efriedman - My Blog

Brian Cain: BU Online criminal justice student

Selecting him as the sailor who went most above and beyond his military duties, officers at the Naval Air Station Oceana named Brian Cain as their command’s “Blue Jacket of the Quarter” earlier this spring. A husband and father who volunteers as often as his schedule allows, it was an acknowledgment of the Air Traffic Controller Airman’s dedication to serving his family, his community, and his country.

And, he says, of his decision to study criminal justice through Boston University Online.

“There is no doubt in my mind,” he said, “it was my enrollment in a Master’s Degree program at BU that earned me this honor and title. Education is highly encouraged and respectable in the Navy.”

That respect and appreciation has helped pave the way for Cain to pursue a pair of dreams since deciding to enlist in 2009, after spending the early part of his career as a defense contractor who designed and built prototype armored vehicles and body armor while frequently traveling to the Middle East and West Asia.

A Utah native who then lived in Oregon, Cain didn’t want to relocate his wife and son when his company moved to California – so instead he decided to join the military. And education was among the motivating factors. About a year away from completing his Bachelor’s degree, he already had his eye on a Master’s that would help him meet his end-goal of working in a federal agency, and he knew the Navy would allow him the opportunity to do continue his education while moving closer to that career.

He began his military service with boot camp, where he was chosen as Recruit Chief Petty Officer among a division of 96. Then he went to get his air traffic control certification at “A School” in Florida, where he was tabbed class leader and eventually graduated second in the group. Then his orders sent him to Norfolk, Virginia, where he is currently stationed – and where he began his experience with Boston University.

By then he’d completed his bachelor’s through the University of Phoenix, so Cain was a veteran of online education — but he says “I knew if I was going to be competitive in the workforce I needed a Master’s Degree from a very reputable school,” and after some thorough research, he found what he perceived to be a perfect fit.

“I discovered that Boston University not only offered a distance education program in the field of criminal justice, but they also have a preferred relationship with the FBI,” Cain said. “Once I learned this, I was determined to attend Boston University.”

That determination paid off when he was accepted to the CJ program, and when he began taking classes in January 2011. This term he’s taking White Collar Crime, the fourth course in a 10-step process that’s left him absolutely convinced about the quality of his education and BU’s lofty status in the field of distance learning.

“I originally enrolled at the University of Phoenix because of a referral from a friend. The school offered convenient classes and degree programs, so it worked for me at the time. However, in comparison to Boston University – there isn’t one,” Cain said. “Boston University gives you the feel of an on-campus environment, camaraderie, established real professors, and a challenging curriculum.

“The best part about BU’s program is the high-quality curriculum,” he continued. “Every course and topic is challenging and rewarding, and I feel as if I am acquiring the knowledge and skills I will need to be successful in the workplace. BU’s program has also armed me with the confidence I needed to become a professional in the field of criminal justice.”

He applies his training on a daily basis, having been qualified as Chief of the Guard while assigned to the Base Security Force in Norfolk. He said his educational background in criminal justice created the opportunity, and while he can’t fully describe his duties because of the sensitivity of security information, he is responsible for the safety and security of all watch standers and waterfront security operations.

It’s a job that requires him to rise at 3 a.m. – or 0300, as he puts it in military time – and report to work by 0400. He’s there until about 1730, and after squeezing in a run or a workout he’ll join his wife Melissa and their son Cody for a family dinner. After that he’ll play with his son for about an hour, then Cody goes to bed and Brian begins his school work. The cycle repeats each work day, while off-days are consumed by errands, yard work, volunteering – and whatever homework he was too tired to finish in the days before.

It’s a lifestyle Cain says wouldn’t be possible without his wife’s support, but it’s one he’s confident can someday lead him to work in a federal agency. It’s one that’s already earned him commendations and honors within the military.

And it’s one being enhanced by his experience with Boston University.

