MOUNT OLIVE – Several University of Mount Olive professors and Cybersecurity and Computer Science students recently attended the “All Things Open” conference in Raleigh-RTP.

This annual event, which is the largest open-source software, web, and technology conference on the East Coast, attracted an impressive roster of major companies, including AWS, Cisco, Google, Red Hat, SAS, Intel, SolarWinds, and Salesforce.

The conference, a staple in the tech world since 2013, brings together a sophisticated audience of designers, developers, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and technologists from across the spectrum.

All Things Open is known for its focus on the tools, processes, and people driving the open-source ecosystem, making it a prime opportunity for UMO’s students and faculty to engage directly with industry leaders and innovators.

UMO attendees, including Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Robert Watson, Professor of Computer Information Systems Dr. Karl Reimers, and students Zachary Woods, Allen Meachum, and Zachary Williams, engaged in insightful discussions with software developers and vendors.

Topics of conversation ranged from product innovations to critical advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with a keen focus on the skills and knowledge students need to thrive in the evolving tech landscape.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Watson expressed confidence in UMO’s Cybersecurity and Computer Science curriculum.

“Our program is spot on regarding the skills required for employment opportunities with these tech giants,” Dr. Watson said. “This alignment underscores UMO’s commitment to equipping its students with relevant, in-demand skills that match industry expectations.”

The conference provided invaluable networking opportunities for UMO students, who gained insights from some of the most influential players in tech and explored the many facets of open-source software and technology.

The experience not only highlighted UMO’s strong curriculum, but also encouraged students to pursue future innovations and careers in the field.