Protection Security Management - Henley-Putnam University

History

The Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security traces its roots to 2001, when it was founded as the California University of Protection and Intelligence Management by Nirmalya Bhowmick, Michael Corcoran, and Sheldon Greaves. Enrollment grew from 125 students in 2008 to 515 by 2010. In July 2006, private equity firm Liberty Capital Partners acquired the school, and in July 2017 National American University Holdings purchased it for an undisclosed sum, formally integrating it into NAU's system in March 2018 as the Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security.

Products and Programs

The school provides a focused curriculum in strategic security, with degree and certificate offerings in Protection Management (covering threat assessment, workplace violence, cyber security, and corporate espionage), Intelligence Management (intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, collection management), and Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies (research, threat management, analytical rigor). It also offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Strategic Security and Protection Management, delivered entirely online with real-world case studies. In total, the school provides over 150 courses, seven degree programs, and 31 certificate programs.

Market Position

The Henley-Putnam School occupies a unique niche as one of the few higher-education institutions dedicated solely to security and protection management. It competes with traditional criminal justice or homeland security programs at larger universities but differentiates itself through faculty drawn from active and former intelligence, military, and law enforcement communities. The school's partnership with ASIS International, as noted in Security Magazine, further solidifies its reputation among security professionals.

Accreditation and Leadership

The school is part of National American University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and maintains required state authorizations. Current leadership includes Ronald L. Shape, who serves as President of both NAU and the Henley-Putnam School, and Barbara Burke, Ph.D., Dean of the school. Founders Bhowmick, Corcoran, and Greaves are no longer involved in day-to-day operations. No separate CEO, CTO, CCO, or COO is publicly listed for the school itself; its operations fall under NAU's corporate leadership.