University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

On this Veterans Day, we express our deepest gratitude for the immense contributions veterans make to our country, both during their service and after they transition to civilian life. For many veterans, the journey doesn't end with their military career; it evolves into new challenges and opportunities that shape their futures. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), we are proud to support veterans in their educational journeys, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and community to thrive in the ever-evolving fields of technology and cybersecurity.

Let’s spotlight some of the remarkable veterans at UAT who embody these values through their journeys:

Navigating the Cybersecurity World: Briant Becote, PhD

Professor Briant Becote, a UAT Cyber Security professor, brings a wealth of experience from both the Army National Guard and the U.S. Navy. With over two decades of service, Becote’s military background includes working as a Surface Sonar Technician and later as a Naval Flight Officer. His career provided him with a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills, which he now imparts to his students.

Becote’s path to teaching was shaped by his desire to give back to others. "The Navy offered me the opportunity to learn and grow through education," he shares. "After joining with only 12 college credits, I retired in December of 2023 with two master's degrees and a PhD, all without any student loans." This commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth is central to his approach as an educator.

His experiences across 25 countries and in various military roles allow him to provide students with a global perspective on technology, leadership, and security. Becote’s work at UAT is driven by a deep understanding of the importance of mentorship and the desire to help students navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity field, just as he did in his own career.

From Military Service to Educator: Aaron Rodriguez

Professor Aaron Rodriguez, a Cyber Security instructor at UAT, served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was an Aircraft Armament Specialist. His service took him to various locations around the world, from South Korea to Japan, and provided him with invaluable life lessons that continue to influence his work today.

Rodriguez joined the Air Force with the goal of seeing the world—a goal that he certainly accomplished. Along the way, he learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and precision—skills that have seamlessly transitioned into his teaching philosophy. "The military lifestyle has been burned into my brain," Rodriguez reflects. "The most important quality I picked up was patience, and it has always helped me stay calm in difficult or uneasy situations."

As a professor at UAT, Rodriguez is able to inspire and guide the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, many of whom are veterans like him. His experiences in the Air Force not only shaped his approach to education but also strengthened his commitment to helping his students succeed in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. "The military fast-tracked skills that prepared me for what life had in store," he says.

From Combat to Code: Alexander McPeake

For Alexander McPeake, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, the transition into the world of cybersecurity wasn’t an easy one—but it was one he pursued with determination. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, McPeake turned to education to redefine his career. "I wanted to work with computers, but coding wasn’t for me. I figured networking would allow me to do that without the coding," he explains.

McPeake found a path at UAT, where he enrolled in an online degree program for networking engineering. UAT’s hands-on learning approach allowed him to gain the real-world skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced technology industry. Now, as a Master's degree student in Cyber Security, McPeake works as a data center engineer at Switch, a leader in exascale data center ecosystems.

McPeake’s story highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience—qualities that veterans often develop during their military service and carry with them into their civilian careers. Today, he plays a crucial role in maintaining secure infrastructures at Switch, with aspirations to grow further into network security and security analysis. His journey underscores the transformative power of education and the opportunities that veterans have to reshape their careers in the technology world.

Veterans in Technology: Ryan Golden and Nathan Parry

At UAT, veterans are not only finding educational success but are also becoming integral members of the technology community. Ryan Golden, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Jordan, is currently pursuing a Data Science degree at UAT. His military background in unmanned aerial systems and Linux systems ignited a passion for technology and data. "The military taught me a sense of timelines and purpose, which now pushes me to go back to school and earn an official degree in Data," Golden says. His story is one of perseverance and dedication—traits that are invaluable in both the military and technology fields.

Similarly, Nathan Parry, a Navy veteran who served for six years, is now pursuing a degree in Virtual Reality at UAT. His initial interest in network security shifted to VR, thanks to the launch of the Oculus Quest 2. Parry’s military experience has shaped his approach to education, helping him navigate the challenges of transitioning back to school and setting his sights on a future in virtual reality development. "UAT has been exceptional in providing the flexibility I need to balance school with my established life," Parry shares.

UAT’s Commitment to Veterans

These stories represent just a small sample of the many veterans who are thriving at UAT. The University’s commitment to supporting veterans is reflected not only in the tailored educational programs but also in the inclusive, flexible environment that UAT provides. Whether it’s through career-focused degrees or personalized support services, UAT is dedicated to helping veterans succeed as they transition into civilian careers in technology.

On this Veterans Day, we honor the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of veterans like Aaron Rodriguez, Briant Becote, Alexander McPeake, Ryan Golden, and Nathan Parry. Their stories are a testament to the strength of the veteran community and the power of education to transform lives. As these veterans continue to shape the future of technology and cybersecurity, UAT remains proud to be part of their journey.

For those interested in following in their footsteps, UAT offers a range of degrees designed to empower veterans and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the digital age. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, data science, virtual reality, or another advancing technology field, UAT is here to support your educational goals and help you achieve success.

Happy Veterans Day from UAT! Thank you for your service.