50 Years, 50 Dynamic ECPI University Graduates

50 Years, 50 Dynamic ECPI University Graduates

Founded in 1966, ECPI University began by offering classes in computer programming. At the time, it was among the few institutions of higher learning offering such classes. You might say staying ahead of the curve is one of ECPI University’s defining characteristics.

Our faculty and program chairs maintain an ongoing dialogue with employers in order to keep curriculum current and relevant to the workplace. Here are 50 dynamic graduates who can tell you why ECPI University is the best decision they ever made!

1. Candice Daughety

Degree: B.S., Healthcare Administration

Employer: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

“It’s not just a university, it's an opportunity for your life. ECPI made me who I am today.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

2. Quinten Miller

Degree: B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: JT3 Aviation

“The faculty and staff were amazing…that’s all I can say, just amazing.”

3. Jennifer Ross

Degree: M.S., Information Science

Employer: Microsoft

“I always had awesome teachers who loved to challenge me, which was exactly what I needed.”

4. Carol Manley

Degrees: A.S., Nursing (RN), BSN

Employer: Consulate Healthcare

“What I learned at ECPI University, the skills I developed, really set me on the right path. The accelerated pace really kept me focused.”

5. Theodosis “Sakis” Efthimiadis

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: U.S. Library of Congress

"I really liked the opportunities for interaction and online engagement.”

6. Patricia Galen

Degree: A.S., Medical Assistant

Employer: Prime Care Medical

“What I see in an ECPI University graduate is someone with a great deal of professionalism, strong work ethic, and solid skills.”

7. Tory Firman

Degree: A.S., Nursing (RN)

Employer: Virginia Health Services

“I’ve hired about half a dozen ECPI graduates over the years. In fact, I will take as many of them as I can get my hands on.”

8. Bill Linville

Degree: B.S. Network Security

Employer: Dräxlmaier Group

“It’s a great learning environment and the small class sizes really give you a chance to know your professor and get plenty of help when you need it.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

9. Kevin Hagaman

Degree: A.S., Surgical Technology

Employer: Centra Southside Community Hospital

“The classes were direct and to the point. You go in, get your work done. Going to school year-round, taking two classes every five weeks…it keeps you really focused. There was always this feeling that graduation was just around the corner. I left feeling very prepared. ”

10. Corey Sheppard

Degree: A.S., Culinary Arts

Employer: BRAVO Cucina Italiana

“I did it!  I graduated and I proved to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to.”

11. Anthony Cousins

Degree: B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: CaptiveAire

“Being able to go to school year-round and earn my bachelor’s in 2.5 years was ideal, and when I got a look at the simulation software at the online campus…I was impressed.”

12. Tiffany Cunningham

Degree: A.S., Surgical Technology     

Employer: Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center

“During my tour at ECPI University, I walked into the surgical laboratory and fell in love! It was an exceptional facility and the people were equally impressive.”

13. Joe Cayse

Degree: B.S. Electronics Engineering Technology (Online)

Employer: Sanmina SCI Technology

“I got to study what really interests me at anytime, anywhere in the world, and I received a great education that has given me the skills and confidence to be competitive in the engineering and technology industry.”

14. Samantha Silke

Degree: B.S., Criminal Justice

Employer: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

“I wanted to learn from people who had worked in the criminal justice field and could relay personal experiences, not just what they read in a book. I really got what I was looking for.”

15. Travis Cooper

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: Cisco Systems

“I would just like to give a big shout out to all of the wonderful people on staff at ECPI University. I want to say thanks for all the encouragement and support that I received along the way. It wasn’t all easy, but there were a lot of great people that kept me motivated and on track to succeed.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

16. Gary Hart

Degree: A.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Mercedes-Benz

“I am working in a position that is directly related to my degree program. I couldn’t be happier with how everything came together because of my decision to attend ECPI University.”

17. Kebe Agurs

Degree: B.S., Healthcare Administration

Employer: Novant Health

I know I am capable of doing anything. ECPI University is the best decision I ever made!”

18. Michael Mollenhauer

Degree: B.S., Mechatronics   

Employer: Kongsberg Maritime

“The faculty members in the Mechatronics department are an excellent group of professionals. For me, their knowledge, experience, personalities, and interests made learning in this field interesting and enjoyable.”

19. Keisha Swinson

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: Cisco Systems

“My advisors walked me through the entire process and were always there for me when I needed them.”

20. Tenell Berry

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: USAA

“My career service advisor helped me take a strategic approach to my job search.”

22. Matt Hammond

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: GE Security Technology Center

I had friends who attended more traditional schools and they were pretty much stuck with their text books. I, on the other hand, got to touch the routers and switches, not just read about them.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

23. Yolanda Worthy

Degree: A.S., Practical Nursing

Employer: St. Francis Health Systems

“My teachers made every effort to make sure we understood what we were learning. They were determined to make sure that no one was left behind.”

24. Darryl Stocks

Degree: A.S., Electronics Engineering Technology   

Employer: JT3 Aviation

“I tried the traditional approach and it wasn’t for me. I needed a no-nonsense environment where everyone was focused on their career.”

​25. Brett Schroder

Degree: B.S. Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Texas Instruments

“I cannot say enough about ECPI University’s Career Services. They really kept the lines of communication open, making me aware of opportunities and helping me prepare so I could make the most of them.”

26. Emma Mullet

Degree: A.S., Medical Assistant

Employer: Landrum Family Healthcare

I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and everyone at ECPI University. They really worked with me to help me stay on course.”

