Chancellor Medallion Recipient: Meet 2024 PNW Graduate Abbie McDowell

Abbie McDowell, 24, has loved working with technology since middle school. This led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the College of Technology at Purdue University Northwest (PNW). She will also obtain a minor in philosophy.

A random suggestion from a friend while she was in high school set her on the path to study cybersecurity, and a required philosophy class led her to her minor. “I saw the impact of philosophy on my future career,” McDowell says. “I think it’s relevant in any field and we need more of it in our world.” She believes her minor will help her make tough decisions and present strong rational arguments for the things she believes in.

A three-year member of the PNW Pride women’s basketball team, McDowell served as vice chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In this position, she helped organize the Trunk or Treat event to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a school supply drive to benefit the Hammond School Town, and a food drive to supply the guard -eat PNW. She has also tutored mathematics and cybersecurity courses.

The Tecumseh, Michigan, native is the recipient of a Chancellor’s Medallion, an honor given to baccalaureate candidates with the highest grade point average at each academic college.

After graduation, McDowell will begin his career as a cybersecurity analyst at Scientia LLC in Bloomington. It is part of the 4+1 study program which allows qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree over a five-year period. She will spend the next year earning her online master’s degree in technology, leadership and management. She sees herself eventually in a leadership role in technology or cybersecurity.

What did you like most about PNW’s cybersecurity program?

“I really like the small classes because they give you the opportunity to build relationships with the professors and your classmates. If I had a question, or struggled with an assignment or lab, it was easy to go ask an instructor for help or text a classmate.

What does being named a recipient of the Chancellor’s Medallion mean to you?

“It was a huge honor. Being a woman in a male-dominated field and having won such a prestigious award makes me feel like I’m doing something much bigger than myself. One of the reasons I chose cybersecurity is that it is a very male-dominated field and could benefit from a female perspective. I want to be a part of it and make it a more welcoming field for women. Receiving this award as a woman in this field means a lot to me – it’s very special.

How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities has helped define your success at PNW?

“I’ve had so many great opportunities to develop my skills. Firstly, time management because I was juggling so many things. At SAAC, I learned leadership and organizational skills that I will definitely use in the future.

“Basketball taught me perseverance and hard work. In basketball, you don’t always get the results you work for, but you have to keep working, have a good attitude and be a good teammate. Tutoring taught me how to explain concepts in a way that other people with less technical knowledge can understand.

Did you encounter any difficulties participating in PNW?

“Being a student-athlete and also focusing on academics was challenging and both were non-negotiable for me. Both of these things take a lot of work and commitment and there have been a lot of sacrifices in my social life. It also took perseverance and being able to focus on what needed to be done. It was difficult at times to deal with everything, but I know it will prepare me for the future.

What advice would you share with future students interested in attending PNW?

“Work hard because it will really pay off. Get out of your comfort zone and make new friends.

Stay focused on school while making sure you’re having fun.

Is there anyone at PNW who has inspired or encouraged you along your journey?

Natalie Jarrett

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT SUCCESS/ATHLETICS

“Basketball hasn’t always been as easy as school for me. You can work hard on a school assignment and be sure of getting a 100 percent score. You can spend hours training in the gym and during a match you can miss every shot – there is no guarantee of results. She constantly reminded me of all the other things I was doing well and kept me positive.