Charles McElroy

I am an Assistant Professor of Information Systems where I work on issues related to cybersecurity, data analytics and network management. Recently I have won national competitions in Data Science sponsored by the Department of Defense, a competition sponsored by the Department of Energy where I applied AI to entrepreneurship, as well as a national competition to conduct research in Quantum Computing in a variety of applications (DOE).

Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary students here at Cleveland State University who have tested themselves on national stages. Together, we have competed in prestigious national competitions, earning not only awards but also financial recognition for the creativity and rigor of their work. These experiences have been more than milestones—they have been moments of growth, where students discovered their own capacity to thrive under a challenge and bring their ideas to life in meaningful ways

At the heart of my teaching and mentoring philosophy is a simple but powerful conviction: students should be equipped not just to participate in today’s digital world, but to lead in it. This means helping them stretch beyond coursework into opportunities that truly shape careers. I have guided students in attaining highly challenging, career-defining certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), the Google Data Engineer Credential, and the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certification, among many others. These are not merely certificates to frame; they are stepping-stones to leadership, professional credibility, and lifelong impact.

What excites me most, though, is not the list of awards or credentials, but the people behind them — their energy, their ambitions, their unique journeys. My role is to meet each student where they are, and to create the conditions for them to see what is possible when effort meets opportunity. When I see their confidence grow, when they realize that the same skills they are developing today will carry them into roles of influence tomorrow, I am reminded why I do this work here at CSU. Helping students achieve their full potential is not just a professional duty for me; it is a deeply personal commitment, and one I look forward to continuing every day. Contact me and let us work together to achieve your vision for the future.