Graduate Profile: Managing Information Systems and Home Life

When Joseph Ponton decided to pursue a Master of Science in Management Information Systems,(MIS) he came back to Governors State University (GSU) which made it possible to juggle class, work, and family life, complicated by his daughter being born premature. The support he received from his professors made completing his degree possible. Now a 2020 graduate, he's encouraging others to take advantage of the opportunities GSU offers. 

"Work hard and pay attention to the lessons that are being taught by your professors. Absorb as much as you can, while you have the chance! Also, meet as many new people as you can. Graduate school is a great time to network and build connections with people that could last a lifetime."

GSU Newsroom: What brought you to GSU?

Ponton: I chose GSU because I enjoyed the classes I had previously taken as an undergraduate student. GSU was also the best fit for me because of the flexibility with online courses as well as the location. When I began my Masters, I had a newborn at home and was working full time. The GSU class schedule allowed me to take night classes close to home, so I was able to spend more time with my new family and my job.

GSU Newsroom: What are some of the highlights from your time at GSU?

Ponton: My daughter was born five weeks premature during the Spring 2019 semester, and though it was a tough situation for my family, the professors were very understanding and helped ease my school worries.

I also enjoyed meeting new people, from all walks of life. Seeing the diversity of people at GSU is refreshing. Another highlight was getting to know the other students within the MIS program and creating a bond with them.

GSU Newsroom: Who were some of the professors who shaped your experience and your future?

Ponton: Dr. David Green taught my first graduate class, Information Systems and Technology. The class was a great introduction to the MIS program and I learned a lot. He also happened to teach my last graduate course, Advanced Information Systems.

Professor Charles Pustz shaped my experience with his teaching of Information Systems Project Management. I enjoyed listening to the years of experience he has and the way he could apply it to the different concepts of the class.

GSU Newsroom: What's next after graduation?

Ponton: I will continue to bring what I learned from my graduate studies to my work as a System Administrator at Riverside Healthcare, a hospital located in Kankakee. The lessons I learned and the different technology used in my graduate course are valuable to me and I believe those lessons will benefit my team at work.

GSU Newsroom: What advice would you give current and future GSU students?

Ponton: The advice I would give GSU students would be to work hard and pay attention to the lessons that are being taught by your professors. Absorb as much as you can, while you have the chance! Also, meet as many new people as you can. Graduate school is a great time to network and build connections with people that could last a lifetime.