“I tell everyone about how great BU is. I tell them there is no better program offered by any other school, and they should make every effort possible to gain acceptance here,” Cain said. “BU not only is one of the most credible schools, they are also very helpful the entire way. Anytime I have a question or a problem, their staff quickly clarifies or resolves the situation.

“BU gives you the tools to succeed; if you do your part, you cannot fail.”

WHAT WAS YOUR LINE OF WORK PRIOR TO ENLISTING, AND WHAT DID IT ENTAIL? I was born and raised in Orem, Utah, and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2004 to work as a defense contractor for Armor Systems International. I designed and built prototype armored vehicles and body armor for military and civilian use. I traveled frequently to West Asia and the Middle East. I also went to Pakistan often to assist in product development that protected world leaders and dignitaries. I have to say my favorite place to work and travel was to Dubai in the UAE. Dubai is a beautiful and friendly place to work and visit. Traveling around the world was always a good reminder of how blessed we are to live in the United States.

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY DUTIES OF AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AIRMAN, AND WHAT MADE THAT A POSITION YOU WERE INTERESTED IN PURSUING? At the command I am currently in, rank is not a prerequisite for training opportunities. Regardless of pay grade, if you put forth the effort and show a desire to learn, they will let you train and receive Air Traffic Control qualifications. Air Traffic Control is an extremely serious and critical rate in the US Navy. There is no room or acceptance for error when controlling aircraft, military or civilian. I was interested in the (AC) rate because of the excellent training and certifications that transfer over to the civilian sector. I knew that whether or not I pursued a career in Air Traffic Control, being an FAA certified Air Traffic Controller could only help a resume.

THE NAVY ACKNOWLEDGED YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? TIRELESS? PASSIONATE? COMPASSIONATE? I try to do as much volunteer work as my schedule can allow without jeopardizing the well-being of my family. I would describe myself as compassionate, not only for those around me but also for the betterment of society. I guess I feel that if I want my community to be a better and safer place to live, I must be actively contributing to the cause. I also volunteer because I am well aware of the power of example. As others see the example of those actively engaged in a good cause, they also begin participating and volunteering. I know that my impact may be small; but when many unite, we can make a great difference.

HOW HAS YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE COMPARED WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS? I would say that the military experience has met the expectation I had coming in. I have found that the military offers great training and many resources to its members, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. There is a common saying by military leaders that is often quoted, “We give you all the tools to succeed, but it is up to you to use them.” I will say that I am impressed of how well the military views the “big picture”, every job, every training session, and every piece of equipment has a specific place and responsibility in the mission of the armed forces; it is amazing to see how the well oiled machine works from the inside.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO APPLY THE LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM TO YOUR WORK AS PART OF THE BASE SECURITY FORCE? I am currently TAD (Temporary Additional Duty), assigned to Base Security Force here in Norfolk. When I saw the opportunity to work in a security position, I immediately volunteered for the opening. This Security TAD is between 6-18 months long, afterward I will return to my normal duties as and Air Traffic Controller. Here I have received great training in weapons and law enforcement; I have also received many important security qualifications and certificates. Due to my educational background in Criminal Justice, I was given the opportunity to become qualified as Chief of the Guard. … I can say that the criminal justice program at Boston University has not only given me the knowledge of how to be a criminal justice professional, but just as importantly has armed me with the confidence to do address any situation I may encounter.

Brian Cain: BU Online criminal justice student

Selecting him as the sailor who went most above and beyond his military duties, officers at the Naval Air Station Oceana named Brian Cain as their command’s “Blue Jacket of the Quarter” earlier this spring. A husband and father who volunteers as often as his schedule allows, it was an acknowledgment of the Air Traffic Controller Airman’s dedication to serving his family, his community, and his country.

And, he says, of his decision to study criminal justice through Boston University Online.

“There is no doubt in my mind,” he said, “it was my enrollment in a Master’s Degree program at BU that earned me this honor and title. Education is highly encouraged and respectable in the Navy.”

