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Why did you choose Delta State?
I had recently earned my associate degree from Oklahoma State University, and at that point, I was eager to continue my education but faced financial limitations. Delta State University provided the perfect solution. During the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, that spring, I met with a Delta State recruiter who introduced me to their degree programs and scholarship opportunities. Delta State offered a special scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa members, and I was blessed to receive a full scholarship. This opportunity made my decision clear and enabled me to pursue my academic goals without financial burden.
What have you been doing since you graduated from DSU?
Immediately after graduation, I worked as a Computer Science instructor and IT Supervisor at a high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 2018 to 2022. During this time, I also earned my Master’s degree in Computer Science from Georgia Tech while working full-time. In the Fall of 2022, I began pursuing my PhD in Cyber Studies at the University of Tulsa, where I am now in my third and final year. I am also a Research Assistant in the university’s Security Economics Lab, contributing to various cybersecurity research projects.
How did DSU prepare you for what you're doing now?
Delta State University played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today. The supportive environment and friendly community helped me gain confidence and excel in my studies. The small class sizes and family-like atmosphere made it easy to adapt and thrive academically. I’m deeply grateful to all my professors for their guidance and support in helping me reach where I am today.
What’s a favorite DSU memory?
I’ll never forget the day I received the letter about being inducted into the Student Hall of Fame. I was working at BPAC when Marwa [Cherraf], another international student, called me, saying I needed to come to the VP's office urgently because there was an issue with the international event we were planning. I quickly asked my supervisor for permission and headed to the VP's office, feeling a bit anxious. Once there, Mrs. Bevin Lamb mentioned that there was a problem with the event that required immediate attention and handed me an envelope. I was nervous as I opened it, only to find a letter announcing my induction into the Student Hall of Fame. It turns out, Marwa and the VP had been recording my reaction the entire time. It’s one of my most unforgettable memories from my time at DSU.
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