Class of 2020: Jeffrey Hughes

Navy veteran, computer networking major persevered to get degree, says people make the difference
​Jerry Poling | May 8, 2020

Name: Jeffrey Hughes
Hometown: Madison
Major: Computer networking and information technology

Involvement at Stout: Veterans Club, vice president; Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, team captain

Jeffrey Hughes, center, helps at a UW-Stout Veterans Club event.What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in earning your degree? Earning my associate degree in IT network security from Madison College got me started on my journey to UW-Stout. I initially pursued applied math and computer science as my major but decided to switch majors after two years, extending my graduation by two more years. It was discouraging at first, but personal conviction as well as support from family and friends helped me to overcome this obstacle and succeed in achieving my degree.

What will you appreciate most about your UW-Stout experience? My 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy took me to a lot of interesting places and taught me many things. I lived in Japan for six years and Virginia for three. One of the most important lessons I learned is that people are what make the difference in your experience. I really enjoyed meeting new people around campus. The students, faculty and staff are what make UW-Stout a great place to live and learn. Participating in student organizations and other groups on campus made me feel more connected to the UW-Stout community. I also enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with many of the local Menomonie population.

What’s next in your life? Currently seeking employment in the Menomonie/Eau Claire area, as well as the Madison area.

###

Photo

Jeffrey Hughes, center, helps at a UW-Stout Veterans Club event.


Lunchtime lab: Students learn restaurant management skills with new campus café initiative Featured Image

Lunchtime lab: Students learn restaurant management skills with new campus café initiative

For a group of Fireside Café student employees at UW-Stout, lunchtime this fall also means lab time.
‘Disquiet Dream’ by industrial design student featured at Rassbach Museum’s haunted house exhibit Featured Image

‘Disquiet Dream’ by industrial design student featured at Rassbach Museum’s haunted house exhibit

Van der Hagen’s massive dream-inspired deer sculpture brings joy, wonder in the face of dread
Fit to a tee: New Pat Kell Golf Center perfect match for Blue Devil teams, golf management majors Featured Image

Fit to a tee: New Pat Kell Golf Center perfect match for Blue Devil teams, golf management majors

Women’s and men’s golf team members and students majoring in golf enterprise management have a new, high-tech playing and learning hub at UW-Stout.