Ray Trygstad

Ray Trygstad is an Industry Professor of Information Technology and Management at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), holding concurrent roles as Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Advising within the Department of Information Technology and Management. He also serves as Interim Associate Director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education and chairs the Undergraduate Studies Committee. His work spans academic leadership, policy development, and cybersecurity education.

Trygstad holds a Ph.D. in Studies from Illinois Tech, a Diploma in Aviation Safety from the Naval Postgraduate School, an M.S. in Systems Management from the University of Denver, and a B.S. from the United States Naval Academy. His professional affiliations include ABET, ACM (SIGITE/SIGUCCS), ISSA, ISACA, and the Chicago Premier CIO Forum.

His research focuses on cybersecurity management, policy frameworks, cloud computing, system administration, and open-source technologies, alongside multimedia and information technology governance. Recent work emphasizes integrating cybersecurity into youth education, as seen in his 2018 proposal for a Boy Scouts merit badge.

Trygstad has received the 2012 Instructor of the Year award from Illinois Tech and the 1994 Navy Commendation Medal. His advisory roles include overseeing co-terminal degree programs, curriculum development, and accreditation committees. He has managed IT infrastructure across multiple departments and campuses, including the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus and the IIT Center for Professional Development.

He actively contributes to academic governance through leadership in committees such as the National Board of Gamma Nu Eta and the ACM SIGITE Executive Committee. His service extends to roles like Co-Chair of the Women in Cyber Security Conference (WiCyS) and Peer Evaluator for National Cyber Defense Education designations.