“I chose cybersecurity because it’s a rapidly growing field, and with everything becoming digital, securing it is essential. I also wanted to deepen my understanding, not only to better myself but to help my family, friends, and others. I’ve learned skills that should be common knowledge because they can help people in their everyday lives.”

Active-duty Marine Larry Robinson is on track to graduate from NOVA this December with an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, following a nontraditional path to higher education. He participated in the inaugural six-month pilot program for the United States Naval Community College (USNCC), an initiative designed to equip enlisted service members with the skills needed for future challenges and career advancement. NOVA was one of five colleges selected for this groundbreaking collaboration.

In 2020, while stationed in Pensacola, Florida, Larry was serving as an air traffic control instructor for both the Marine Corps and Navy. It was during this time that a group chat message about the USNCC program caught his attention. Seeing an opportunity to advance his career, he applied and was accepted into the cybersecurity program, launching him onto a new professional course.

Due to his active-duty status, Larry has completed all his NOVA coursework online. Currently stationed in Yuma, Arizona—near the California and Mexican borders—he has had to navigate the challenges of distance learning and the time difference, being three hours behind Virginia.

“Online learning was a bit of an adjustment, especially with the time difference,” he says. “There have been technical difficulties and software compatibility issues, but my professors have been incredibly supportive. I like the Canvas platform because it works well on both my PC and Mac, and I appreciate the flexibility of progressing through the courses at my own pace. I’ve learned to either finish my assignments early in the morning or late at night.”

Larry’s typical day starts early, as he is sometimes needed at work as early as 4:30 a.m. and may stay as late as 6:30 p.m. As an air traffic controller and the training chief at the Marine Corps air station in Yuma, he oversees three crews, totaling about 90 air traffic controllers. He manages their training progress, ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Marine Corps standards, and provides recommendations for the air station’s operations.

He has particularly enjoyed his cybersecurity coursework at NOVA, highlighting a class taught by Professor Konadu. “I loved his interactive videos—his personality really came through, making learning fun. He also provided great resources to ensure each student fully understood the material,” he says.

In addition to his cybersecurity studies, Larry has earned two career studies certificates from NOVA—one in Network Administration and another in Technical Support. “NOVA’s a great option,” he says. “I’ve even encouraged my subordinate officers to enroll in the cybersecurity program.”