Jessica Henley

Jessica Henley began working part time for one of the country’s largest federal agencies while still in high school. At Towson University, she is acquiring technology tools she can use to improve efficiencies and implement best practices at that agency as a full-time employee following graduation.

“Information technology deals with both people and computers, which makes it interesting for me,” explains Henley, who has helped the agency reach major technology milestones and has received four performance awards since 2014. Henley now works part time during academic sessions and full time during the summer and semester breaks.

On campus, Henley has served as secretary and currently as president of Towson University's Technology Club, whose members include students in computer science, information technology and information systems, among other majors. One of the club’s main missions is to help students explore what they can do with their technology-related degrees. “We hold resume workshops, sponsor alumni speakers and schedule tours of workplaces like the National Security Agency,” explains Henley.

“ My degree from Towson University will equip me for a variety of positions at the agency, and I look forward to having that flexibility. ”

She attributes her early success to mentors on campus as well as in the workplace. “I have been fortunate to be surrounded by many people who are eager to see me succeed,” says Henley. “My professors are always willing to continue discussions after class. They are always approachable.”

Henley, who has top secret government clearance, looks forward to testing the waters of managing big data and tackling data collection and analyses assignments for the agency in the years ahead. “My degree from Towson University will equip me for a variety of positions at the agency, and I look forward to having that flexibility,” says Henley.