Michael Hayden, MBA
Program Chair
Biography
Michael Hayden is Program Chair of both the Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) and Bachelor of Business Information Systems (BABIS) programs and Assistant Professor for the School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus. He earned a Master of Business Administration (UC San Diego) and a bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education and Development (SIU). Additionally, he has earned numerous IT certificates and certifications: Computer Information Systems- Networking Concentration, Python, Java, CPP, A Plus, Network Plus, Security Pro, Cisco CCNA Instructor, Linux Pro, Cyber Security, HTML, Web development, MS Server 2012 Pro, MS Desktop Pro, and ITF.
His professional background includes over 30 years of experience in education, information technology, network administration, security/cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and business management. He founded several companies focused on addressing customers’ data-intensive decisions in technology, network security, IT management, finance, shipping, and purchasing.
He works with many entrepreneur centers, veteran and women’s leadership organizations, and supports student teams to develop technology ventures. Michael is the Faculty Advisor of the UAGC Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Drone. Aviation, and Aerospace (DAA) Clubs.
He retired from the United State Marine Corps, after 21 years of service. He and his family live on the west coast. His personal hobbies are competitive programming, learning about new technologies, reading tech blogs and magazines, and learning new computer languages and skills.
Accomplishments
AI4 Conference, Las Vegas (2023–2025)
Education Track Lead and Speaker advancing national discussions on artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and ethical technology integration in higher education.
Super AI Conference, Singapore (2024)
International Speaker representing the University of Arizona Global Campus in global conversations on AI, emerging technologies, leadership, and innovation across business systems.
National Organization for Student Success (2023–Present)
Researcher and Presenter focusing on student engagement and technology-enabled learning. Collaborated with national initiatives to match technology mentors with learners, strengthening workforce readiness and professional growth.
FAA TRUST Administrator, University of Arizona Global Campus (2021-Present)
Developed the FAA certification system and administrative process in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, securing the national TRUST contract to expand drone safety education across the United States. Led program implementation and outreach resulting in more than 20,000 students successfully completing certification through our FAA/UAGC partner platform.