Graduate Faculty Profiles

Richard Fairley, Ph.D.

Richard Fairley, PhDThe educational philosophy behind the curriculum in CTU's Doctoral programs is based on the concept of androgogy which, simply put, means that adults learn best by doing hands-on work. "While I certainly support the project-based approach, there have to be some foundations behind the projects. Students must study the materials and understand the fundamentals that we are trying to get across in the projects."

Most adults pursuing higher education are self-motivated, additionally most of Dr. Fairley's students also hold full-time jobs and have young families. Motivation can be an issue for some. "My primary motivational tool is the weekly feedback that I give students on their deliverables. I think it is very motivating to students if they can see their mistakes, correct them and know they have second chance to revise their work before the final deliverable."

Dr. Fairley brings a vast amount of educational and professional experience to his courses at Colorado Technical University. His academic credentials include:

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of New Mexico
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of California – Los Angeles

He is the author of the text books, Software Engineering Concepts, Managing and Leading Software Projects, the IEEE ReadyNote on Risk Management, an editor of three additional texts, author/presenter of numerous research papers and several videotape series on a variety of topics in computer science and software engineering.

Dr. Fairley also served as a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and consultant to the NASA Headquarters software quality group, where he led the assessment team that identified the first CMM Level 5 organization (the Space Shuttle on-board software group). He is currently the founder and principal associate of Software Engineering Management Associates (SEMA), a firm specializing in consulting services and training in software systems engineering, software project management, software cost estimation, project planning and control techniques, software risk management, and software process assessment and improvement.

Now semi-retired, Dr. Fairley also takes a well-balanced approach to his personal life. He enjoys reading Shakespeare just as much as he enjoys taking a spin with his wife on his 2000 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide touring bike. Dr. Fairley also has a passion for music from the "golden age" of jazz, circa 1940-1970. In fact, if his students cannot get enough of Dr. Fairley in their courses with him, they can tune in to a jazz radio show that he hosts. "The radio station is KRCC, 91.5 FM; it is the NPR station for southern Colorado. My show is on from eight to ten PM Thursday evenings."

"My anecdotes and 'war stories' not only help spark student's interest, but also makes the material seem more real and helps them relate the materials to their own experiences."

Terry Armstrong, Ph.D.

  Terry Armstrong, PhD
Dr. Terry Armstrong's educational philosophy can be traced back as far as his childhood if one overriding theme is highlighted: experiential learning. "Although the teaching methods I have used throughout the years have evolved as I adapted to various educational and professional settings, I have always been a big believer in experiential learning." Dr. Armstrong currently is an adjunct professor at the IAS, where he teaches Philosophy of Science, Values, and Ethics and mentors students working on their dissertations at the Institute for Advanced Studies. His path to CTU led him through a wealth of experiences in both academia and the business world.

Dr. Armstrong earned his B.A. at the University of Kansas in Philosophy and his Ph.D. in Social Science and Philosophy at the Union Graduate School (Union Institute). He has worked or consulted in 14 countries for over 100 organizations, beginning with the Peace Corps in 1967 in Columbia. Some highlights of his professional career include:

  • Director at the Berlitz school of Languages in Kansas City, MO
  • Founder and Director of the Portfolio Degree Program for Working Adults and Fellow in Social Science at Park College, Kansas City.
  • Director of the MBA Program, University of West Florida
  • Director of Graduate Education in Communications, Emerson College, Boston
  • Visiting Professor at Mikkeli Polytechnic in Mikkeli, Finland
  • Director of the Arrupe Program in Social Ethics for Business, Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University

Dr. Armstrong has been active in the Academy of Management for over 25 years and has been Chair of the Management Consulting Division. He has also served several stints as editor of the Organization Development Journal. In addition to his work at CTU he is currently the Senior Strategy Consultant with The Avery Group, Pensacola, Fl.

The emphasis on applied, real-world, industry-current education at CTU makes the university a great fit for Dr. Armstrong as an educator and a mentor. "The hands-on projects in the Doctoral program, when combined with student-centered instructional methods, fit very well with my educational philosophy and help create a practical and exciting learning environment for doctoral students."

Dr. Armstrong resides in Trenton, MI, where he is currently working on two more potential publications. He also finds time for more leisurely pursuits outside of academia and consulting such as ham radio, horseback riding , hiking and sailing. "My sail boat is a Rhodes 22 - a pocket cruiser. Currently I sail on Lake Erie, but also sailed it on the Potomac when I lived in D.C. and in Boston Harbor and Mass. Bay when I lived in Boston."

"Be clear about why you are in the program, be passionate about your topic or focus, develop your interpersonal and writing skills, and start networking with key people now!"