That respect and appreciation has helped pave the way for Cain to pursue a pair of dreams since deciding to enlist in 2009, after spending the early part of his career as a defense contractor who designed and built prototype armored vehicles and body armor while frequently traveling to the Middle East and West Asia.

A Utah native who then lived in Oregon, Cain didn’t want to relocate his wife and son when his company moved to California – so instead he decided to join the military. And education was among the motivating factors. About a year away from completing his Bachelor’s degree, he already had his eye on a Master’s that would help him meet his end-goal of working in a federal agency, and he knew the Navy would allow him the opportunity to do continue his education while moving closer to that career.

He began his military service with boot camp, where he was chosen as Recruit Chief Petty Officer among a division of 96. Then he went to get his air traffic control certification at “A School” in Florida, where he was tabbed class leader and eventually graduated second in the group. Then his orders sent him to Norfolk, Virginia, where he is currently stationed – and where he began his experience with Boston University.

By then he’d completed his bachelor’s through the University of Phoenix, so Cain was a veteran of online education — but he says “I knew if I was going to be competitive in the workforce I needed a Master’s Degree from a very reputable school,” and after some thorough research, he found what he perceived to be a perfect fit.

“I discovered that Boston University not only offered a distance education program in the field of criminal justice, but they also have a preferred relationship with the FBI,” Cain said. “Once I learned this, I was determined to attend Boston University.”

That determination paid off when he was accepted to the CJ program, and when he began taking classes in January 2011. This term he’s taking White Collar Crime, the fourth course in a 10-step process that’s left him absolutely convinced about the quality of his education and BU’s lofty status in the field of distance learning.

“I originally enrolled at the University of Phoenix because of a referral from a friend. The school offered convenient classes and degree programs, so it worked for me at the time. However, in comparison to Boston University – there isn’t one,” Cain said. “Boston University gives you the feel of an on-campus environment, camaraderie, established real professors, and a challenging curriculum.

“The best part about BU’s program is the high-quality curriculum,” he continued. “Every course and topic is challenging and rewarding, and I feel as if I am acquiring the knowledge and skills I will need to be successful in the workplace. BU’s program has also armed me with the confidence I needed to become a professional in the field of criminal justice.”

He applies his training on a daily basis, having been qualified as Chief of the Guard while assigned to the Base Security Force in Norfolk. He said his educational background in criminal justice created the opportunity, and while he can’t fully describe his duties because of the sensitivity of security information, he is responsible for the safety and security of all watch standers and waterfront security operations.

It’s a job that requires him to rise at 3 a.m. – or 0300, as he puts it in military time – and report to work by 0400. He’s there until about 1730, and after squeezing in a run or a workout he’ll join his wife Melissa and their son Cody for a family dinner. After that he’ll play with his son for about an hour, then Cody goes to bed and Brian begins his school work. The cycle repeats each work day, while off-days are consumed by errands, yard work, volunteering – and whatever homework he was too tired to finish in the days before.

It’s a lifestyle Cain says wouldn’t be possible without his wife’s support, but it’s one he’s confident can someday lead him to work in a federal agency. It’s one that’s already earned him commendations and honors within the military.

And it’s one being enhanced by his experience with Boston University.

“I tell everyone about how great BU is. I tell them there is no better program offered by any other school, and they should make every effort possible to gain acceptance here,” Cain said. “BU not only is one of the most credible schools, they are also very helpful the entire way. Anytime I have a question or a problem, their staff quickly clarifies or resolves the situation.

“BU gives you the tools to succeed; if you do your part, you cannot fail.”

WHAT WAS YOUR LINE OF WORK PRIOR TO ENLISTING, AND WHAT DID IT ENTAIL? I was born and raised in Orem, Utah, and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2004 to work as a defense contractor for Armor Systems International. I designed and built prototype armored vehicles and body armor for military and civilian use. I traveled frequently to West Asia and the Middle East. I also went to Pakistan often to assist in product development that protected world leaders and dignitaries. I have to say my favorite place to work and travel was to Dubai in the UAE. Dubai is a beautiful and friendly place to work and visit. Traveling around the world was always a good reminder of how blessed we are to live in the United States.

