Securing His Future: Ignite Scholar Issa Cogdell Pursues Dream of Entrepreneurship    

Gardner-Webb’s Cybersecurity Program and PACE Leadership Certificate Paves the Way

By Makella Knowles, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Issa Cogdell, a student at Gardner-Webb University, is majoring in computer science and minoring in cybersecurity to fulfill his dreams of financial freedom and entrepreneurship. Originally an accounting major, Cogdell switched to the tech field after a friend shared his successful experience in cybersecurity. His friend knew about Cogdell’s love for computers since his seventh-grade coding and entrepreneurship class, and encouraged him to further develop that interest in college.

A winner of the Ignite Scholarship at Gardner-Webb, Cogdell has been able to harness his computer skills into a career path. Growing up watching his mother’s hard work and determination has kept him strongly devoted to his classes in the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. He names Assistant Professor Oscar Gonzalez and Professor Dr. Mirek Mystkowski as the two faculty members who have encouraged him the most in his academic journey. Gonzalez explains topics to his students with a practical approach, and Cogdell credits him as the one who initiated his interest in the field.

Despite his demanding academic schedule, Cogdell is involved in a wide range of beneficial clubs and organizations. Being a member of the Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Leadership Program affords him many career advancement opportunities. Through the program, he was able to start a digital library outreach using QR codes for local churches. Offering this resource allowed people in the community to get back into church and reading for free. Cogdell is also a member of Men of Impact, a club that offers professional career advancement and networking opportunities, and organizes volunteer events like litter clean ups around the town of Boiling Springs.

A new addition to Cogdell’s schedule is participation in Ethics Bowl with Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Dr. Anna Sieges-Beal. The Ethics Bowl team researches contemporary topics and debates them in a competition with teams from other independent colleges in North Carolina. Another important group to him is the Black Student Association. In this community of friends and peers, Cogdell says he has found a home away from home.

With such a demanding schedule, Cogdell makes sure to stay accountable, partnering with his friends and classmates to make a plan to get things done and stay on top of his schoolwork. After earning his degree, Cogdell hopes to go straight into the workforce. Through the Searight PACE program, he has obtained many of the certifications needed for his field, setting him up for success without the need for grad school. Whether in his classes or his social life, Cogdell is dedicated and has a solid plan for his future with hopes of owning his own business one day and gaining financial independence.

Makella Knowles, of Indian Trail, N.C., is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Spanish and marketing.

About the Ignite Scholarship

Ignite Excellence is Gardner-Webb University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. Applicants must reside on campus, be enrolled full-time, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Learn more here.

About Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

Gardner-Webb University’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education program offers very specific, online and in-person courses to enhance the skill levels of professionals ranging from entry level to mid-management, executive, and beyond. Additionally, the Leadership Certificate program and award created for undergraduate students prepares them for leadership and service in their professional careers and in their personal lives. Learn more here.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.