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NEW PROGRAMS IN DEMANDING FIELDS CELEBRATE FIRST GRADUATES
by Chris Brennemann, PhD
This spring, Quincy University recognized the first graduates of the cybersecurity and business analytics majors that were created through funding by the U.S. Dept. of Education Title III: Strengthening Institutions Program.
Cybersecurity is a career focus in computer science with strong demand today and is predicted to grow rapidly in the future as information security analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.
Paden Lewis, Spring ’23 cybersecurity graduate, will continue his education by pursuing his master’s degree and plans to become an analyst or a technician in the cybersecurity field.
This grant enabled QU to launch two majors with new lab facilities and current professional software. Expanded undergraduate research labs, a robotics lab, and a math success program were also funded by the grant.
To succeed in the cybersecurity field, students need up-to-the-minute preparation with the latest coursework and training and the most powerful technology. Thanks to the U.S.D.E. Title III grant, Quincy University has constructed a dedicated Cybersecurity Computer Lab and a dynamic, robust curriculum.
The Quincy University business analytics program is focused on preparing Oakley School of Business students with the necessary background and skills to use business analytics and the associated technologies to solve complex problems for their clients and employers. This includes healthcare, accounting, marketing, operations managements and many other industries.
The Title III grant and support from Quincy University has allowed the program to provide the necessary resources and training so that students are enabled with the latest technology in business analytics.
Dana Walker, DMgt, highlighted some standout moments for the business analytics program which include employers seeking students for jobs in the industry even before they graduate, the rapid growth of the program, and the inclusion of ethics and Franciscan values as a key component of the program.
“The courses and the program itself focus on an experiential approach. This means the students learn by doing,” said Walker. “Students enjoy the hands-on approach and quickly gain an appreciation of the problem complexity and necessity of critical thinking, good analytical skills, and need for clear written and verbal communication skills.”
Kassidy Venvertloh graduated this May with a triple major in accounting, finance and business analytics, and she is one of the first three students to earn a degree in the university’s new business analytics major.
These three majors offered Venvertloh not only a challenge but a new perspective on the business world and on herself. While accounting looks at making financial statements, finance interprets the financial statements, and business analytics focuses on using data to make business decisions.
“It all kind of blends together. You see the business as a whole. Yes, it’s a lot of classes, a lot of homework, but pushing yourself, saying you can do it, it’s possible, you learn where your limitations are.”
