College of Business, Engineering, and Technology Academic Leadership Team

John Cicero, Ph.D.

Provost, National University; Acting Dean, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

[email protected]
858-642-8075

John Cicero, Ph.D.

Provost, National University; Acting Dean, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

Dr. John Cicero is a career educator with over 40 years of experience in higher education, including more than two decades as a professor and over 20 years in senior academic leadership. He joined National University in 2012 as Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing and was appointed Vice Provost of Academic and Faculty Affairs in 2018. As Provost, Dr. Cicero leads the academic mission of the university, focusing on delivering accessible, high-quality student experiences and fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and innovation. With a background in electrical engineering, he taught computer science and authored research on topics such as robotics and predictive failure analysis for aircraft. Dr. Cicero is committed to supporting lifelong learners and empowering students through meaningful learning opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s and doctorate from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from Northwestern University.

James Aaron Brown, Doctorate of Strategic Leadership (DSL), MBA

Associate Dean of Students, College of Business, Engineering & Technology

[email protected]
858-309-3476

James Aaron Brown, Doctorate of Strategic Leadership (DSL), MBA

Associate Dean of Students, College of Business, Engineering & Technology

Dr. Aaron Brown serves as the Associate Dean of Students for the College of Business, Engineering & Technology. He has 15 years of serving the student experience in higher education with roles in dormitory life, campus life and student government, freshmen orientation, and student leadership development. Dr. Brown holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and an MBA with a specialization in Finance. He also has previous experience as an entrepreneur and serving the Osage Nation with education and tutoring initiatives.

David Hildebrandt, PhD

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Senator Emeritus; College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

[email protected]
928-693-8746

David Hildebrandt, PhD

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Senator Emeritus; College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

David Hildebrandt has a career that spans industry and academia. Prior to his academic career, David was a Systems Analyst, Entrepreneur, Director of Consulting for Gartner, Mobilization Manager for IBM Business Innovation Services, and a Senior Manager for Sun Microsystems. His work has taken him around the world and given him experience in high technology manufacturing, operating systems, global communications, and military systems. David has worked in higher education serving as a professor, dissertation committee member, Interim IRB Director, faculty coach, and in his current role as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the School of Engineering and Technology. David was recognized by his peers for his service to the National University Senate with the title of Senator Emeritus.

Danielle Simons

Director of Academic Operations, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology



Danielle Simons

Director of Academic Operations, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

Danielle Simons is a seasoned leader in higher education, recognized for her expertise in strategic management, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to student success. Since joining National University in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing the college’s infrastructure and support services through her leadership in operations, faculty support, and fiscal management. Before her tenure at National University, Danielle held various leadership positions in higher education and the private sector, showcasing her adaptability and broad expertise. Her career began in compassionate service as a hospice nurse, reflecting a deep commitment to care that continues to inspire her work in education.

Shawna Jones, MSOL

Associate Director of Curriculum, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

[email protected]

Shawna Jones, MSOL

Associate Director of Curriculum College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

Shawna Jones is the Associate Director of Curriculum for the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology (COBET), where she provides strategic leadership in curriculum development and academic operations. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, she has a proven record of advancing instructional quality, streamlining curriculum management systems, and driving institutional effectiveness initiatives. She collaborates closely with program directors, subject matter experts, and the Office of Strategy and Innovation to ensure COBET’s programs meet the highest academic and industry standards. Known for her operational insight and results-driven approach, Shawna is dedicated to optimizing curriculum strategy and supporting faculty excellence across the college.

Thomas Provenzano, M.Ed

Assistant Dean of Students, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

[email protected]
619-385-4732

Thomas Provenzano, M.Ed

Assistant Dean of Students, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

Tom serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for the School of Business, Economics, and Technology at National University. In this capacity, he provides leadership in advancing student success, retention, and engagement through strategic initiatives and cross-departmental collaboration. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Tom has demonstrated expertise in academic advising, operations management, program development, and student support services. Prior to his current role, he served as the Associate Director of Operations for Academic and Financial Advising, where he led university-wide advising initiatives and process improvements that strengthened student outcomes. His career also includes leadership positions at Alliant International University and George Mason University, where he contributed to the development of effective advising systems and student engagement frameworks. Tom holds a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling and Development from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University. He remains deeply committed to promoting academic excellence, institutional integrity, and equitable access to student success.

Kimberly Sorrentino, Ed.D.

Director of Assessment and Accreditation, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

[email protected]

Kimberly Sorrentino, Ed.D.

Director of Assessment and Accreditation, College of Business, Engineering, and Technology

Dr. Kimberly Sorrentino is an experienced higher education leader who is passionate about promoting student success through data-informed decision-making and continuous quality improvement. Kimberly has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford and a master’s degree in Evaluative Clinical Sciences from Dartmouth College that focused on organizational continuous quality improvement. Kimberly worked in health care as a diagnostic medical sonographer for many years before transitioning into the field of higher education. Over the last ten years, Kimberly has had central roles in the planning and implementation of major higher education organizational changes as well as state and regional initiatives and frameworks. Kimberly is skilled in leading large-scale accreditation, assessment, and curriculum development processes and she has worked with approximately 35 programmatic accreditors. In prior roles, Kimberly served as the institutional accreditation liaison officer for a community college as well as for the fifth largest community college system with twelve campuses, about 35,000 students enrolled, and over 60 programs with specialized accreditation. Kimberly regularly serves as an institutional accreditation site evaluator and a specialized accreditation peer reviewer.