Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Residence: Macon.

High School: Keller High School, where he participated in cross-country, speech and debate, and theater.

Current Employment: Work-study student for the School of Information Technology.

Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in information technology.

Class Rank: Junior.

Activities: President, Association of Information Technology Students; National Society of Leadership and Success; technology director, The Mentor's Project of Bibb County.

Career Goals: “I realize I am still young and have a few years to figure life out. I tend to try to find all the answers in one day, this does not always work. My options are open at this point. I'd like to work for a technology company such as Symantec or RIM (Blackberry). I'm thinking about whether I’d like to pursue a master’s/PhD. Most IT jobs don't require it unless you would like to teach. I'd like to be more involved in a nonprofit organization that focuses on technology work. If I stay in the private sector I'd like to either be a security manager or work in project management. There are many different opportunities available for IT and I'm still trying to decide what is best for me.”

He chose Macon State College because … “It was easily accessible it was to me. I also choose it because the class sizes were very small and offered an environment that makes it easy to communicate with your professor. The affordability of the bachelor's program was also enticing.”

The one thing that surprised him about Macon State was … “I didn't realize we had a health clinic and a campus swimming pool. Macon State also has faculty who are passionate about helping students achieve their goals in any way they can. Professors are willing to go out of their way to get you recommendations/awards when you are willing to put forth the hard-work and effort it takes.”

His favorite professor is … “I work with many professors. I find it difficult to answer this but I will have to say Johnathan Yerby. I have enjoyed working with him to improve the environment for my fellow colleagues and myself through the Association of Information Technology Students. I also like that he is willing to propose and is open to new ideas that can improve the overall college environment and the local community.”

His favorite place to study is … “I'd have to say the 2nd floor of the Professional Sciences building near the banquet hall. Few students are there in the afternoon. It's very easy to sit down and study and listen to some classical music if you need to relax after a stressful exam. Bach Cello Suite #1 works wonders.”

One thing people don't know about him is … “I'm an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra patron. I try to go as much as I can when the money is available in the budget. I also drink way too much Starbucks.”

His friends make fun of him because … “I take my work too seriously sometimes.”

The one person he’d most like to meet is … “Alton Brown. I like to cook a lot and I enjoy watching Good Eats on Food Network. He is really knowledgeable about food and knows the science behind it all.”

Five years from now he sees himself … “Staying on the forefront of technology. I see myself working toward a balance between social initiatives relating to technology and my job at a technology firm. I hope to obtain some relevant certification such as CISSP and CCNP. I also hope I will be able to become a network security manager or work in my desired field within technology.”