27. GyJuan Winslow

Degree: B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Boeing

28. Billy DeWalt

Degree: B.S., Network Security (online)

Employer: Siemens Healthcare

“I remember taking a math class and I was having difficulty with a particular equation and my instructor stayed up with me on the phone well past midnight until I understood.”

29. Brian Jones

Degree: B.S., Healthcare Administration

Employer: Park Place Dental Clinic   

“If I had attended a traditional university, I would be sitting in a classroom right now instead of my own office.”

30. John Taylor

Degree: A.S., Biomedical Technology

Employer: Owns Medical Equipment Sales of Virginia

“ECPI helped me enter a whole new world. I had never thought of myself as ‘college material,’ but they made the whole process of attending college more attainable than other schools I considered.”

31. Patrick Wright

Degree: A.S., Computer and Information Technology

Employer: Partner – STP Ventures

ECPI gave me the confidence and foundational knowledge to succeed. They took the ‘scary’ out of tech. Once it’s not scary, you start learning and never stop. I learned that whatever challenge comes your way, you tackle it and continually improve.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

32. David Likens

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: Hewlett-Packard

“Once I started at ECPI, I knew I was in the right place. It was all about ‘this is how you build it, this is how you make it secure.’ They really seem to understand the military mindset.”

33. James Farmer

Degree: B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Bizerba North America

The hands-on learning and the professional assistance I received with interviewing skills gave me a great deal of confidence when I walked into the interview.”

34. Kathy Mullen

Degree: A.S., Medical Assistant

Employer: Manassas Internal Medicine

“I want to thank all the great people at ECPI for the time they took in educating and encouraging me. I will never forget everyone there who touched my life.”

35. Zachary Clark

Degree: B.S., Healthcare Administration

Employer: Gloucester House Assisting Living

“The knowledge I attained at ECPI was extraordinarily comprehensive. My classes in global health, six sigma, law, ethics, marketing, and research, along with my externship, allowed me to lay a foundation on which to build a successful career.”

36. Will Sampson

Degree: A.S., IT Network Management

Employer – East Carolina Bank         

“ECPI University offered the classes I needed when I needed them and allowed me to learn using the latest technology. Bottom line: ECPI really delivered.” 

37. Michael Martin

Degree: B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Rolls-Royce

“ECPI University was the perfect fit!”

38. Michelle Cazares

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: U.S. Air Force        

“ECPI had the best program for me. It was fast-paced, hands-on, and it offered a degree in an area for which I have a passion.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

39. Brandon Gonzales

Degree: B.S., Mechatronics

Employer: TS Tech Indiana

“Since the Midwest is still very big in the manufacturing industry, I was able to land a great paying career almost immediately after graduation and move back to my home state as well. ECPI University helped prepare me for my current career field through its PLC and Industrial Technology classes. The advanced work I do at TS TECH Indiana is directly related to almost everything I was taught in my Mechatronics course material.”

40. Darren Faulkner

Degree: A.S., Electronics Engineering Technology

Employer: Commtronics of Virginia

“The faculty gave me the knowledge to enter the LMR field and my career services advisor was instrumental in helping me land my first job.”

41. Walter Edwards

Degree: A.S., Nursing (RN)

Employer: Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

“When you have a sick child, there is a considerable amount of stress on the family, and you care for them almost as much as you do the patient. It’s a privilege to be there for them.”

42. Joshua Plata

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: Windstream Communications

“The only way you can fail at ECPI University is if you stop trying. They believed in me before I was sure I believed in myself. Now I know I can do whatever I put my mind to.”

43. Arthur Foster

Degree: Computer Programming Diploma   

Employer: Lockheed Martin (Ret.)

“I could not have achieved what I have without ECPI. It’s amazing how the school has grown through the years and all the resources it offers.”

50 Years, 50 Fabulous ECPI University Graduates

44. Marvin Hatchett

Degree: Electronics Diploma

Employer: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The faculty was very concerned with the individual student. They really strive to reach out to meet the needs of each person.”    

45. Preston Whittington

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: IBM

“We wanted to start a new tradition in our family that everyone gets a college degree. I hope it’s a tradition that will live on for many years to come.”

46. Kecia Jackson

Degree: A.S., Culinary Arts

Employer: Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

“These children really depend on us. When I go home at the end of the day, thinking about all those kids, it’s a little overwhelming but very rewarding.”

47. Carl Drakeford

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: BMW

“I know I could not be doing this without ECPI. It was there where I ‘learned how to learn’ which is really important because I have some big goals.”

48. William Fratus

Degree: Computer Programming Certificate

Employer: U.S. Navy

“I am so glad that the people at ECPI opened their doors when they did. There really was nowhere else in town where I could have gone to learn those particular skills. Everything I learned, I used in the Navy and everything I learned in the Navy, I used to launch my civilian career.”

49. Richard Kreemer

Degree: A.S., Culinary Arts

Employer: Small’s Smokehouse and Oyster Bar

“I’ve learned so much. I thought I knew a lot already but when I got to school I learned I didn’t know as much as I thought I did!

50. Thomas Windley

Degree: B.S., Network Security

Employer: U.S. Army

“I would highly recommend ECPI University to fellow service members. I believe it has the best customer service of any online school and I have attended several. Further, the curriculum is very precise and concentrated in the areas most needed to perform the job at maximum proficiency."

50 Years, 50 Dynamic ECPI University Graduates

Do these graduates inspire you to further your education? If you’d like to join the ranks of proud ECPI University alumni, contact an admissions officer today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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