At Mesalands Community College (MCC), we aim to promote a spirit of growth and competence. We push our students to strive for more and to reach the highest level they can, while providing all the support possible to help them get there. This is why it is always a pleasure to hear success stories of alumni who went on to go beyond the expected. One such story is that of Raymond Gallant.
Raymond was a student in the liberal arts program and a work study in the IT department at Mesalands Community College. After a few semesters at the college, he transferred to Eastern New Mexico University, where he is now studying for a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity. After transferring, Raymond went on to have several impressive accomplishments.
While studying for his bachelor’s at ENMU, he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems - Cybersecurity with honors from Ruidoso CAE. Additionally, he participated in various prestigious internships funded by the National Science Foundation, including a cybersecurity internship aboard a University of Alaska research vessel, which sailed from Hawaii to Alaska, as well as a position with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, where he worked in the Climate Global Dynamic Labs. He also completed a Summer Security Intensive fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, a highly selective institution with an overall acceptance rate of 16%.
Rising above challenges
The student’s journey was not always straightforward. During his time at Mesalands, he faced personal hardships that he says got him close to dropping out of college, but thanks to the compassionate support from Mesalands staff and faculty, he was able to continue. On a professional level, Raymond says that his position in the IT department was “a major catalyst” in his career. This is where he learned fundamental concepts and the basics of IT from Mesalands employees who taught him hands-on, on the job. It is this foundation that he then built on to become the proficient IT specialist that he is today.
Now Raymond Gallant is full of drive and optimism for his future. The MCC alumnus has many plans for the years ahead and does not look like he intends to slow down anytime soon. The student made a cybersecurity startup, and he is currently working on building a non-profit in cybersecurity outreach and education. After graduating, he intends to pursue a joint degree program for a Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh, as he anticipates a huge need for this skillset in a world where AI continues to integrate into our society. The alum also mentioned that he still works closely with a mentor from his time at Mesalands, who provides knowledge and guidance as he moves his career forward.
The Mesalands Spirit
Raymond’s story is one that we find inspiring, and we believe it is a testimony to the strong spirit of community that students can expect to find at Mesalands. Here, we go beyond the textbook and beyond the expected to provide an environment for students to thrive and make the most of their education. We want to hear more stories like Raymond’s, so our staff and faculty continue to dedicate themselves to student success year after year.