After 27 Years in Tech, Daniel Returned to Earn His Bachelor’s and Master’s with a 4.0 GPA
NMSU Global Campus graduate Daniel G. built a successful IT career before returning to school to finish what he started. One hard-earned bachelor’s and a Master of Information Technology later, he is proof that it’s never too late to chase your goals.
“I never thought I would ever get to go to grad school. I mean, I resigned myself a long time ago to not even having a bachelor’s. But once I completed that, it suddenly came that, well, maybe I can do this.”
Daniel G., Class of ’24
Q&A with Daniel G.
Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to NMSU Global Campus?
Daniel G.: I’ve always been kind of a nontraditional student. I started at the University of Iowa back in ‘94, went for three years, dropped out, took a job in IT, and never finished my degree.
Then, when Covid hit, I decided it might be time to go back and complete my undergrad. My wife was very supportive, saying, “You should do this for yourself. Why not?” Getting my bachelor’s was really a personal goal for me—finishing something I’d started. But towards the end of my last semester, I began thinking, “I’ve been working for 27 years now in IT, why not get a master’s degree that actually speaks to what I do?”
I have an aunt and uncle—both retired from NMSU—and my uncle actually suggested I consider NMSU’s IT program. He told me it’s a great school with lots of benefits, and you can do it all online. NMSU was also about half the cost of other schools I was looking at back near Chicago. So, I thought, “Why not go here? This seems like a great opportunity.”

What did you enjoy most about your experience, and how did you feel supported along the way?
Daniel G.: Well, what’s interesting is, because I’ve been working professionally for so long in IT, I already have that approach of getting things done. I’m a web developer, I’ve done project management and a lot of technical things, so I have a really solid foundation in a lot of the topics.
Back in the ‘90s, I started out my first semester on the Dean’s List, and when I left, I was getting Ds because I got demotivated. Now, I’m 4.0 all the way. I got As in every class from finishing my undergrad to finishing my master’s program here.
One of the people who has been a support through this whole program is my classmate, Justin. He and I met early on in the first semester. We were partnered up in one of the classes, we stayed buddies, and we’ve been cheering each other on. Even during the last semester, when we had a bit of senioritis, we both kept telling each other “Hey, we can do this!”
“If you’re a nontraditional student, a little bit older, and you’ve got work experience, honestly, I think it’s a lot easier going into a master’s program.”
Daniel G., Class of ’24
Now that you’ve reached this milestone, what’s next for you?
Daniel G.: I’m going to relax for a little bit. It was a lot of work. It still hasn’t quite hit me yet that this is it. I’m done!
I told my son, I’ve got some projects he and I are going to do together, because I did miss some father-son time with him. I was there for the important things, but there were times when dad had to stay and do homework while my son and my wife went to a family function.
Now I’ll be more available for him, and we’ve got some stuff to do with his music. He’s a musician, an aspiring rock star, and he’s actually really, really good. I’m the “dad-ager,” and his mom’s the roadie. We have a lot of fun doing stuff together, and it’s kind of our little family project. ”
“Sometimes they’ll be busy with their schoolwork, but that doesn’t mean they’re not thinking of you. They’re trying to do better than they were previously, and you just support them.”
Holden, Daniel G.’s son, age 11

Finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about taking the next step in their education?
Daniel G.: Just do it. You know, everyone’s going to have fears and doubts—fear, uncertainty, and doubt. You’re going to have that. I had it. But you don’t know if you can do it until you try.
You’re working on something that’s hard, but it’s not going to be hard forever. Take it one step at a time.
This interview with NMSU Global Campus graduate Daniel G. was conducted before his Fall 2024 commencement and has been edited for clarity.
About New Mexico State University Global Campus

At NMSU Global Campus, our mission is to help prepare the next generation of leaders. We focus on offering high-quality education that spans a multitude of disciplines and career pathways. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certification in teaching, science, engineering, healthcare, business, or others, we provide exciting opportunities that can help shape your future.
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. We offer flexible, career-focused 100% online courses and degree options in New Mexico, across the nation, and around the globe. Start your journey with our accessible and affordable degree options.