Rutherford, NJ— For Felician University alumnus Jason Garay, returning to his alma mater as an instructor is a full-circle moment. A 2014 criminal justice graduate and first-generation college graduate, Jason has built a career spanning government, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Today, he teaches the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while serving as Director of IT Security Operations and Threat Management at RWJ Barnabas Health. 

You graduated from Felician University in 2014. How does it feel to be back as an instructor? 

It’s really a full-circle moment. When I graduated from Felician, I was focused on starting my career, and I never imagined I would one day return as an instructor. Being on the other side of the classroom allows me to share what I’ve learned academically as well as the real-world experiences I’ve gained throughout my career. It’s especially rewarding to help students connect what they’re learning to opportunities after graduation. 

Tell us about what you’re teaching at Felician. 

My teaching focuses on investigations, cybersecurity, and cyber risk management. I try to connect theory with what’s happening in today’s technology and cybersecurity environments. Cybersecurity changes incredibly quickly, particularly with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, threat intelligence, and emerging technologies. I want students to understand the fundamentals while thinking about how they apply to real-world problems. 

Tell us about your role at RWJ Barnabas Health. 

My role focuses on risk management, threat prioritization, detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats across a large healthcare environment. That includes security operations, threat intelligence, threat hunting, incident response, and vulnerability management.  Healthcare cybersecurity is particularly meaningful because technology supports physicians, nurses, hospitals, medical devices, and ultimately patient care. Cybersecurity can have a very real impact on people’s lives. The role has also allowed me to grow from a cybersecurity practitioner into a leader responsible for developing people, building programs, and preparing the organization for emerging threats. 

How did your Felician education prepare you for your career? 

My criminal justice education gave me a foundation that has remained relevant throughout my career, even as I transitioned into cybersecurity. Cybersecurity isn’t purely technical. You need to understand investigations, forensics, risk, cybercriminal behavior, intelligence, policy, and communication. Felician also taught me the importance of critical thinking and communication, which have become increasingly important as I’ve moved into leadership. My career wasn’t a straight line from criminal justice to cybersecurity. Each experience built on the previous one and helped me adapt as technology and the threat landscape evolved. 

What motivates you, and what’s next? 

My biggest motivation has always been continuously learning. Cybersecurity is a field where you can never really say you’re finished learning. At this stage, I’m especially interested in the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and leadership. I want to continue growing as a cybersecurity executive while developing expertise in AI and emerging technologies—and continue mentoring and teaching the next generation. 

What makes Hispanic Heritage Month meaningful to you? 

I’m first-generation in the United States and the first person in my family to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. I recognize the sacrifices my family made to come to the United States from El Salvador and provide me with the opportunities that made me who I am today. For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about honoring where we come from while recognizing how far we can go. Returning to Felician as an instructor makes that journey even more meaningful because I can work with students who may also be first-generation or the first in their families to pursue careers in technology or cybersecurity. I hope my story shows them that where you start doesn’t limit where you can ultimately go. 

What does being part of a Hispanic Serving Institution mean to you? 

It’s meaningful because universities like Felician create opportunities for students who may be the first in their families to pursue certain careers or who may not traditionally see themselves represented in technology and cybersecurity. I went from sitting in these classrooms as a student athlete to building a career across government, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Now I can return and share those experiences with students. Felician helped provide part of the foundation for my career. Being able to return and contribute to that same community is something I’m very proud of. 

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About Felician University 

Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,800 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Felician University was recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, earning distinction as the No. 1 college for women in New Jersey. Additionally, Felician has been named a best value school by payscale.com and Money magazine, and as one of the best college locations in NJ (#4) by niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, transformation, solidarity with people in need, justice and peace are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is sponsored by Felician Sisters International. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu/