Timothy Adedoyin’s Time at ANU

When Timothy Adedoyin reflects on his journey in information technology, one thing is clear: the field has transformed dramatically since he first began his studies. Now recognized as a Term 252 Trailblazer at American National University, Timothy is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) to ensure he stays ahead in this fast-changing industry. Originally from Nigeria, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in information technology, he came to America determined to upgrade his skills and academic qualifications for the future. With ANU’s courses, Timothy has not only excelled in his classes but has improved upon knowledge he already had.

Reflecting on why he chose ANU, Timothy shared how the university’s approach to education aligns with the way he learns best. “For someone like me, ANU is the best school for me. How do I mean? I am someone who is always self-taught, independent, and I really, really need my own time,” he explains. “I don’t want to go sit in a conventional classroom, especially when I want to work and be able to earn my degree.

So ANU presented the opportunity for me to learn at my own comfort, supervised and graded by the highest academic standards, and also be able to get experience from renowned professors and doctors in the program.”

For Timothy, it wasn’t just about advancing his education—it was about finding a program that fits into his life. “So, most importantly, it was the perfect fit for me [with] work life balance.”

Timothy also shared how his studies at ANU have had a direct impact on his professional life. He takes pride in showcasing his academic journey, and even small milestones have boosted his confidence and highlighted the value his workplace places on his education. “My signature for my email was updated with MSIT at the end. That made me feel great, so yeah, my workplace values it and I think it’s a great one for me, too,” he says.

One of the experiences Timothy valued most during his time at ANU was the international student residency. It gave him the opportunity to connect face-to-face with professors and peers, building relationships and insights that enriched his online learning experience. He explains that some of his favorite moments of his education come from the residency days he attended, “the interaction between myself and fellow students and instructors, and particularly I want mention Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Godlove. Those are two people who are a significant part of my life and study.”

He goes on to describe why Dr. Nathan Sullivan and Dr. Timothy Godlove impacted his study. “Dr. Sullivan works in the industry, so he brings industry experience into academics, which makes him a very great [teacher]. Likewise, Dr. Godlove – we had a lot to talk about because his experience is from the past when he was, I think, in the military, and he’s also in the academics now. So we can relate on production, implementation of IT and its original academic aspect… Beyond that, sometimes we also discuss work relationships, how to angle something, real life work relationships in class. So those discussions and the residency were actually significant for me.”

For Timothy, one of the most rewarding aspects of studying at ANU has been the diversity of the student body. Engaging with classmates from all over the world has broadened his perspective, enriched class discussions, and made his educational journey even more meaningful. “It’s the diversity and broad spectrum of knowledge that the school allows individuals to share,” he explains about what he likes most about ANU.

“Of all the schools I’ve been to [before], they have been conventional in such that it’s been people from the same region. But ANU brings everybody from all over the world – I’ve met people from Africa, from Asia, from America – all over the world. The beauty of that is a lot of these people come with their own experiences, they come with their own process of how they do things and standards. You see some differences that you can say ‘I’m going to borrow how they do this over there, I’m going to use this.’”

Looking ahead, Timothy is focused on using his advanced IT skills to lead a larger organization. “The goal is to be a CTO for a large enterprise. That’s the goal,” he says with a wide smile. Timothy is confident in his aspirations for that role due to the education he’s received thus far in his life.

Would he recommend ANU to others? “I would recommend it to people who are ready to put in the work, people who are hardworking… It would be for someone who is determined to put in the work and succeed.”

Timothy’s advice to new students is to “be serious from the very first time. Set your goals and know what you want. Do not say ‘oh I’ve got all the time to get up my grade.’ Also timing, do not procrastinate, you’ve got to set a strict schedule… And most importantly, I would also encourage that the student interact with others and also don’t just read the book to pass, think of how you can apply the knowledge, think about the ways you can apply the knowledge.”

Dickson Lutanjuka’s Experience with ANU

Dickson Samuel Lutanjuka, an international student hailing from Tanzania, brings a global perspective to his studies while residing in Houston, Texas. Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Information Technology at American National University, Dickson’s journey into higher education was sparked by the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend. His experience at ANU showcases the transformative power of education across borders and the pursuit of excellence in the field of technology. With his hard work and dedication to his studies, he earned himself the title of Term Trailblazer for term 240!

His decision to join us was influenced by his friend’s glowing descriptions of our innovative approach to online education, which includes a unique four-day residency to meet visa obligations. Not only that, but “the school fee was not too expensive compared to other colleges.” When he applied, Dickson learned how helpful our staff was to his application process.

“[My admissions representative] was helping me a lot, the process, every stage, every step. It was very easy, to be honest, on my side… the process was good,” he explains.

He goes on to describe how easy it was to submit all of his required documents. When he was approved and got his acceptance letter, he began to pay his tuition, and “that was it!” While he is not currently using Curriculum Practicum Training (CPT) as part of his international student benefits, he is thankful he has the opportunity to with ANU. “Once you have your job letter, everything goes so smooth,” he says of working with the international team.

Dickson enjoys being able to travel to campus for his residency days. For four days, he gets to sit with other international ANU students and get to know his peers, all while fulfilling his visa requirements. “To be honest, I do enjoy [it] – it’s special when we travel to attend our residency class. It’s one of the best experience[s] with other students,” he says.

“When I know I am coming to Virginia, I am always prepared and excited. The atmosphere of meeting other students, it’s exchanging different ideas because they are coming from different parts of the world.”

He encourages other international students to apply because he and other students are having “the best experience.” He also explains that the staff on campus are great in what they do. “They support us. Sometimes we are late, and we explain – they are so friendly. They work as a team, they make sure everything we want is there. So I want to appreciate them too.”

In regard to his program, Dickson thinks it is setting him up success in his career. “The program is very good, you know when you’re taking master’s, it’s advanced levels. It gives me time to [learn] my materials because an instructor is not breaking down everything. They give you the assignments, which gives you an opportunity to read stuff in detail and get more understanding,” he explains. He says he can see himself working in the field once he graduates. “Sometimes it’s up to the student, if you want to change, then you to go. It’s very fair. You follow the rules, you follow the [course pace], then you get the mastery parts.”

He enjoys his program especially because of the way his professors challenge him. “I do like our instructors, they have shaped me in the way you have to follow the formats, like APA style. The advancements, when they begin, it was a little bit challenging, but thank God, because I use that as an opportunity. And I keep improving, so I could tell, right now, I am doing better. Maybe this is one of the reasons I scored high,” he laughs. Dr. Shardul Pandya, who nominated Dickson for his Term Trailblazer title, impresses Dickson every day, “he’s very fair.” Overall, all of his professors “did a good job” in his eyes. “Every time they put corrections on my assignments, I do [those] corrections and work on it. And I see the results.”

After he graduates, he wants to jump into his career field. He wants to “apply all the knowledge I have acquired from this college.” He said he is ready to jump in, but he is flexible in keeping his options open to his career and education.

“I don’t see myself going to other colleges… this is my home.”

Would he recommend ANU to others? “Yes… actually I am recommending and am working with one of my relatives. I am trying to help them get to this college!” He would recommend ANU because of our scheduling. “The way that the education is being provided to us, it’s flexible. It gives you time to do other stuff as well… like if you wanted to work, you could still work and still have time to accomplish your tasks.” Another reason he recommends ANU to anyone else is because of our tuition rates, “it’s very fair!”

His advice to new ANU students: “Try to arrange your schedule, your timetable. Give enough time before due dates. And that’s it! It’s not something that’s too much, it’s just the matter of arranging your schedule. Set time to do your assignments and set time to do your own activities.”  He also says it is important to “just enjoy it!”