DEAC Recognizes 2024 UMT Outstanding Graduate & Famous Alumni
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 15, 2024
UMT is pleased to announce that Terrius Smith and Sze Chun (Clive) Tsang were selected as UMT’s 2024 Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni respectively. Each year, DEAC conducts its Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni programs to recognize the achievements of the millions who study at a distance today.
UMT's 2024 Outstanding Graduate
Terrius Smith
Marietta, GA
The flexible schedule of online learning made it possible for me to earn my degrees
Mr. Terrius Smith was working as a Host Aviation Resource Manager of the United States Air Force when he first learned about University of Management and Technology’s distance learning opportunity. He was able to utilize the GI Bill to pursue his degrees from the University of Management and Technology.
Mr. Smith initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at UMT, successfully balancing work, family, and school. After 17 years of service in the Air Force, he began experiencing different physical ailments that prevented him from remaining in the military. During this military transition, unsure of future career options as a disabled veteran, Mr. Smith returned to UMT. He then pursued the Associate of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs to establish a new career path.
Most recently, Mr. Smith completed his fourth UMT degree, a Master of Science in Information Technology. Throughout his academic journey, he maintained a competitive GPA, demonstrating his dedication and academic excellence. The University of Management and Technology provided the work-life balance Mr. Smith needed to achieve his personal, professional, and educational goals. His transition from military service to academia exemplifies resilience and determination. Following graduation, Mr. Smith leveraged his expertise by obtaining professional certifications in the Information Technology field. He continues to make valuable contributions in the Information Technology field, while inspiring those around him.
"I was very impressed with my time at the University of Management and Technology. UMT’s flexible, relevant programs turned my long-sought dream of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degrees a reality."
UMT's 2024 Famous Alumni
Dr. Sze Chun (Clive) Tsang
Hong Kong, China
Distance learning in UMT fits my work schedule perfectly
Dr. Clive Tsang received a DBA at the University of Management and Technology in 2014. Having needed to take a 2-hour commute between home and work, distance learning makes the pursuit of the doctorate degree possible. Clive is also one of the founding members of the UMT Hong Kong Alumni Association.
Dr. Tsang has a manufacturing business in China, while his family resides in Hong Kong. He aspired to pursue a doctorate degree in business administration to enhance his skills at operating the business. After comparing programs offered by on-campus universities, he chose the DBA program at UMT because of its flexibility and the richness and diversity of the subjects offered. Dr. Tsang also holds four other degrees from the University of Hong Kong, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, Irvine.
Upon graduation from UMT with a DBA degree, Dr. Tsang, together with several UMT graduates in Hong Kong, established the UMT Hong Kong Alumni Association. He has met some lifelong friends throughout the process. In addition to taking care of his manufacturing business, Dr. Tsang is also an active member in the community. For example, he has founded a charitable organization serving incarcerated individuals and those who have been released from prison. Recently, he has been teaching in prison, providing skills to people behind bars so that they would be more prepared when they are back in the community. Dr. Tsang also serves other roles in the community such as judging on disciplinary tribunal proceedings of legal professionals.
"Pursuing the DBA program offered by UMT is one of the best choices I've made because its flexibility has allowed me to fulfill a long-time goal without affecting my work and personal life."