Posted on May 8, 2025 by Christopher Reichert
Graduating with two degrees and leading a marching band, Ella Pusey’s journey at UTSA is a story of ambition, leadership, and success.
Earning two business degrees while leading a university marching band and gaining hands-on experience is no small feat. Ella Pusey will graduate from UTSA this spring with a BBA in Cybersecurity and a BBA in Information Systems and Technology. As a member of the Honors College and a drum major with the UTSA Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) marching band, Pusey has made the most of her time through academic achievement, leadership, and professional growth.
Pusey’s love of cybersecurity began in high school, where she took every available course despite her school’s limited offerings.
“I ended up falling in love with it,” she said. “I absorbed as much as I could and ultimately decided that was what I wanted to study in college.”
With her heart set on cybersecurity, Pusey began researching programs.
“The word on the street was that UTSA had the best cybersecurity program, which is true, by the way,” she said.
Though UTSA’s academic reputation drew her in, the school also held a personal connection because her father attended in the 1990s.
While at UTSA, Pusey embraced opportunities to improve her skills and expand her network. In 2024, she served as a research assistant (RA) for Rita Mitra, a professor of practice in the Information Systems and Cyber Security Department and director of Online Programs in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business. Pusey engaged in research and helped modernize labs used in Mitra’s courses. She also worked with Mitra through the Women in Cybersecurity at UTSA organization, which she joined as a freshman and now serves as vice president.
“Dr. Mitra has had one of the biggest impacts on my college career,” Pusey said. “Anyone in the cybersecurity program would be lucky to have her as their instructor.”
The skills Pusey developed at UTSA helped her secure a cybersecurity internship with Kendra Scott, a national jewelry company. A friend told her about the opportunity, but Pusey’s own qualifications earned her the position after a series of interviews.
“I am thrilled!” Pusey said. “I’m excited for this incredible opportunity to learn all that I can from fellow professionals in my field and to have an introduction to the workforce.”
As a cybersecurity intern, Pusey looks forward to leveraging her skill set to find novel solutions to the latest tech problems.
“The whole field of cybersecurity is filled with people who love to solve puzzles,” she said. “Everything we’re taught is just identifying new ways to approach a problem.”
Balancing dual degrees with extracurriculars was no easy task, but Pusey still found time to be a drum major in the SOSA marching band for two years. As a bandmember, she traveled the country, paraded through the streets of San Antonio, and attended nearly as many football games as the players.
“Being a part of SOSA is the greatest gift UTSA could’ve given me,” she said. “I have met some truly outstanding people and found somewhere I can always call home.”
Outside of academics and band, Pusey enjoys reading, gaming, and feeding her coffee obsession. She’s also an avid traveler who has visited 16 states with a goal of visiting all 50.
Reflecting on her time with UTSA, Pusey values the foundation it provided.
“I plan to take what I’ve learned from UTSA and continue growing in my field. The industry I have chosen is fast-paced and ever-changing, and I aspire to continue learning to make the most out of it. I’ve loved my time at UTSA, and I wish the same to all current and future Roadrunners!”
Launching in Fall 2025, the UTSA College of AI, Cyber and Computing will integrate disciplines in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and data science across four specialized departments, fostering collaboration and innovation. With an anticipated enrollment of over 5,000 students, the college will offer cutting-edge academic programs designed to meet workforce demands, strengthening UTSA’s leadership in emerging technologies. Located in downtown San Antonio, the college is positioned as a cornerstone of regional economic growth and technological advancement.
— Christopher Reichert
