Q: Why did you choose the MS-CSIA program?
A: I chose to start the cyber security program primarily for two reasons. First, I just love to learn and wanted to continue to learn in a different environment and with more guidance and coaching than we tend to get on our own. Anyone in this field understands the need for constant learning, but I began to think that i'd fallen into some ruts in my learning, relying too much on the same voices, the same perspectives and sources. I decided that I wanted to force myself out of those ruts, out of my comfort zones. I wanted new ideas, new perspectives, new tools, and different ways of thinking. Second, I wanted to be more competitive for the most competitive roles in the security world. My resume was pretty solid, but my education was pretty average. I decided that if I really wanted to be able to compete with the strongest candidates for the most desirable jobs, I needed more education. Once I'd made the decision to pursue that, I decided on SUU quickly. My experience at SUU for my undergraduate work was very good, and that played a role. The bigger part, though, was meeting you, talking with you, and deciding that yours was the program I wanted to join. You impressed me very much with your commitment to a program that would remain current, one for which you had so much passion and displayed so much energy. I believed, and still believe, in your dream and in your ability to follow through and turn that dream into a great program and a great education. For me, the personal connection and the belief in your vision were critical. You modeled the passion and the personal touch that were important to me, and I think those were the key differentiators.
Q: How has the MS-CSIA program helped you?
A: My time in the program taught me many things and gave me the opportunity to grow in many ways. First, the key items I mentioned before -- different ideas, different tools and different perspectives allow me to look at challenges in new ways. They enable me to be a better critical thinker, as I can look at a problem in ways that weren't my defaults. The technical parts, the nuts and bolts, those are all nice, but the REAL improvements for me came from the people parts of my education, from interacting with the faculty and with the students who are different from me. It was fascinating to me to talk to students who grew up at different times, or in different places, or just had completely different life experiences than mine. I believe this all helps me to be a better student, a better critical thinker, and a better leader. I expect the degree itself to help me with those very desirable roles, but for me, the process and the things that led to the degree are the ones that I think will really help me become a better person. Thank you very much, to you and all of your colleagues in the program, for all you've given to me and my fellow students. I don't know that I can describe the effect you've had in all of our lives, and there's no telling what your body of students will do, but it's clear that your efforts and your dedication are influencing a whole generation of humans who will have the opportunity to go out and try to expand that and touch more. It's interesting to think of the potential reach of the ripples from the stone you've thrown in the water, but it's clear that those ripples are still expanding and will for a long time. It's exciting to think about what they might do.