Focusing on Real-World Connections

When it comes to preparing students for real-world success, John Weaver, DPA, Assistant Professor and Intelligence Analysis Coordinator, has the experience and connections, along with the drive, to give his students a well-rounded education. From bringing professionals into the classroom to meet with his students, to organizing panels and other experiences, Weaver uses networking to hone the skills of his students.

Weaver designs his classes to be more than just classes. His hands-on approach gives his students real-world experience and connects them with current professionals in the intelligence community. “I try to remember when I was in college and I just didn’t like going to lectures. I liked to get my hands on things, do things, and feel that it’s not just writing papers, taking notes, or taking tests,” he says.

Along with Jennifer Pomeroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography, Weaver provides students with the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed, scholarly books as well as present their research and connect with professionals in their field at regional, national, or international conferences. He states, “Our students, without even a baccalaureate degree, are able to say they have peer-reviewed publications.”

He takes students out of the classroom on field trips and invites intelligence professionals to come into his class to network with them. “I’m passionate about giving back to make sure the next generation has the tools and the skills necessary to carry the torch forward and keep it safe,” Weaver says.

More recently, Weaver had the opportunity to grow his connections in the intelligence community through the Fulbright Specialist Program (a scholarship program that connects professionals internationally), where he visited the Norwegian Defence University College in Oslo, Norway.