There are more than 250 students from all walks of life in the
Computer Information Technology Program at Gateway Community and Technical College. Gateway’s Dean of Business, Information Technology, and Professional Studies, Dr. Chris Rickels said these students are able complete their degree online, in person, or through a combination of both tracks.
Nicole Moxley, troubleshoots problems for clients at Nexigen Communications
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Nicole Moxley will finish her associate's degree in cybersecurity at Gateway this fall.When Nicole Moxley, 29, graduated from Gateway in May 2024 with an associate’s degree in network administration, she was pregnant and working 40-hour weeks, but said Gateway was amazing in helping her achieve her goals.
“You have to learn what works best for your schedule and Gateway is phenomenal about this,” Moxley said. “The only thing stopping you from getting your degree is you. You really have to want it.”
Since June, Moxley has been working at the service desk at Nexigen Communications where she troubleshoots problems for clients. On any given day, she might answer 10-15 calls which can range in length from five minutes to more than one hour. She often works with clients who get phishing emails or are dealing with security attacks and said it can be very interesting work.
“It’s an ongoing problem in our economy these days,” said Moxley. “It’s really easy to get hacked and it’s happening all the time, but Nexigen works with clients to provide fully customizable cybersecurity services and support.”
In the fall, Moxley plans to finish her associate’s degree in cybersecurity and said there are opportunities to pursue this path at Nexigen, where there is lots of room for growth. “There is always so much room to grow (at Nexigen) and they encourage us to get certifications and be our best,” said Moxley. “Technology is always advancing, and I want to advance with it. I don’t want to be stuck behind.”
In December 2024,
Nexigen announced a $4.35 million investment in its operations in Campbell County, creating 75 new jobs.
Dustin Morris, computer technician, BlairTech
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Dustin Morris is part of the Gateway2NKU program, currently enrolled at Northern Kentucky University working toward a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and a minor in digital forensics.Dustin Morris, 31, received multiple IT scholarships during his time at Gateway, including through Red Hawk Technologies, a Northern Kentucky-based IT company specializing in custom app and software development.
Before attending Gateway, Morris said he was working jobs that weren’t really leading anywhere and decided on a whim to return to school. Technology had always been a passion of his. He graduated with an associate’s degree in information security and network administration.
“I wouldn’t have made it as far if I didn’t have scholarships or Pell Grants,” said Morris. “Those opportunities were placed in front of me because of Gateway.”
Morris has been working as a computer technician at BlairTech for about eight months, where he builds anywhere from 60-80 computers a day. He is currently the lead computer technician.
BlairTech is celebrating its 20
th anniversary this year.
Morris is continuing to take some classes at Gateway, and as part of the Gateway2NKU program, he is currently enrolled at Northern Kentucky University working toward a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and a minor in digital forensics.
For those thinking about entering the IT field, Morris suggests having a specialty in mind. “Forensics was my favorite class I took at Gateway,” said Morris. “If I could get a job doing something forensics based, extracting technologies and information, that’s what I like. The IT world is always changing.”
Sylvia Mullins, associate software engineer for Red Hawk Technologies
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Gateway graduate, Sylvia Mullins, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science online software engineering degree at Western Governors University.Sylvia Mullins, 29, was really into coding and designing websites for fun while she was in high school, but said she never saw this interest as a career option.
When she graduated, she went straight into the retail world and worked a variety of entry-level jobs for about five years before she decided to investigate the IT world.
From Gateway, Mullins earned an associate’s degree in information technology with a focus on programming and also completed two rounds with
Code:You, a Kentucky-based program that gives people free access to resources they need to pursue a career in technology.
Mullins said she chose Gateway because of the affordable tuition and the flexibility. While pursuing her degree online, she was also working full-time and raising two children. Mullins also received a scholarship through Red Hawk Technologies during her time at Gateway, which enabled her to purchase schoolbooks and pay off the computer she leased for classes.
"Not having to constantly worry about money made it so much easier to focus on school," said Mullins. "That scholarship truly helped us get ahead and significantly reduced our stress."
After keeping in touch with
Red Hawk Technologies for two years, the company reached out to her on LinkedIn, and she was hired full-time and has worked as an associate software engineer for one year.
"Without attending Gateway and applying for scholarships, I never would have been connected with Redhawk,” said Mullins. “That opportunity not only introduced me to an amazing, innovative team where I get to learn and grow every day, but it also changed the rest of my life for the better. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance that helped shape my path and led me to a career I’m truly passionate about."
In this role, she works on a variety of projects, including debugging, building custom software and creating, reviewing, and improving websites. "For me, it's about seeing the final product and knowing that my creativity came to life, my critical thinking was put to use, and I created something I’m truly proud of," said Mullins.
Mullins is now attending school full-time through Western Governors University and pursuing a Bachelor of Science online software engineering degree.
She said working at Red Hawk Technologies is the best job she’s ever had. "They are very supportive of work-life balance," said Mullins. "They offer great learning opportunities, and if I have downtime, I can even use it to work on my homework."
The information technology field is hot.
Information technology, with relatively high wages and strong growth potential, is one of four target industry sectors for Northern Kentucky.
“In this region, employment in the IT industry is expected to grow 19.6% between 2024-2029,” said BE NKY Client Relations Manager Devon Greco. “With schools like Gateway offering high-caliber IT programs, companies looking to locate or expand in Northern Kentucky will have a highly skilled workforce to draw upon.”
Rickels agreed that the information technology field is hot, and Gateway’s students are successfully finding jobs in this growing industry that is critical to all business sectors.
“Information security is also national security and there are definitely increasingly global threats,” said Rickels. “We are equipping students with the skills to understand and respond to that, whether at an IT company or working in other sectors.”