CNM Network Administration Instructor Wins Prestigious National Award

Steve Perry started his career in networking and cybersecurity in the military, and then spent several years working as a civilian in the cybersecurity industry. Then in 2003 he started part-time at CNM and found his passion for teaching. Fast forward to today, and Steve is a full-time Network Administration instructor at CNM and loves giving back through teaching.

“I enjoy teaching people and helping them land stable, well-paying jobs,” Steve says. “Seeing people become inspired to enter my line of work is a great feeling, and I will do that for as long as I can.”

Because of his dedication to teaching, Steve was recently recognized as a Cisco Advanced Level Instructor. This prestigious award places Steve in the top 25% of network administrator instructors worldwide based on student feedback and performance. 

“More than anything, I love coming to class and seeing the light click on for my students,” Steve says.

Steve explains that network administrators focus on managing, monitoring, maintaining, securing, and servicing internet networks. Through CNM’s Network Administration program, students gain this technical knowledge and the hands-on skills to work on IP networks. Students also take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam as part of the program. If they pass, they graduate with an associate degree in Network Administration and with a CCNA certification. 

“This is the perfect field to go into if you’re a hands-on person that likes to piece things together, solve problems, or fix things,” Steve says. 

In his classes, Steve teaches students foundational network administration skills including how to connect computers, how to get those computers network access, and how to prevent unwanted computers or other devices from accessing the network. 

After graduating, students can immediately enter the workforce and land a job as a network service provider. From there, Steve says the opportunities for growth are endless. 

“Once they have these foundational skills and theory under their belt, students will always have a good job and be able to support their families,” he says. “There is a deficit of people with these skills, and we need more people in the industry with this knowledge.” 

Looking forward, Steve is excited to continue helping students not only learn a skill, but also build a career. 

“In 20 years of teaching I have trained single parents, students with learning disabilities, non-traditional students, and so many others in a skill that will help them build a good life. It’s so rewarding to see them thrive and know that I played a part in getting them there,” he says.