Alumni Testimonials

Q: “Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, and interests/ hobbies.”

A: “I am a proud South Floridian, an only child, and the owner of a Lab/Doberman named Lexie. I graduated from the University of Dallas in May of 2017 with a B.A. in business and a legal studies concentration. While at that institution, I was a collegiate softball player, studied abroad for a semester in Italy my sophomore year, and was a member of various club organizations throughout my tenure there. Shortly after my undergraduate commencement, I started Norwich University’s M.S. in information security and assurance program. After the first couple of courses ended, I decided to specialize in critical infrastructure protection and cybercrime. Right now, I am a doctoral student studying criminal justice at Saint Leo University. I have been working in the legal field since 2009 and just recently received an internship opportunity for the summer—thanks to the amazing networks of each university. Currently, I work as a legal assistant at a criminal defense law firm in South Florida. I have been at the same firm since 2009 and love the work environment there.”

Q: “Why did you choose Norwich, how did you learn about the university? What makes Norwich unique? What made Norwich’s master’s program stand out?”

A: “I chose Norwich University because it was an accredited, top-ranked online program in information security and assurance. I had applied to the college my senior year of high school, but ultimately chose not to attend because I am a Florida girl and the winters were just too cold for me.

Even though I decided to go to a different university, Norwich made a lasting impression on me. Naturally, when it came time to apply for my masters, I researched the information security and assurance program that Norwich University offered and realized that it was a perfect fit for me. The MSISA program is one of the few programs that allows people that are not super technical to learn more about this field in a rigorous, but achievable learning environment. Because I trusted the institution’s tradition of excellence, I only applied to Norwich University for my masters. Looking back on my decision now, I do not regret it, and am excited to be a part of the alumni community.”

Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program and how were those met or challenged based on your experience with Norwich?”

A: “I expected a learning environment that would be just as engaging as a traditional, on-campus degree program but would give me the flexibility that I needed to complete it in a reasonable timeframe. After finishing this program, I can honestly say that Norwich University delivered. An online degree program gives you the same quality of education that you would receive in person as long as you are self-disciplined and diligent with your deadlines.”

Q: “How have you grown personally or professionally since completing your coursework and degree?”

A: “After completing my master’s coursework at Norwich University, I realized that information security and information assurance are two topics that I am passionate about. Thanks to my incredible support system (both my professors and classmates), I learned that STEM is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort. If I had not taken a chance and enrolled myself into Norwich's program, I never would have been published in this field, never would have considered getting my doctorate degree in criminal justice, and would not have been able to start writing my thesis on cybercrime in order to add to the research community’s limited writings in this particular area.”

Q: “What has been the impact of Norwich on your life?”

A: “Honestly, the Norwich motto “I will try” is what has impacted my life the most. When I was in high school, I never would have thought that I would be graduating with a STEM degree because, for the most part, I was told that I should pursue other fields that played more to my strengths. After an identity theft incident with a close family member, I really wanted to learn more about cybersecurity as well as information security and assurance; however, I was not sure I would be able to meet the curriculum standards since I did not have a STEM background.

When I was researching Norwich University’s online program, I saw the motto ‘I will try’ and it really resonated with me; that one saying gave me the courage to go outside of my comfort zone, try it, and push myself to meet the expectations of the university. Because I tried, I have had so many doors open up for me that I would not have had if I had not been willing to take that leap of faith and know that I would get through it.”

Q: “What was the best part about Residency?”

A: “From an academic standpoint, the best part about Residency was the Cyber Security Summit because it was very informative and engaging. However, from a personal perspective, the two best parts of Residency were meeting my classmates as well as my professors in person and receiving my diploma.

Aside from cherishing the memories that I made meeting my professors, classmates, university staff, and other graduates at Norwich’s Residency, I will forever remember Norwich University President, Dr. Schneider’s, words. He told my graduating class that we have to duty to make the university proud and be good leaders. For the rest of my life, my goal is to live up to those standards and succeed.

The Residency experience at Norwich University is incredible if you keep an open mind and are willing to get the most out of it. Throughout that week, I got to network, learn from some of the best people in the field, meet both my professors and classmates in person, and really understand the expectations of being an alumna at this institution. I will forever cherish the friendships and memories I made during Residency week.”