Griffons Detect
I transferred to Missouri Western State University as a sophomore, moving nearly 20 hours from my home in Newport News, Virginia. I decided to make the move because I saw real potential in the basketball program, cybersecurity program, and the people I met during my visit. It was a decision based on opportunity and a clear sense that this was a place where I could grow.
I chose cybersecurity because I wanted a field that was both challenging and engaging. Missouri Western delivered on that, offering the academic and hands-on experience I was looking for. Balancing my academics, playing on the men’s basketball team, and working a local internship wasn’t always easy but the support from across the university helped me stay focused and motivated me to continue to push myself.
After graduation, I’ll be stepping into a role as an IT Security Program Specialist for the State of Tennessee. I’m proud of the direction our cybersecurity program is headed, especially under Professor McClaskey’s leadership and the opening of the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology. There is a lot of momentum here, and I hope you will consider giving to the MWSU Foundation to help students like me be successful in our careers.
“I chose cybersecurity because it was challenging and cutting edge.” In the Cybersecurity program, students like Nunez learn how to navigate and thrive in a setting where they are challenged to find solutions to real life scenarios in the cyber world. In addition to his degree, Nunez also obtained three certificates, two in cybersecurity and one in information technology, all of which helped him stand out among other applicants for his new position. “It was great to see the Houlne Center built and all of the different technologies that I was able to utilize, which helped me learn so much.” Cybersecurity is one of many new programs that have been developed in recent years to provide a qualified workforce to not only our region, but nationwide. As Missouri’s official applied learning institution, we are committed to providing 100% of our students with an applied learning experience prior to graduation. Nunez picked up the necessary skills needed to thrive in his new career through a summer internship at Boehringer Ingelheim and various applied learning opportunities provided by Missouri Western.
Would you consider giving a gift to help support programs like this that make success stories like Matthew’s possible? You gift will help ensure that our students continue to gain the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to realize their full potential and dreams.
Matthew Nunez ‘25 Cybersecurity