

Embry‑Riddle Prescott's College of Business, Security and Intelligence is the first comprehensive degree-granting college of its kind in the United States. We address some of the most critical challenges of our time, and our graduates are in high demand.

Learn more about the College of Business, Security & Intelligence at Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus.