Computer Science Students Find Their Stride at Faulkner University

The year is — hold onto your hats, folks – and the tech world is officially *buzzing*. Why? Because computer science experts are basically the rockstars of our time. But where do these coding ninjas and tech wizards hone their skills? Well, two Faulkner University students — Daigeona “Dee” Guinn and Kyle Percer — found their academic home in, you guessed it, the Computer Science and Engineering Department.

From Fisk to Faulkner: One Student’s Journey to Tech Excellence

Let’s meet Daigeona “Dee” Guinn, a transfer student from Fisk University, who also happens to be a star player on Faulkner’s basketball team. Talk about a slam dunk – this student-athlete isn’t just dominating on the court, she’s killin’ it in the classroom too. What brought Dee to Faulkner? She was seriously impressed by the Computer Science and Engineering department – and honestly, who can blame her?

Dee sings the praises of Department Chair Mike Herridge, giving him major props for his leadership and the incredible way he’s grown the program. She’s stoked about the future of the department and can’t wait for cool events like, oh, you know, maybe a hackathon or two (hint, hint). But there’s more to Dee’s Faulkner story than just academics.

Finding Faith and Community on the Court and in the Classroom

For Dee, Faulkner’s Christian environment was a major draw. Coming from a close-knit family, she was looking for a supportive community that aligned with her values. Her mom, her biggest cheerleader (no pun intended), encouraged her to keep pursuing basketball, and Dee found the perfect place to do just that at Faulkner.

Dee’s a huge fan of Coach Reed Sutton’s coaching style, especially his emphasis on faith integration and mental health. Coach Sutton gets it – he knows that taking care of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – is key to success both on and off the court.

Balancing Basketball and Bytes: One Student’s Path to Success

So, what’s Dee studying at Faulkner? She’s currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, with a particular fondness for the magic of data management. And get this – she already has real-world experience under her belt! Last summer, Dee snagged an awesome internship at Arch Reinsurance, where she got to dive headfirst into the world of, well, reinsurance (because who doesn’t love a good actuarial table, am I right?).

But what about life after Faulkner? Dee’s got big dreams, people! She’s got her sights set on working for tech giant Meta (you know, the company formerly known as Facebook). But Dee’s not just about working for someone else – she’s also got that entrepreneurial spirit. She dreams of starting her own business someday. And get this – she’s considering going for a Master’s in Business Management. Talk about a power move! Dee’s ultimate goal? To blend her love of computer science with her business savvy to create amazing websites and apps, or maybe even delve into the fascinating world of AI. This is one student who’s definitely going places!

From Church Recommendation to Tech Revelation: Kyle Percer’s Faulkner Journey

Now, let’s shift gears and meet Kyle Percer, another Faulkner student who found his calling in – you guessed it – computer science. Kyle’s journey to Faulkner started with a little something called word-of-mouth marketing (it’s a thing!). He’d heard nothing but awesome things about Faulkner from church alumni, and let’s be real – when people from your church give a glowing recommendation, you listen.

So, what impressed Kyle about Faulkner? For starters, the dude digs the Christian environment. He was looking for a place where he could grow spiritually, and Faulkner definitely checked that box. But it wasn’t just about faith for Kyle. He also loved the small class sizes, which meant he could actually, you know, *talk* to his professors without having to elbow his way through a crowd.

And let’s not forget about Faulkner’s campus! Kyle was stoked about the open, expanding campus, and the fact that Faulkner actually, like, *cares* about what students think. Student voices matter here, folks. But here’s the kicker – Kyle didn’t come to Faulkner knowing he wanted to be the next coding superstar. In fact, he admits he knew very little about computer science when he first enrolled.

Discovering a Passion for Programming: One Class Can Change Everything

So, how did Kyle go from computer science newbie to, well, Kyle the Computer Science Guy? It all started with a single programming class. He decided to take a chance, dive in headfirst, and see what all the fuss was about. And guess what? The dude totally rocked it. Like, seriously, he was *good*.

As Kyle delved deeper into the world of ones and zeros, he was blown away by the sheer awesomeness of it all. This stuff was the future, and he was hyped to be a part of it. Plus, let’s be real – there’s no shortage of learning resources out there for aspiring techies. From online tutorials to coding boot camps, the opportunities to level up your skills are endless.

Fast forward to , and Kyle is graduating with a shiny new Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, along with a minor in Biblical Studies (because why not nourish the mind and the soul?). He’s feeling confident and ready to conquer the world, armed with the knowledge and experience he gained at Faulkner. Kyle’s advice to anyone considering a computer science degree? “Do it!” He’s a firm believer that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

A Department on the Rise: Faulkner’s Computer Science Program Shines

Remember how we talked about the Computer Science and Engineering Department experiencing some serious growth? Yeah, well, Kyle’s witnessed it firsthand. He’s seen the department go from a single classroom to a dedicated suite complete with labs, offices, and even a space to chill out when you’re not busy coding up a storm.

And it’s not just about the fancy new digs. The program itself has exploded in popularity, with more and more students realizing that, hey, computer science is where the cool kids hang out. Kyle credits the department’s success to its dedicated professors – the ones who are passionate about teaching and genuinely want to see their students succeed. He’s excited to see what the future holds for the department and has no doubt that it will continue to thrive.

Equipping Students for Success: Faulkner University’s Computer Science Edge

So, there you have it – two students, two unique journeys, and one common thread: Faulkner University’s Computer Science and Engineering Department. In a world hungry for tech talent, Faulkner is stepping up to the plate, providing students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in this ever-evolving field.

Whether you’re a basketball star with a knack for data management or a church-recommended student who discovers a passion for programming, Faulkner’s got your back. With its supportive community, dedicated faculty, and growing program, Faulkner is proving that faith and technology aren’t mutually exclusive – they’re a powerful combination that can change the world.