Dr. Cassandra C. Lewis is the Chancellor, and former Dean of Faculty and Academic Programs, at the National Defense University (NDU) College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC). She serves as the principal advisor to the National Defense University President and Provost on curriculum and academic programs related to cyberspace and information. As a member of NDU’s senior leadership executive council, Dr. Lewis is instrumental in strategic planning and coordination of University initiatives. Dr. Lewis is the chief administrator of CIC’s academic programs, with responsibility for financial, facilities, and personnel management. She maintains relationships with partner NDU components, U.S. government agencies, the private sector, international allies and Department of Defense and civilian educational institutions and universities and has engaged in international capacity building on the behalf of the University.
Under her leadership CIC’s academic programs and curricula continue to be rigorous, relevant, and of high quality, to effectively fulfill its mission; and the College continues to be recognized as an institution of choice for education, scholarship, and thought leadership in cyber and information. Her track record and involvement in government, academia, industry, and the non-profit sector reflect her commitment to leader development, educational innovation, and building an inclusive and resilient workforce. Her research and teaching portfolios span a range of fields including: the politics of education; online teaching practices; access and equity in higher education; national security and cyber workforce policy and strategy; cyber leader development; and storytelling for organizational and personal change.
Dr. Lewis is a community-minded educator dedicated to advancing opportunities for underserved women and K-16 students both locally and abroad. She has a particular passion for fostering transformational leadership and advancing careers in STEM.
Dr. Lewis holds a Bachelor’s degree in the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences / International Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo; Master’s degree in Higher Education from Boston College; a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park; and a Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.