FEATURE

    

 

  

by Misty Browning  

  

When one thinks about computer science, old-school coding comes to mind. But while computer science is rooted in math and programming, there is a whole wide world of jobs available in IT and cybersecurity. 

Dr. Michael Saylor, the new program director of Weatherford College’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Science program, is excited to be at WC, where he can guide and mentor students toward these diverse careers.   

“Cyber pays really well because it’s a hard job,” Saylor explained. “It’s not a job you train for, and then you’re good at cyber. You’re having to learn stuff every day. And some people think, ‘I’m not that kind of person. I don’t want to learn stuff every day. I want to get my certificate and be done.’ So, it helps to have those discussions with people to really help them design that career path and understand the courses and certifications needed, and how long it’s going to take to do it.”   

The new Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Science program is WC’s fifth bachelor’s degree. It’s designed as a flexible pathway for students with an associate degree in information technology to advance their careers and compete effectively in the fast-growing tech sector.   

Saylor said his love for computers started at a young age after his parents bought him a Commodore 64. He went on to take summer coding programs and high school computer classes. After changing his major a few times, he ended up back in computer science at UTA. It was his own experience needing a mentor to help navigate his undergraduate degrees that sparked his passion for education.   

After obtaining his bachelor’s in information systems from UTA, Saylor went on to obtain his master’s degree in criminal justice from UT Dallas and a Doctorate in Business Administration, specializing in information security and assurance from National University. He has more than 30 years of experience in the IT/cyber industry and has authored numerous publications and presentations on technology governance, risk, and cybersecurity.   

“I started teaching college in 1999, and the problem with cybersecurity is all the unfilled jobs,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve tried to mentor as many people as I can and give opportunities to enhance their college program with real-world experience through internships.”   

Saylor has now brought that passion for mentorship to WC, saying he had been looking for an opportunity to have more student engagement after the post-COVID shift to Zoom classes.   

Engaging with students while helping to build a successful program at WC is a perfect fit for him. He believes in building a truly applied program where students learn theories and fundamentals through coursework and lectures, but also tie that program into the community.   

“I’d like to build a good academic program, but make it a truly applied program where you come here and you learn the theories and the fundamentals through coursework and lecture, but then also tie that program into the community. Whether it’s other colleges or community organizations, the students will have the opportunity to gain the experience they need while they’re in the program, so that when they graduate, they have their degree and the experience to get a job”.   

Saylor also finds it essential that people don’t self-disqualify themselves if they don’t think they’re technical or smart enough to pursue a career in cyber.  Anyone interested in the program should consider that not every cyber position is math-intensive.  

“Cyber works from multiple perspectives,” he said. “There is a job in cyber for everybody. Young people entering the workforce with different expectations and life-work balance, there’s a job for you. I’ll have to get you acclimated to that job, and at some point, your expectations change, and you’re able to fill out whatever these roles are based on what you learned in college.   

“There are jobs that involve managing and understanding the cybersecurity team that takes care of the company all day, while prioritizing projects and activities. There’s actually a niche for people who want to get into cyber who may not be very technical, but they’re really good at managing people and managing projects. Those are just two quick examples, but quite literally, there is a job for everybody in cyber, and you should not self-disqualify because you’re not confident in your technical ability.”   

Saylor is excited to be bringing his decades of knowledge and work experience to WC, saying it feels more like a home than an institution.   

“It feels good to be here,” he said. “I’m always excited about being a part of building something newer or making something better.”