Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
IT major Zachary Burdette wants to use his web-design skills to help others.
Full Name: Zachary Burdette.
Age: 19.
Hometown: Plainview, Texas.
Residence: Fort Valley.
High School: “I was homeschooled during my high school years. During this time I was a drummer for a band. During the summer breaks between my junior and senior years, and again after graduating, I took a mission trip to Northern California helping small churches in the area.”
Family: Father, Clay; mother, Dawn; sisters, Crystal and Danielle; brothers, Caleb and twins Joshua and Isaiah.
Current Employment: “I am currently a full-time student, but during my off time I have created a small business that designs and maintains websites for other small businesses.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in information technology with a major in web design.
Class Rank: Freshman.
Activities: “I am a member of the International Students and Studies Association. I am a leader for my church’s children’s ministry. Because of the website project that I have been doing for a genealogical group, they have asked me to be their tech adviser.”
Career Goals: “I want to use my gifts and knowledge as a web designer to build websites for small churches who cannot afford to hire corporations to build a website for them.”
He chose Macon State College because … “The cost, mainly. It did not break the bank, so to speak. I also chose it because of its proximity to my house. I needed to be close to home to help with the education of my younger brothers. Macon State also has the degree I wanted.”
The one thing that surprised him about Macon State was … “Most of my professors have gone over and beyond what I expected them to do to help me. I am truly grateful for their help.”
His favorite professor is … “I have to say that I have two favorite professors. My favorite English professor is Dr. Heather Braun. She opened my eyes to the joys of writing. My other favorite professor is Dr. Kevin Floyd. He has taught me so much about web design.”
His favorite place to study is … “I love to study in the Professional Sciences building in a quiet corner that will remain nameless so that it will remain quiet.”
One thing people don't know about him is … “I love to watch episodes of Battlefield Britain.”
His friends make fun of him because … “I am an extremely boisterous person.”
The one person he’d most like to meet is … “C. S. Lewis. He is my favorite author and philosopher. He has helped me to improve my own arguments on tough subjects and strengthened my beliefs.”
Five years from now he sees himself … “I hope to have strong business in web design.”