Eric Howell was nominated by his wife, Tracie Massey, who said, “After being away from college for many years, Eric returned last fall to start his program in Computer Science. He received a 4.0 his first semester, which we are both thrilled about.Not only has Eric focused hard on his academics, but he has taken the time to get involved on campus as much as he can. He has joined the Non-Traditional Student Organization, which he is excited about getting involved with. He is the non-traditional student representative for SGA and serves as the Assistant to the VP of Technology. He is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery, which is the organization for his major.  Eric has truly embraced UNCW and what it has to offer.  He is a model non-traditional student and deserves recognition for this.”

Eric is a 28 year old computer science major who plans to graduate in 2007.  Along with the activities mentioned by his wife, he was named this fall to the UNCW Dean’s list and is a student photographer for University Relations, a student specialist for the Technology Assistance Center, and a website consultant for Alumni Relations.

Having been out of college for six years presented some challenges for Eric that included, “managing my time, studying, working, and spending time with my wife.”  Despite these challenges, Eric did very well, citing his greatest achievement as “getting an A in MAT 162 after having a nine year break from math. Then, getting a 4.0 was good too.”

Eric would like to thank all of his professors from the fall 2005 semester, saying, “Anytime I had a question outside of class, they were more than helpful to get me caught up to speed so that I could learn what I needed to learn.”  The other helpful person was Eric’s advisor, who encouraged him to believe that he could complete his degree in two years.

But the main person that has assisted Eric along his way is his wife, Tracie, he says. “She has been amazing.  If it wasn’t for her, I would not be back in school finishing my degree. She constantly reminds me about school work. She always understands when I have work to do.” 

Eric’s advice to other non-traditional students is this:  “Have a support network when going back to school.  Make school as much about class work as extra curricular activities.  Get involved.”

Eric hopes that a degree in hand will increase his earning potential in the job market. His plan after graduation is to find that great job.

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The Seahawk Perch congratulates Eric Howell as our January 2006 Non-Traditional Student of the Month!