Chris Evans

Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I graduated from Norwich in 1988 and grew up in South Glastonbury, Connecticut. After college, I returned to Vermont and eventually settled into a 1873 farmhouse in Montpelier. I am married to Lori Duff, a former Norwich employee, and together we have four kids: Harry (13), Jamis (15), Jack (24), and Sage (26). In 2023, I retired from the Vermont Army National Guard after 26 years of service, finishing my career as the Chief Information Officer. I was also fortunate to spend my final military tour back at Norwich, working in Mack Hall as an ARCYBER liaison officer. I am now stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, serving as an Army civilian at the Regional Cyber Center–Europe (RCC‑E). Outside of work, I love skiing, mountain biking, and anything that gets me on the water."

Q: "Describe your professional background before enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "After spending most of my career in operations as an Armor officer, I was given the opportunity to lead an Information Technology organization. That experience opened a new world for me, and I found I genuinely enjoyed the challenge. It pushed me to build the technical depth expected in a senior cyber role. I started with industry certifications, but eventually decided it was time to pursue a graduate degree. While my positions have never required a master's degree, I know this degree will support my long-term professional growth and open doors for future advancement. It will also allow me to return to Norwich to teach cybersecurity, giving back to the institution that shaped me has always been a personal goal."

Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "The biggest lesson I have taken away from this program is the confidence that you can accomplish far more than you think when you commit to a goal. Balancing graduate work with a demanding job and a busy family life was not easy, but completing this degree proved that disciplined effort pays off. Professionally, the program has strengthened my credibility as a cybersecurity leader and broadened my approach to complex problems in my current role. It has also made me a strong advocate for continuing education within my organization. I regularly encourage my Soldiers and coworkers to pursue their master’s degrees because I have seen firsthand how much it can elevate someone’s career, perspective, and opportunities. This degree did not just support my own growth; it is helped me inspire others to pursue theirs."

Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "What will stay with me most from my Norwich experience is the foundation built during my undergraduate years in the Corps of Cadets. That experience shaped my character, my leadership style, and my connection to the Norwich tradition. As a graduate student, I gained a new appreciation for the diverse mix of military, federal, and private‑sector professionals that Norwich attracts. The university's reputation and history attract people who bring real‑world experience and perspectives that enrich every discussion. To any prospective student, I would say that Norwich is far more than an academic program; it is an interactive, immersive experience that will challenge you, push you, and ultimately reward you in ways that stay with you long after the coursework is done."

Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I chose Norwich University Online because of the foundation Norwich gave me as an undergraduate and the values the institution continues to stand for. Norwich has always felt like home, and the idea of continuing my education within that same community was an easy decision. The program's structure was another major factor; the short, focused courses fit well with my work tempo and family life. The online format gave me the flexibility I needed while still feeling personal and connected to the Norwich experience."

Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "Before starting the program, I was genuinely concerned about whether I could balance graduate school with a demanding full‑time job and a growing family. Time has always been my most limited resource, and I was not sure I could keep up. Once I began, though, I realized the format of the program was built for working adults like me. The flexibility to complete coursework on my own schedule made all the difference, and when challenges came up, my professors were usually understanding and supportive. What stood out most was how manageable the experience became once I found my rhythm. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt engaged, supported, and able to succeed without sacrificing my responsibilities at home or at work."
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