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY DUTIES OF AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER AIRMAN, AND WHAT MADE THAT A POSITION YOU WERE INTERESTED IN PURSUING? At the command I am currently in, rank is not a prerequisite for training opportunities. Regardless of pay grade, if you put forth the effort and show a desire to learn, they will let you train and receive Air Traffic Control qualifications. Air Traffic Control is an extremely serious and critical rate in the US Navy. There is no room or acceptance for error when controlling aircraft, military or civilian. I was interested in the (AC) rate because of the excellent training and certifications that transfer over to the civilian sector. I knew that whether or not I pursued a career in Air Traffic Control, being an FAA certified Air Traffic Controller could only help a resume.

THE NAVY ACKNOWLEDGED YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? TIRELESS? PASSIONATE? COMPASSIONATE? I try to do as much volunteer work as my schedule can allow without jeopardizing the well-being of my family. I would describe myself as compassionate, not only for those around me but also for the betterment of society. I guess I feel that if I want my community to be a better and safer place to live, I must be actively contributing to the cause. I also volunteer because I am well aware of the power of example. As others see the example of those actively engaged in a good cause, they also begin participating and volunteering. I know that my impact may be small; but when many unite, we can make a great difference.

HOW HAS YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE COMPARED WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS? I would say that the military experience has met the expectation I had coming in. I have found that the military offers great training and many resources to its members, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. There is a common saying by military leaders that is often quoted, “We give you all the tools to succeed, but it is up to you to use them.” I will say that I am impressed of how well the military views the “big picture”, every job, every training session, and every piece of equipment has a specific place and responsibility in the mission of the armed forces; it is amazing to see how the well oiled machine works from the inside.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO APPLY THE LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM TO YOUR WORK AS PART OF THE BASE SECURITY FORCE? I am currently TAD (Temporary Additional Duty), assigned to Base Security Force here in Norfolk. When I saw the opportunity to work in a security position, I immediately volunteered for the opening. This Security TAD is between 6-18 months long, afterward I will return to my normal duties as and Air Traffic Controller. Here I have received great training in weapons and law enforcement; I have also received many important security qualifications and certificates. Due to my educational background in Criminal Justice, I was given the opportunity to become qualified as Chief of the Guard. … I can say that the criminal justice program at Boston University has not only given me the knowledge of how to be a criminal justice professional, but just as importantly has armed me with the confidence to do address any situation I may encounter.

The severe tornadoes that have terrorized various parts of the nation this year came storming into Western and Central Massachusetts on Wednesday, leaving deadly devastation in their wake and causing significant destruction to the hometown of at least one Boston University Online student.

“I live in Monson, (Massachusetts) one of the hardest hit towns and fortunately my house withstood the storm but we lost most of our town,” Ashley Rose posted in an IS 360 discussion thread, explaining to her classmates in the Undergraduate Degree Completion program that her discussion contributions may be sporadic for a few days while power is restored. “To think of all this damage and luckily everyone made it out with only minor injuries. Just so shocked it hit up here in New England and so close to home. I hope everyone else is ok.”

The photos below were taken by Ashley when she went to help with Monson’s recovery efforts on Thursday, an afternoon after violent storms killed at least four people in the region. A Boston television station reported that at least one of the three tornadoes tore through the area at an EF-3 classification on the Fujita Scale, meaning it packed winds between 136-165 miles per hour, though other media outlets have suggested it may have been even stronger.

By comparison, the vicious twister that last month decimated Joplin, Missouri, rated at EF-5 — but also consider that less than 8 percent of America’s 1,007 confirmed tornadoes this year have been at least as powerful as EF-3.

The governor and the president have declared it a State of Emergency and a federal Disaster Area, respectively, but even with the National Guard on the scene the need for assistance is ongoing.  Hundreds of people have been forced into shelters, and more than 200 buildings damaged, so the Red Cross is currently accepting donations online, on the phone, or via text.

