Debra Hogue- Her OC Story
Computer Scientist at 76th Software Engineering Group/Tinker Air Force Base Debra Hogue (‘17) sought fresh perspectives and new knowledge to expand her expertise in computer science. Oklahoma Christian University’s Masters Degree in Computer Science fit her expectations to chase her dream.
While she earned her bachelor’s degree from UCO, the decision to pursue a master’s degree was largely based on vital characteristics important to Hogue.
Hogue mentioned the diverse curriculum offered at OC ultimately prompted her to choose the program.
“While I had the option to attend the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), I found that much of their curriculum overlapped with my undergraduate studies,” Hogue said.
In addition to a diverse curriculum, Hogue said she chose OC because of the ability to learn from unique and differing perspectives.
“OC offered the opportunity to learn from professors with different backgrounds and experiences,” Hogue said. “I valued the prospect of hearing new stories and insights that could broaden my understanding of the field beyond what I had already learned.”
Hogue valued not only a diverse curriculum and perspectives but also the ability of professors to understand the needs of students pursuing a master’s degree while working full-time.
“A key factor in my decision was that OC's Master's program in Computer Science was specifically designed with working professionals in mind,” Hogue said. “This was particularly appealing as it aligned well with my situation as an employee at Tinker Air Force Base.”
Ultimately, Hogue said choosing OC allowed her to align her professional and academic goals.
“By choosing OC, I aimed to enhance my education with a program that offered new academic challenges and practical benefits that aligned with my professional goals and work situation,” Hogue said. “This decision allowed me to pursue advanced studies while maintaining and directly applying my learning to my career at Tinker AFB.”
In choosing OC for her master’s degree, Hogue said a combination of factors and her experience in the program strengthened her as a student and as a person.
“The combination of supportive faculty, a practical and advanced curriculum and the ability to immediately apply my learning to my professional work created a synergistic effect. This enhanced my technical skills and boosted my confidence and effectiveness as a software professional,” Hogue said. “The knowledge and experiences gained at OC have been foundational to my career success, enabling me to tackle complex challenges and contribute more meaningfully to projects at Tinker [Air Force Base] and beyond.
Although her experience at OC was positive, Hogue mentioned there were several personal limitations that tried to set her back during her time in the program.
“I became pregnant with my son, Robbie, while maintaining my full-time job. This required careful balancing of my health needs, work responsibilities and preparation for motherhood,” Hogue said. “Then, in December 2016, we discovered that my husband, Robert, had non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This diagnosis added a layer of emotional stress and medical responsibilities to our lives.”
Though these factors caused new stressors to arise in Hogue’s life, she mentioned her faith and the support of her newfound friends at OC enabled her to overcome her new realities.
“My deep faith in God was a cornerstone of my perseverance. It gave me spiritual strength, hope and a sense of purpose during this challenging time,” Hogue said. “I relied heavily on a supportive ‘village' of friends, family and the OC community. Their understanding and assistance were crucial in managing my multiple responsibilities.”
Through all the ups and downs of Hogue’s time in the OC master’s program, she said she learned many valuable lessons from it.
“This whirlwind of events taught me invaluable lessons about the power of faith, perseverance and the importance of a support network. My firm belief in God provided a foundation of strength and hope, allowing me to navigate these challenges with grace and determination,” Hogue said. “The experience not only resulted in academic and personal success but also deepened my faith and equipped me with enhanced resilience and problem-solving skills that continue to benefit my professional life as a computer scientist.”
