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Linda Denno is associate dean of academic and faculty affairs for the University of Arizona, College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), headquartered at the branch campus in Sierra Vista, Arizona. CAST advances the University of Arizona land grant mission by providing outreach and affordable, accessible educational opportunities to underserved and post-traditional student populations regionally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Denno formerly served as interim dean when CAST was established as a new college. In that role, she developed extensive partnerships between the University and various local constituents, including city and county government officials; military and civilian organizations; local education agencies; and other community organizations. During her 15-month tenure as interim dean, CAST developed and implemented nine new Bachelor of Applied Science programs specifically designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high career fields; and student enrollment in CAST programs grew approximately 51%. Dr. Denno’s strategic vision and commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated by the fact that two of the College’s academic programs—Cyber Operations and Intelligence & Information Operations—have been designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence and both have been recognized as the #1 programs in the nation.

EDUCATION
Dr. Denno received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Davis; her M.A. in Government from the Claremont Graduate School; and her B.A. in Political Science from California State University. Her university teaching career includes courses in American politics and institutions, political philosophy, constitutional law, cyber law and ethics, and national security studies taught at the University of California, the State University of New York (SUNY) and California State University.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Dr. Denno has earned numerous awards for teaching and for university and community service in her more than 35 years in higher education. She is also serves as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for South Arizona, a volunteer civilian position that carries the equivalent rank of three-star general.