The Master's Gang

In the fall of 2020, three longtime friends – Dewayne Jackson, Julian Smith and Tony White – each found themselves at a crossroads. Each had built a career and a family since their undergraduate days at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, or UAB.

     The men had forged a friendship, first as classmates in UAB’s Business Information Systems program and later as IT colleagues at Trussville City Schools in Alabama. Their camaraderie, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect, set the stage for their next adventure: pursuing graduate degrees together.

     Smith was the catalyst for this new chapter. He held a deep-rooted love for Mississippi State University that developed through two alumni who were influential in his life – a coach at his Birmingham-area high school and one of his most impactful professors in undergraduate school. When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift to online learning and advantageous graduate school entrance requirements, Smith saw an opportunity.

     He reached out to Jackson and White, suggesting they embark on a journey together toward master’s degrees in information systems, or MSIS. The decision was a natural one, as their shared history and professional alignment made the prospect of studying together both practical and appealing.

     The transition back to academic life was daunting.

     Smith explains, “I was in a different stage of life as a full-time employee, husband and father of two active young boys, which led to mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension about starting the online program.”

     Jackson, who was balancing family life with a demanding job, and White, who had recently returned from a deployment and was juggling his responsibilities as a U.S. Air Force reservist, faced similar challenges. Jackson notes, “I was able to complete my studies outside family time at my own pace.”

     Their strong bond facilitated constant communication; they texted, emailed and video-chatted to discuss lessons and support one another.

     The support extended beyond their peer interactions. The faculty at MSU, particularly Dr. Kent Marett, Professor of Information Systems, and Dr. Susan Seal, Dean and Executive Director of MSU Online, played pivotal roles in their collective journey. Marett’s engaging teaching style and personal touch smoothed the transition to once again becoming students.

     “Dr. Marett showed interest not only in our studies but also in us as individuals,” says Jackson. “His dedication was evident in his regular virtual office hours and personalized feedback.”

     For Smith, Seal’s leadership class was a revelation. The course was a deep dive into various leadership theories, requiring introspection and self-reflection. His leadership style evolved significantly as he learned to adapt to different situations and understand the importance of being both a leader and an effective follower.

     Although White didn’t personally experience Seal’s class due to a deployment to Kuwait, he witnessed its impact on his friends. Smith’s transformation as a leader inspired White to reflect on his approach.

     Because of Seal’s influence, White shares, “I’m constantly reminded that strong leadership is about continuous learning and adapting.”

     The challenges were numerous. Balancing full-time jobs, family commitments, military service and academic responsibilities tested their resolve. Yet, their shared goal and mutual support saw them through. They held each other accountable, studied together and tackled assignments as a team – as the “Master’s Gang,” which they dubbed themselves on their group text.

     This collective effort not only made the experience manageable but also deeply rewarding. They grew closer, their friendship solidifying into a partnership driven by a shared vision of success.

     One of the highlights of White’s graduate school journey was the day they presented their capstone project in person. Although virtual presentations were an option, they all chose to present on campus, relishing the chance to experience the University’s vibrant atmosphere. A sunny day, a memorable visit to the campus bookstore and a chance encounter with Marett created the perfect culmination of their hard work.

     The project for their MSIS Consulting class offered something rare for online programs - hands-on experience with an operational business. It had them working with Duet Technology, producer of an innovative barbering clipper, to implement a customer warranty system for their product.

     Jackson, who was working as a Network Administrator, is now the IT Network Manager for Trussville City Schools. Smith was the Coordinator of Information Technology for Hoover City Schools in Alabama when he started the MBA program and is now the Director of Information Technology for Arlington Holding Company, leading IT initiatives for Arlington Construction Services, Professional Building Services, Arlington Properties and Arlington Development. White is a Database Administrator for Hoover City Schools and continues as a reservist, drilling monthly in Atlanta.

     Jackson, Smith and White have continued to lean on each other personally and professionally. They still chat weekly.

     Fueled by their shared experiences and newfound expertise, Smith reveals, “We have contemplated starting our own IT consulting firm since completing the program.”

     The journey through graduate school was transformative for the trio. It reshaped their professional lives, deepened their friendship and broadened their perspectives. As they look to the future, they carry the lessons learned, the challenges overcome and the enduring bond of the “Master’s Gang” – a testament to the power of friendship and the pursuit of excellence.

By Ja’Nyla Norwood