When Lindsey Heuscher ’14 arrived at Berea College as a transfer student in 2011, she had no idea what to expect. A Seattle native, she applied on the recommendation of a friend—drawn, with a chuckle she remembers, by the promise of a tuition-free education and the chance to live somewhere entirely new.
“I purposefully applied to colleges in other states, like Berea, because it’s a great steppingstone for going out and experiencing something new,” she said. “I thought, why not?”
A stranger to the region, Heuscher was pleasantly surprised by what she found. “What I ended up loving the most is a small campus, being able to live and walk around and not really need a car, and the campus is gorgeous,” she said. “I loved the small class sizes and being able to actually see your teachers and develop relationships with them.”
Berea is what you make of it. Berea will help you get there and push you to find the opportunities you need to become whatever you want to be, but you still have to put in that work.
Lindsey Heuscher ’14
That personal approach was integral to Heuscher as she navigated the newly established computer science major. She credits her mentors, especially Drs. Jan Pearce and Mario Nakazawa, for sparking her passion and helping her grow in confidence. Beyond academics, her mentors encouraged her to take advantage of opportunities like studying abroad for the summer in Greece.
“It had nothing to do with computer science,” she said. “But it made me a better writer, which has helped me in my career, and it allowed me to see the world and meet different people. It really fueled my own growth.”
Berea is dedicated to giving its students a well-rounded education informed by various disciplines and in various settings. In so doing, it equips them with the resources they need to find success. While taking a writing class in Greece may not have been part of Heuscher’s plan when she came to Berea, it’s an experience she was nevertheless transformed by and continues to be grateful for.
“Berea is what you make of it. Berea will help you get there and push you to find the opportunities you need to become whatever you want to be, but you still have to put in that work. It really comes down to what you want to do and what you strive for.”
In her senior year, Heuscher’s computer science studies reached new heights. She completed a capstone project that required developing software from the ground up. “It wasn’t anything super impressive,” she recalled. Heuscher built an old-school internet forum board from scratch. It was the first time she accomplished a project like that. In the same year, she attended a conference for women in computer science. Accompanied by two fellow classmates, Huda Al-Sammarraie ’15 and Suzanne Kennoy ’14, Heuscher found herself surrounded by like-minded peers and unlimited possibility.
Heuscher’s journey after graduating has been one of steady progress and success—and one characterized by the foundation Berea gave her. Not only did she leave Berea with the support of a close-knit academic community, she also graduated completely debt-free. After traveling the world for a year financially unburdened, she was able to determine exactly how she wanted to break into the industry. Today, Heuscher is the Chief Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) Architect at UberEther, Inc., an innovative technology integrator that partners with large government clients to maximize their efficiency in security and access-control needs. On a day-to-day basis, her vast responsibilities include designing systems, meeting clients to determine their needs and developing and testing code.
The liberal arts education she received from Berea had an immense impact on both her success and her outlook on the industry. Computer science professionals are not typically known as strong communicators, but it is a strength for Heuscher that stands out in the industry. “I’ve noticed that if I can make it through the technical interview with the communication skills I gained at Berea, I’m almost always guaranteed the job,” she said.
Heurscher’s advice to current Berea students is simple but powerful: make the most of every opportunity Berea affords you. “Seek out internships early, even in your first summer,” she advises. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—Berea will meet you halfway, but you have to do your part.”
For Heuscher, Berea was more than just a place to earn a degree. In addition to a well-rounded education, it gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities, the security to take risks and the freedom to explore a future without the shadow of student debt. She left Berea with the knowledge that help and mentorship are always within reach for those willing to ask. Now, whether she’s developing complex solutions for clients or planning for another trip abroad, Heuscher draws on her Berea-taught skills of persistence, communication and leadership as she navigates her future.
