Information Systems and Technology Featured Alumni

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, 2008

Jason Bracey proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He traveled the globe during his years of service but realized there was still one place he wanted to go – college. He earned his bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix and plans to apply to Air Force Officer Candidate School. With his degree, he hopes to advance his career and increase the financial support he is able to provide for his family.

After giving back to his country, Jason wanted to give back to his wife Lisa. He nominated her for a Paying it Forward^® scholarship. University of Phoenix alumni can “pay forward” their success by nominating individuals whose lives could be improved by completing a college education. The scholarship helps pay for tuition and resources needed to complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at University of Phoenix.

Lisa is a stay-at-home mother who is dedicated to her family and their needs. She always wanted to be a teacher, but her education was put on hold to raise a family. With the support of the scholarship, she’s working on earning her degree and pursuing her career dreams.

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, 2002

After 30 years in the help desk industry, Jeffrey Brooks and his fellow practitioner Phil Gerbyshak are sharing their experiences in the book “Help Desk Manager’s Crash Course.” The easy-to-read book focuses on providing simple steps to success, how to implement them and lots of examples and revealing anecdotes.

“This book shares our passion and knowledge. For the new manager, use this book to quickly get yourself and your help desk up to speed with sections on hiring, discipline and metrics shallow enough to not overwhelm you, but deep enough that you’ll be able to use it for years to come,” shares Jeffrey.

Jeffrey has been working in the information technology industry for more than 15 years and has built teams that have been recognized both nationally and internationally. His expertise is in joining growing companies with developing service organizations and building teams able to handle complex customer issues in a timely and professional manner. He has received various industry awards and has authored blogs, magazine articles and participated in numerous panel discussions aimed at education within the IT industry.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, 2004

Mohammad Noorzay is employing his University of Phoenix education in more ways than one. While running a successful Web development firm, High Tech Communications, Inc., he also created a Southern California online search engine.

In 2006, Mohammad launched TownZilla.com to support local businesses in the communities of Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire. He’s working to fuel local commerce by giving people a user-friendly search engine that connects them with the information they’re looking for. Mohammad also uses the site to support local charities by advertising fundraising events and promoting non-profit organizations.

He is grateful for the experience of attending University of Phoenix and the impact it has made on his life. “My education provided me with the communication skills that I needed to present myself and my company,” shares Mohammad.

Master of Information Systems, 2005

While working as a help desk administrator in 1994, Steve Romeo pondered his career prospects and the results were grim. Without formal education, his options were limited. That was enough to convince him to pursue his education with University of Phoenix. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and went on to complete his master's degree in technology management.

Steve is now the Vice President of IT at Breg Inc., a developer of premium orthopedic, reconstructive and postoperative products. He was awarded the Oracle Ace Director Award in Applications in which only three Oracle Ace Directors are recognized each year. He was also named one of Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders for his effective use of IT within his organization. These IT industry leadership awards are highly competitive and are accomplishments that Steve is extremely proud of, rivaled only by earning his master’s degree in computer information systems.