Doctoral Alum Focus | Brian Crilly, DBA

"It was very satisfying throughout the program to leverage concepts learned in the classroom and apply them at work for the benefit of my organization. The knowledge and skills developed in the program helped me to become a more effective leader, both inside and outside the classroom."

Brian Crilly, DBA'20

Program

Business Administration (Doctorate)
Organizational Leadership (Doctorate)

Department

The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business

Alumni
Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Alumni Relations
Business

02/04/2021

Hood alum, Dr. Brian Crilly, graduated with a doctorate in business administration (DBA) in 2020. Brian is currently the Director of Systems and Software Engineering at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. Brian is also an adjunct professor in the DBA program, currently teaching the statistical methods course.

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. I attended University of Maryland, College Park for my B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering.

After several years working as an engineer and moving into management roles, I attended Mount St. Mary’s University and earned my M.B.A. degree. I have worked at Thales Defense & Security, Inc. in Clarksburg, Maryland for the past 22 years, and I currently serve as the Director of Systems and Software Engineering.

I have been an adjunct instructor at Mount St. Mary’s University since 2015, teaching courses in project management. I have been an adjunct instructor at Hood College since 2019, teaching technical project management.

This semester I am returning to the doctoral program to work with Cohort 2023 as an instructor for their statistical methods course.

Why did you choose Hood College?

I was attracted to Hood’s doctoral program because of the welcoming atmosphere and the cohort based format. I knew the D.B.A. program would be challenging, but I also sensed that the faculty were incredibly supportive of the students.

In addition, I knew that the cohort based format would provide me with exposure to a wonderfully diverse group of scholars who would offer varied perspectives and challenge me to think differently.

How has attending Hood College’s graduate program helped your career?

It was very satisfying throughout the program to leverage concepts learned in the classroom and apply them at work for the benefit of my organization. The knowledge and skills developed in the program helped me to become a more effective leader, both inside and outside the classroom.

What do you enjoy most about Hood College?

I really enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the faculty, staff, and students. I felt the faculty and staff truly took an interest in my success, and the students were always friendly and incredibly supportive of each other.

Do you have a favorite memory?

After a busy week of work, I always looked forward to meeting with my cohort on Saturdays to share stories, work on projects together, and spend time strolling around campus on our lunchtime walks.

Any other information/fun facts you would like to add?

Hood is a special place, and I am thrilled to be able to stay engaged with the College and with the doctoral program, working with the next cohort of amazing scholars.

Inspired by Brian's story to #GOFURTHER in your educational & career pursuits? Learn more about Hood College's Doctorate of Business Administration by clicking here.