Wenzel Earns Human Capital Development Most Outstanding Undergraduate Award

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) student Anthony Wenzel was recently awarded the Human Capital Development Most Outstanding Undergraduate Award for the 2017-18 academic year.

Wenzel, a native of Booneville, Miss. was selected for this award by faculty in the Department of Human Capital Development due to his academic initiative and professional accomplishments. Currently, he holds a 3.93 GPA in the Applied Technology Bachelor of Science program, the only program of its kind in the state of Mississippi, which serves more than 100 students.

Applied Technology students, like Wenzel, enter the program with up to 60 hours of technology-related degree credit from a community college. The program offers courses in three major areas of study:  business foundations, computer and technology, and human capital development technical leadership. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to manage projects, carry out complex production processes, develop talent in organizations and demonstrate information technology skills.

“The Applied Technology Bachelor of Science online program is a seamless pathway for individuals with a two-year technical degree to transition to a four-year degree and beyond,” said Deidra Minor, director and instructor of the applied technology degree program. “This affords individuals with a technical degree the opportunity to earn higher credentials, leadership positions and economic success.”

Because of the program's fully online format, Wenzel has been provided the opportunity to obtain his bachelor's degree while working full time as a safety and risk management consultant for the consulting company Environmental Compliance & Safety, Inc., headquartered in Sherman, Miss. He currently holds an associate's degree in hospitality management technology from Northeast Mississippi Community College.

As a leader in his field with the desire to go further, Wenzel recognized the opportunities the Applied Technology degree could provide. Upon graduation, he can advance at his present company, start his own business or be seen as more marketable to a new company.

“Having the degree will be helpful pursuing new opportunities when I choose to do so,” Wenzel said. “A lot is to be said about experience. That's opened a lot of doors, but there are certain companies that don't want to talk to you unless you have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree. With experience and the degree, I think the field is wide open.”

For more information about USM's Applied Technology Bachelor of Science program, visit https://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/human-capital-development/applied-technology-bs or call 228.214.3517.