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Charleston Network Security Student Excels in
the Classroom and at Work
E
dward Couto is a man whose plate is
more than full. He has a wife, children,
and full-time job. As busy as he is, he’s
still focused on excellence. A student
at the Charleston campus, he has been
selected as the Civilian Employee of the
Quarter for the 628th Air Base Wing in
Charleston. Edward recently earned his
associate’s degree at ECPI and is now
pursuing his Bachelor of Science Degree
in Computer and Information Science
with a concentration in Network Security.
Name:
Bryan Penberthy
Title/Campus:
Program Director, Arts & Sciences / Charleston
Education:
B.A., Kansas State University (2000), M.F.A., Purdue University (2003)
Date of Hire:
March 30, 2009
What did you do prior to joining ECPI University?
Prior to joining ECPI, I taught for a number of other
institutions, including Purdue University. Aside from teaching, I worked as communications manager
for a non-profit organization, but returned to academia as I missed teaching. I am a writer as well,
and have published articles and dozens of poems in journals throughout the country. Additionally, I’ve
consulted on/ghostwritten a number of nationally-acclaimed projects, including award-winning titles across the fields of history,
biography, political science, and military studies.
Most Rewarding Experience/Greatest Accomplishment:
My most rewarding experience is probably also my greatest
accomplishment: winning the National Poetry Review Book Prize for my first collection of poetry,
Lucktown
. Following graduate
school, I moved to Charleston to live by the ocean and write a book. Over the next three years, I worked on the manuscript and
saved my pennies for contest reading fees. With so many solitary hours poured into the poems, it was gratifying to discover that
other folks respond to the work as well. After the book was published, I shared my work via readings throughout the country,
released a CD of music and poetry, and have worked with several artists on various poetry/visual art projects.
Favorite Food:
Can we ask Favorite Food City instead? Because Charleston is full of some of the country’s best eating—
restaurants like FIG, Husk, Cypress, Oku, and others have received national acclaim for their eats. As Charleston has become a
top food destination, I’m pleased to have so many delicious options available within walking distance of my place.
My Most Treasured Possession:
The only possessions I tend to treasure are books and cheap mementos from important
moments in my life. I suppose the handmade journal I use to write many first drafts of poems currently has Most Favored Nation
status.
Favorite Book:
As with many writers, I have too many favorites to list; however, a few stand out. Infinite Jest, by David Foster
Wallace, caused me to give up writing for a while — it’s intimidatingly great. The Triggering Town and Making Certain It Goes On,
by Richard Hugo, nailed down the craft and the art of poetry for me. Historically, we live in the richest period for great literature.
Hobbies:
Who has time for hobbies?