Meet the founder of SEMtech

Thomas Holt Russell has a distinguished career marked by significant achievements in both academia and the broader field of cybersecurity. His educational background includes an M.S. in Education with a focus on Applied Technology from the College of Saint Rose, a B.S. in Information Systems Management, and an A.S. in Network Security from Colorado Technical University. Russell's accolades in teaching are noteworthy, having received the Aspirations in Computing (NCWIT) Educator Award in 2021, an Honorary Doctorate for Cyber Education from the Denver Institute of Urban Studies, and the Cybersecurity Education Administrator of the Year Award from The Ed Center. His dedication to education is further underscored by various other recognitions, including the Boecher Foundation Teacher Recognition Award, the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Falcon Education Foundation, and the Teacher of the Year Award from Colorado School District 49.

In addition to his teaching awards, Russell is recognized for his writing skills. He has received multiple awards from the Denver Urban Spectrum Magazine and the Colorado Press Association for his editorial writing and coverage of significant topics, including "Teaching in the Time of COVID " and articles on the impact of technology on society. Russell is also an accomplished author, having penned books such as "Urban Crow," "The Universe Next Door," "View of the World," and "Binary Society," which include short stories, poems, and essays about our relationship with technology.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Russell actively engages in community and educational initiatives. He has served as a coach and mentor for the CyberPatriot National Network Defense Competition and as a virtual judge for the eCybermission STEM Competition. His involvement extends to serving as an advisory board member for the Black Educators Network (B.E.N.), which introduces elementary and middle school students to technology through summer boot camps and seminars. Thomas Russell's career is characterized by a deep commitment to cybersecurity education, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and a notable presence in the academic and broader community spheres. His work aligns seamlessly with the goals of SEMtech, bridging the technology education gap and fostering diversity in STEM. His approach reflects a holistic view of technology and education, underscoring the importance of accessibility, innovation, and community engagement