Jerald "Jerry" Dawkins, Ph.D., attended Francis Tuttle Technology Center as a senior at Putnam City High School, studying electronics during the mid 1990’s. As a youngster, Jerry built and programmed robots, and had always had an interest in computers and electronics. But at Francis Tuttle, he found relevance. "What I learned brought everything together and made it real," he says.
Dawkins excelled, completing what was scheduled as a two-year program in one year, focusing on relevant issues and application of his education. He was named "Student of the Year," and received scholarships to further his education.
It was the scholarship he had earned through Francis Tuttle that led him to further his education in technology. Upon completing his undergraduate education, Dr. Dawkins went on to earn both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Tulsa where he led the Enterprise Security Research Group and laboratory. His research, funded by the National Security Agency, focused on multi-stage attack analysis and an advanced quantitative assessment methodology that he has now brought to the private sector in his business, True Digital Security.
Today, his client base includes contracts with the U.S. military and various private-sector industries, including utility, financial, oil and gas, and healthcare. He has published over twenty publications in information assurance and has provided security briefings to both private and governmental organizations.
Looking back, Dawkins realizes that attending Francis Tuttle was a pivotal decision that led him to a successful career in a high-tech field. It was there that he had learned the essential tools to excel in an increasingly demanding workplace. Dr. Dawkins continues to advise people on how Francis Tuttle can assist them in achieving their goals.