LUSBY, MD, December 27, 2023 - Jim Backus has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
With a distinguished career spanning various facets of government and military service, Dr. Backus has established himself as an expert in education with a focus on political science and defense, including counterintelligence, counterespionage, and counterterrorism. Currently serving as an adjunct professor at University of Maryland Global Campus for 15 years, he is responsible for teaching a comprehensive terrorism suite that encompasses global, state, antiterrorism, and counterterrorism strategies. He also teaches courses on global political economics and subjects related to global instability. He previously taught criminal justice courses at the University of Phoenix for 14 years. Dr. Backus ensures students are fully engaged, responding to discussion prompts effectively, and gaining a deeper understanding of the material presented. He mentors new professors for the University of Maryland Global Campus and students in the College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Phoenix.
Before joining the academic world, Dr. Backus had a notable career with the United States Air Force Security Police where he served for six years, including a special assignment in the Sahara during 1985 and 1986, and later served 18 years as a Federal Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations where he helped originate the Department of Defense Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy, transformed basic and advanced counterintelligence training, and following the tragic events of 9/11, created a first of its kind training organization providing comprehensive education and training preparing special agents and support personnel for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his military service, he transitioned to a staff role at the Department of Defense Counterintelligence Field Activity. It was here that Dr. Backus achieved a significant milestone by being responsible for the first Department of Defense counterintelligence strategy published in 2008—a testament to his expertise and dedication to national security. He later transitioned to a role as a counterintelligence Federal Agent with the Defense Intelligence Agency under the Department of Defense, where he was pivotal in restructuring disparate agency training program management into amalgamated, new Academy for Defense Intelligence organization. He also fulfilled roles as Chief Learning and Academic Officer and Director, Department of Defense Joint Military Intelligence Training Center, as well as Career Field Manager. Dr. Backus achieved noteworthy milestones remodeling Defense-wide joint intelligence training and establishing original officer development, training, and certification requirements—a demonstration of his dedication to professional development. Dr. Backus retired from his distinguished federal civil service career in February 2022.
Dr. Backus's educational background played a pivotal role in his professional achievements. An enduring learner, he earned his most recent degree, a Doctor of Education in educational leadership, from University of Phoenix in 2018. This advanced degree has not only underscored Dr. Backus's commitment to lifelong learning but has also enhanced his ability to lead and educate others within his field of expertise.
The foundation for Dr. Backus's career was laid early on when he aspired to become a state trooper, but faced age and hiring backlog restrictions that delayed his pursuit of this path. Opting to join the United States Air Force as a security police officer provided him with invaluable experience that would later inform his work in both military and government roles.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Backus is dedicated to family and personal growth. Leading by example, his oldest daughter graduated fifth in her high school class, was recognized as a highest achieving student, achieved her college degree, and is a senior supervisor at Progressive Insurance in southern New Jersey while his youngest daughter also excelled academically, completing both her bachelor's and master's degrees at St. Mary's College of Maryland within four years and now serves as a special education teacher for St. Mary's County School District. Married since 1994 and a proud parent of two daughters, Dr. Backus finds joy in reading crime novels, exercising, biking, and walking his beloved Blue Heeler.
Looking ahead, Dr. Backus envisions continuing his teaching career while expanding his influence to another university where he can impart wisdom on criminal justice topics. He also aims to take on more coaching and mentoring roles to guide up-and-coming professionals toward achieving their goals in various organizations. With dozens of awards acknowledging his contributions to their field, Dr. Backus remains an inspiring figure both within and beyond the realms of government service and higher education.
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