Missouri State University

Nicole AllmondJoy

Finding her new career at MSU

Nicole AllmondJoy hit the reset button. 

After undergoing 10 surgeries for a flesh-eating bacterium, AllmondJoy again fell ill. 

Her husband, who worked for Springfield-based Prime, Inc., suggested they take a fresh start and move away from Virginia.  

So AllmondJoy – the daughter of a reverend – turned to her religious roots. 

“I said, ‘Lord, You tell me. I don’t know anything about Springfield, Mo.,’” AllmondJoy said. “I typed in, ‘Springfield Missouri University’ and started reading about Missouri State.”

AllmondJoy held an associate’s degree. She previously worked in local government and real estate. 

But transferring to Missouri State signaled a career change. AllmondJoy went back to her original passion:  technology and computers.

Breaking barriers

Nicole Allmondjoy talking to classmate in computer lab.

The 40-something AllmondJoy found a major that fit her interests: information technology.

She wasn’t deterred by her age or background as an African-American woman.

“I just feel like I’m not going to let anything stop me. I don’t care if it’s social status or racism or economic status, it doesn’t matter. Nothing stops me from doing what I want to do.”

“Coming in, my expectation was probably what many people think: It’s a lot of people that don’t look like me, who probably don’t want me there,” she said. “That’s what I assumed about the department.”

Instead, AllmondJoy found:

Mentors such as Dr. Josh Davis, Dr. Xiang Guo and Dr. Randall Sexton, who guided her. 

“I don’t have one (mentor) – I have several. I’m greedy. When I see different professors, who want to help me, I don’t want just one. I need them all. Because I’m new to the industry.”

A campus environment unlike any other. 

“I went to school in Wisconsin and Virginia, so I have something to compare MSU to. I must say this is the most nurturing university I’ve ever attended. The sincerity is there.”

Peer support through a student group – the Association of Information Technology Professionals – that enhanced her learning and social network. 

“I love them. They’re nurturing. The mentors are there. They’re on the right path.”

And student success. AllmondJoy was part of a team that had an unprecented showing at a regional IT competition. 

Not wanting to go

For AllmondJoy, commencement came way too soon. She cried on graduation day.

“I didn’t want to leave the department,” Allmondoy said.

After some encouragement from her husband, AllmondJoy decided to stay and pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

“First and foremost, I love MSU,” she said. “Second, I have a husband who told me to go for it. He said, ‘You’re not going to sit right unless you do one more year. You won’t act right.’” 

AllmondJoy landed a graduate assistantship that covers her tuition costs. 

“I don’t have to pay for anything, and I get a master’s degree,” she said. 

She also found time to earn CompTIA certifications, which will help her qualify for more prominent jobs and higher pay after she graduates.