When Steven Smith began exploring higher education options, he was living in California and applying to schools across Texas. What immediately set Hallmark University apart was how quickly and personally the process began.
“At the time, I was reaching out to a bunch of schools when I lived in California. Hallmark University was the first one that got back with me, and I got to work with Vanessa. It’s a phenomenal experience, and straight to the point. Got everything going.”
Steven went on to graduate from Hallmark University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. Looking back, he says the people he met along the way made the biggest impact on his experience.
“The part that stood out to me the most would be working with phenomenal people. It wasn’t just my classmates. The instructors were great. Everybody, the faculty and staff were amazing. And everyone was very down to earth.”
That supportive environment helped Steven develop habits and perspectives he continues to rely on in the IT and cybersecurity field.
“One lesson that was passed on that I felt really touch base with me was always taking a moment to stop and look at the situation as a totality, especially when looking at an information systems or cybersecurity realm of it.”
Steven says Hallmark’s learning environment felt different from more traditional college experiences, largely because of how instructors connected coursework to real-world practice.
“The instructors were very high quality, and they had a very real world application that they were able to bring to the classroom. It wasn’t just talking about what was in the textbook or on the lecture. It was taking their real world experiences and applying it to what we were learning at the time.”
That real-world focus, paired with strong faculty support, helped Steven transition confidently from student to professional. Through networking opportunities and internships, he found his career path.
“The biggest advantage that I felt like I got was a phenomenal faculty that actually gave me some great networking opportunities. The reason that I’m going into the career I am is actually through a recommendation, through an internship that over two summers ended up getting me a job.”
Earning his degree was also a personal milestone for Steven, one tied closely to his values and long-term goals.
“To me, education is very important. And getting that degree was very important to me and a milestone I really wanted to accomplish in life. That way, in the future, when I have kids, I can hopefully encourage them through my own actions to pursue higher education as well.”
Steven believes Hallmark University’s impact goes beyond technical instruction, helping students grow in a more holistic way.
“Hallmark University does a great job teaching values to the students, not just to be technically proficient in whatever field that you want to go in, but how to be a better person holistically.”
When asked how he describes Hallmark University to others, Steven focuses on clarity, purpose, and support.
“People come here because they have a goal that they want to accomplish, and they want to get a degree in the field that they want to pursue. And they do a phenomenal job of laying that out for you and helping you every step of the way, all the way to the end.”
For those considering returning to school or starting later in life, Steven offers practical advice based on his own experience.
“Start small. Even if it’s just one class at a time, it’s baby steps. You’re not going to get it done in one year or one month. That’s going to take time, but one bite at a time.”
When asked to summarize his Hallmark University experience in one sentence, Steven puts it simply.
“I would say it’s great people with a great education that’s done at a great pace.”
Steven’s story reflects the Hallmark University experience: clear goals, strong support, real-world preparation, and a community committed to helping students move forward with confidence.