A New Mission: UMO Student Transitions from Marines to Cybersecurity Career
May 5, 2026
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – After eight years in the United States Marine Corps, Victor Nieves Vazquez knew one thing for certain. He needed a new direction. What he did not know yet was that path would lead him into cybersecurity and back into the classroom at the University of Mount Olive where is now preparing to graduate in May.
Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Vazquez developed an early interest in computers, drawn to how systems worked and how code could be pushed beyond its intended limits. That curiosity stayed with him, but like many young adults, he did not head directly into a defined career path after high school. Instead, he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, a decision that provided structure, discipline, and direction during a formative period of his life.
Vazquez spent several years in the military, rising to the rank of sergeant. During that time, he also explored college coursework, briefly studying criminal justice before realizing it was not the right fit. When his military service came to an end, he faced a familiar question for many veterans. What comes next?
“I knew I needed a career path,” he said, “and one in computers was one for me.”
That realization led him to the University of Mount Olive’s Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science program. With the support of the GI Bill, Vazquez was able to pursue a college degree without the financial barriers that often prevent people from continuing their education. For him, that benefit was more than assistance. It was a bridge to a new beginning.
Like his journey, his time in college has not been without interruption. Vazquez stepped away from his studies for a period when life circumstances became overwhelming, then returned with renewed focus. That stop and restart became part of his growth, reinforcing the discipline he first developed in the military and applying it in a new environment.
Online learning proved to be a good fit, allowing Vazquez to balance responsibilities while staying committed to his goals. He relied on structure, setting reminders and planning ahead to stay on track. “If you are not disciplined, you can fall behind,” he said.
His coursework also offered moments of leadership and hands-on experience, particularly in a project-based class led by Professor Karl Reimers, where Vazquez served as project manager for the speedocx.com website initiative. The experience placed him in charge of planning, coordination, and final delivery, giving him a practical look at the kind of responsibility he will carry into his career.
Faculty mentorship, combined with real-world application, helped Vazquez begin to see how his skills could translate beyond the classroom. That support is part of the University’s continued recognition as a Military Friendly School, a distinction it has earned many times for its work with veterans and active-duty students transitioning into college life.
Now approaching graduation at age 34, Vazquez sees his degree as more than a credential. It represents a turning point. “A new start into something I’m passionate about,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes to apply his skills in cybersecurity within government or financial sectors, areas he recognizes as frequent targets for cyber threats. His long-term goal is grounded in service, helping protect individuals and organizations from cybercrime.
Beyond career aspirations, his motivation is personal. As a father, Vazquez is mindful of the example he is setting. “I want my son to see that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you can keep going,” he said.
His story reflects reality for many students, particularly veterans. The path to a degree is not always direct, and success is not defined by speed or certainty. Sometimes it is built through experience and the decision to begin again. For Vazquez, each chapter, from military service to college classrooms, has played a role in shaping where he is today and where he is headed next.
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.