“We need all the help we can get,” Ashley wrote on Friday. “Those pictures are just a glimpse of all the damage.”

If you were impacted by the tornadoes in Massachusetts, Missouri, or anywhere, and would like to share your story or photos, please do so in the comments section below or by emailing us at disted@bu.edu. We wish you the best.

We don’t have time to attend many conferences, so when we do it’s a pretty big deal. From May 1-4, 2011, our own Jim Frey and Charles Southworth attended the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) national conference in St. Louis, along with Judith Simpson, BU professor and lead faculty member of CFA’s online Master’s in Art Education program. Judith, Charles, and Jim made a presentation entitled Kaleidoscope of Perspectives! Best Practices in Collaborative Design.

The session was an exploration of some of the ways in which open collaboration among education professionals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints can lead to successful student learning. The title of the session is a metaphor for working with the materials at your disposal, but putting them together in a new and possibly unexpected way.

Judith focused on the curriculum of the online Art Education program, Jim spoke about the design work he and Judith have experienced together, and Charles talked about his perspective as a media producer. They primarily stressed that our collaborative development approach makes us able to use each other’s skills and knowledge to continually adjust our design and delivery to the benefit of the students.

“I feel very fortunate that we have such a great well staffed, well run Distance Education division and such competent student services both academically and technically in CFA and DE.”

Judith Simpson, PhD
Lead Faculty Member, BU Online Master of Arts in Art Education

Steps in the collaborative process include:

1. The designer takes the instructor’s content expertise and works with her to translate that into the online environment through a collaborative back-and-forth process.
2. The media team helps articulate the vision of the subject matter expert using audio, video, and media-rich interactive activities and learning objects.
3. And because of the synergy of the team, we’re able to constantly adjust and tweak our assumptions and vision of what this thing we are creating needs to be. Our courses end up being even better than what we had initially imagined. . .better than any one of us could have made them individually.

Judith, Jim, and Charles were also on hand to accept our fourth USDLA award. This year we received the prestigious 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning. The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning industry. “As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we enjoy honoring some of the leaders in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. “Each year these winners raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry as a whole and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance learning industry.”

We don’t have time to attend many conferences, so when we do it’s a pretty big deal. From May 1-4, 2011, our own Jim Frey and Charles Southworth attended the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) national conference in St. Louis, along with Judith Simpson, BU professor and lead faculty member of CFA’s online Master’s in Art Education program. Judith, Charles, and Jim made a presentation entitled Kaleidoscope of Perspectives! Best Practices in Collaborative Design.

The session was an exploration of some of the ways in which open collaboration among education professionals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints can lead to successful student learning. The title of the session is a metaphor for working with the materials at your disposal, but putting them together in a new and possibly unexpected way.

Judith focused on the curriculum of the online Art Education program, Jim spoke about the design work he and Judith have experienced together, and Charles talked about his perspective as a media producer. They primarily stressed that our collaborative development approach makes us able to use each other’s skills and knowledge to continually adjust our design and delivery to the benefit of the students.

“I feel very fortunate that we have such a great well staffed, well run Distance Education division and such competent student services both academically and technically in CFA and DE.”

Judith Simpson, PhD
Lead Faculty Member, BU Online Master of Arts in Art Education

Steps in the collaborative process include:

1. The designer takes the instructor’s content expertise and works with her to translate that into the online environment through a collaborative back-and-forth process.
2. The media team helps articulate the vision of the subject matter expert using audio, video, and media-rich interactive activities and learning objects.
3. And because of the synergy of the team, we’re able to constantly adjust and tweak our assumptions and vision of what this thing we are creating needs to be. Our courses end up being even better than what we had initially imagined. . .better than any one of us could have made them individually.

Judith, Jim, and Charles were also on hand to accept our fourth USDLA award. This year we received the prestigious 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning. The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning industry. “As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we enjoy honoring some of the leaders in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. “Each year these winners raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry as a whole and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance learning industry.”