Information Communication Technology Program Graduates First Student

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2015) — The first of its kind at the University of Kentucky, the Information Communication Technology (ICT) program is part of the School of Information Science in the College of Communication and Information.

The ICT program encompasses emerging technologies — such as computer systems and network technologies, telecommunications technologies, and information systems technologies  and how these interplay with people, communities and society.

The ICT program made its debut at UK during the 2014 fall semester, graduating its first student, Dan Collins, in the summer of 2015. Collins knew from the beginning it would be a lot to take on as he would have to take 60 hours of coursework in just a few months to graduate within a year of beginning the program.

Collins began his undergraduate ICT classes last fall and completed several summer classes as well as an independent study.

"All of my professors were very knowledgeable in their own field," Collins said. "There is enough diversity within the program that you feel like you get a good grasp on all aspects, which gives you an idea of what you want to do."

After several months of coursework, Collins landed an internship at a local information technology professional service company, SDGBlue.

Deloris Foxworth — a lecturer in ICT  was Collins' advisor for his internship with SDGBlue.

"I believe Dan was a very determined student," said Foxworth. "He worked hard both inside and outside the classroom to graduate in a timely manner despite declaring the ICT major only last fall."

Collins has some advice for current and future ICT students, "Don't be lazy. Go get an internship. You will learn a lot in the classroom but you will learn even more on the job."

All of his hard work and eagerness to learn has since paid off. Collins is now a full-time employee at SDGBlue as an associate security consultant. He is part of a team that assesses infrastructure and works to pinpoint security weaknesses and flaws in information systems.

When asked what it means to the program to have Collins as its first graduate, ICT Assistant Professor Michail Tsikerdekis said, "It is exciting. It helps us be determined with our mission to make the best graduates we can to fill a market that is rapidly changing through technology."

For more information about the ICT program at UK, visit ci.uky.edu/sis/ict or email deloris.foxworth@uky.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, (859) 257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu