Dr. Leih holds a Ph.D. in information systems and technology from Claremont Graduate University and a M.S. in computer science from California State University at Fullerton. Dr. Leih is also an alum of PLNU where he earned a B.A. in computer science. His industry experience includes over 25 years as an IT professional holding positions in systems administration, application development, business analysis, project management and director of information technology. Dr. Leih has been developing and teaching technology courses in programming, server administration, management information systems, project management, systems design and information technology for over 15 years as an adjunct professor and full time faculty member. He has taught courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level in information technology and business and was the chair of the information technology department at Trevecca Nazarene University before coming to PLNU.
Dr. Leih's research interests include IT governance, systems development practices, and technology course development. He is an active member in the Association of Computer Machinery and has presented papers and participated on panel discussion at the Americas Conference on Information Systems and other technology conferences.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Leih enjoys fishing, backpacking and mountaineering. He has served on numerous advisor boards, including the Nashville high school’s IT academy boards and the Nashville Technology Council. Dr. Leih has served as a church board member, a lay pastor and Sunday school director in the church of the Nazarene and served as an ordained deacon at Hermitage Hill Baptist church in Nashville, TN.
Education
- Ph.D., Information Systems and Technology, Claremont Graduate University
- M.S., Computer Science, California State University Fullerton
- B.A., Computer Science, Point Loma Nazarene University
Courses Taught
- Introduction to Hardware and Networking - CIT 2014
- Focusing on CompTIA A+ Core 1 knowledge domains
- Introduction to Operating Systems and Security - CIT 2024
- Focusing on CompTIA A+ Core 2 knowledge domains
- Networking - CIT 3014
- Focusing on CompTIA Network+ and Cisco knowledge domains
- Project Management - CIT 3034
- Focusing on both Agile and Traditional PMI methodologies
- Database Design - CIT 3054
- Leveraging MySQL and AWS RDS technologies
- Web Programming - CIT 4014
- Focusing on server-side scripting using PHP and MySQL
- Management of Information Systems - CIT 4034
- Using case study analysis and best practice governance standards
- Information Technology Practicum - CIT 4071
- Information Technology Project - CIT 4081
- Focusing on formal research practices using APA formatting standards
- Unix and Python Scripting – CSC 3002
- Leveraging Jupyter Notebooks and open-access datasets from Alpha Vantage for data visualization and analysis
- Operating Systems – CSC 3014
- Leveraging AWS EC2 and Distributed OS
- Data Management for Computational Science - CSC 3022
- Using advanced Excel analysis, SQL query tools and AWS Machine Learning.
- Topics in Computer Science - CSC 4012
- Project Management and Quality Assurance – ISS 3042
- Focusing on both Agile and Traditional PMI methodologies
- Database Systems and Web Integration - ISS 4014
- Leveraging MySQL, AWS RDS technologies and PHP languages.
- Introduction to Business – BUS 1000
- Detailed instruction on Information Systems
Experience in Field
- Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Point Loma Nazarene University (2018 - Present)
- Associate Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Point Loma Nazarene University (2016 – present)
- CIT Program Director, Point Loma Nazarene University (2016 – present)
- Associate Professor, Information Technology Department, Skinner School of Business and Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University (2009 – 2016)
- Department Chair, Information Technology Department, Skinner School or Business and Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University (2011 – 2015)
- IT Graduate Minor Director, Skinner School of Business and Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University (2012 – 2015)
- CIT Program Director, Skinner School of Business and Technology, Trevecca Nazarene University (2011 – 2015)
- IT Consultant, Health Stream, Nashville, TN. (2012)
- IT Director – Business Solutions, Pacific Sunwear Inc. Anaheim, CA. (2008 – 2009)
- Sr. Project Manager / Development Lead, Pacific Sunwear Inc. Anaheim, CA. (2000 – 2008)
- Adjunct Instructor, School of Extended Education, California State University (1994 – 2002)
- Manager Information Technologies, Weber Aircraft Inc. Fullerton, CA. (1995 – 2000)
- Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst, Weber Aircraft Inc. Fullerton, CA. (1990 – 1995)
- Computer Programmer/Analyst, Douglas Aircraft Company. Cypress, CA. (1989 – 1990)
- Manufacturing Methods Engineer, Douglas Aircraft Company, Cypress, CA. (1988 – 1989)
Awards and Honors
- Outstanding Teaching Award, Business Graduate Program, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2013
- Outstanding Teaching Award, Computer Information Technology Program, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2011
- 1st Degree Black Belt, Tang Soo Do, Aiten Ryu Christian Martial Arts School, 2008
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
- Burkhard, R. J., Horan, T. A., Hilton, B. N., & Leih, M., "Can Information Systems Foster Emotional Intelligence? A Design Theory-Based Approach." Journal of International Technology and Information Management 18.1 (2009): 99-IV.
- Leih, M. J., “The Impact of the Sarbanes Oxley Act on IT Project Management”, Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application (JITTA), 8:3 (2006) 13-30
