Published on September 6, 2024 by Gunnar Sadowey  
Tanya Hollins

On Sept. 4, Samford University welcomed Tanya Hollins, MBA ’00, who headlined “Classroom to Career: My Journey to Becoming a Leader in Tech”. Hollins, a program manager with Amazon Web Services (AWS), shared her career journey with students and faculty.

Hollins emphasized the importance of education in her professional growth, attributing her time in Samford’s Master of Business Administration as a pivotal turning point that shaped her into an ethical and effective leader.

“Building relationships and networking are very important,” said Hollins. “My hard work and amazing professors at Samford opened the doors for me to ascend personally and professionally.”

She discussed her early career in accounting services before transitioning to higher education, following her passion for learning. Hollins shared her experience in navigating the tech landscape and underscored the value of continuous learning, particularly through cloud computing.

As part of the AWS Academy, she helps higher education institutions implement cloud technology curriculums that prepare students for in-demand careers. Her leadership journey serves as an example of how a solid foundation in business education can lead to transformative roles in cutting-edge industries.

“Amazon is a top company that aspiring computer scientists admire,” said Scott Crews, instructor of cybersecurity and computer science. “Our students benefit greatly from meeting professionals like Dr. Hollins. I’m sure they’ll look back on events like this as key moments that shaped their paths during their time at Samford.”

AWS Academy provides higher education institutions with free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum built by the experts at AWS. Samford began participating in AWS Academy earlier this year and is integrating the curriculum into new and existing computer science and cybersecurity courses.

“The materials from AWS Academy offer our students new hands-on learning experiences that will further enhance their skills as they prepare for careers in the tech industry,” said Crews.

For students aspiring to enter the tech field, Dr. Hollins offered practical advice on embracing change, adapting to emerging technologies and cultivating leadership skills that stand the test of time.

“Embrace the journey, trust the process and never stop learning,” said Hollins. “With faith and guidance from mentors, work becomes joyful and exciting. It’s all about continuous learning, innovation and discovering new things.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.