Breaking Barriers Through Tech and Tenacity
July 14, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
GOLDSBORO – Before he ever stepped foot on a college campus, Alan Meachum was already knee-deep in technical challenges—tweaking satellite dishes to catch the perfect signal or pushing his home computer to run just a little faster. He had a natural instinct for taking things apart just to see how they worked and then putting them back together better than before. In many ways, he was already thinking like a problem-solver before he ever set foot in a classroom.
But Meachum’s path to success didn’t follow a traditional script. It took detours, restarts, and moments of serious doubt. After graduating from Southern Wayne High School in 2014, Meachum initially enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University but withdrew before classes began, fearing failure. Multiple attempts at community college ended similarly.
“I was terrified,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to go to school and fail. So I dove into work instead.”
That decision launched a hands-on career in the tech world. From installing satellite dishes and configuring fiber-optic networks at AT&T to selling software-as-a-service products, Meachum developed a practical understanding of information technology (IT).
“I thrived as a satellite technician. I loved solving problems, setting up equipment, and figuring out complex systems,” he says. “That curiosity has always driven me.”
That same curiosity drove him back to the classroom. In January 2022, after earning an Associate in Arts from a local community college, Meachum enrolled in the University of Mount Olive’s (UMO) online Computer Science program. He was a full-time working husband and father, and UMO offered both flexibility and accessibility.
“UMO gave me the opportunity to earn a quality, affordable education while still being present in my family’s life,” Meachum says. “That transformed everything for me.”
With a clear focus on building a career in IT, Meachum found inspiration and guidance from UMO faculty, particularly Dr. Karl Reimers.
“He advised me to explore the IT field rather than limit myself to software engineering,” Meachum says. “Following that advice has made all the difference. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
While at UMO, Meachum became deeply involved in student life, including working with the Cybersecurity and Gaming Club to find networking opportunities and attend tech events. His academic journey was not just about learning; it was also about connecting, growing, and giving back. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from UMO in August of 2024.
Today, Meachum works as a Help Desk Analyst at AP Emissions, handling everything from basic password resets to deep-dive software diagnostics. He enjoys this role for its variety and challenge.
“Every day is a new task, a new problem to solve,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going.”
He’s also setting his sights higher—literally. Meachum is preparing to pursue a Master’s in Information Technology, with long-term goals of becoming a System Administrator, then Director of IT, and eventually, a professor.
“If knowledge is accessible, I’m going after it,” he says. “I want to be a subject matter expert. And I want to help others along the way.”
His passion for IT doesn’t center on a single niche. Instead, he’s excited to explore it all—from cybersecurity and networking to cloud computing and UX design. He believes in “dipping his hands into everything” and encourages students to do the same.
“Don’t be afraid to try everything,” Meachum advises. “You’re so early in your journey—this is the time to explore and find what excites you. Every bit of knowledge counts.”
Behind every successful journey is a strong support system, and Meachum quickly credits his wife, Catalina, and daughter, Penelope.
“My wife has been my rock,” he says. “And my daughter thinks I’m the smartest person in the world. That pushes me to keep proving her right.”
Faith plays a foundational role in Meachum’s life, just as it did in his educational journey. In addition to his professional life, Meachum serves as the Minister of Music at Kairos Church Ministries in Wilson, NC.
Looking ahead, Meachum envisions a future where he uses his growing expertise to support local businesses with their IT and cybersecurity needs—and eventually, share his wisdom with students as a professor.
“I want to take what I’ve learned and give it back,” he says. “Whether it’s through teaching or helping a small business secure their network, I want to make a difference.”
Meachum’s journey is more than just a success story—it’s a story of rediscovery, redemption, and relentless curiosity. From failed college attempts to a flourishing IT career and a vision for future leadership, Meachum embodies the University of Mount Olive’s tagline: Transforming lives and transforming education.
And for the small-town boy who once doubted he’d ever finish school?
“I became the first in my family to graduate college,” Meachum says. “And that means everything!”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
