There’s a world full of interesting subjects.  

Why stick to learning about just one? 

When Rodell Andrews transferred to Missouri State, he already had credit hours in three primary disciplines: computer science, mathematics and business. 

Having a degree that combined all his interests was essential for securing the skills and experience needed for his future career. 

Not willing to stick to a traditional degree plan, Andrews pursued a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), where he could take courses in three department areas to earn a versatile degree tailored to his career choice. 

Andrews is glad he chose to pursue a BGS degree, because to him, it means “not putting yourself in a box.” 

“I think general studies is the perfect major for intuitive thinkers who want to browse different categories, be a jack-of-all-trades and have more knowledge in different areas.”

“I feel like a lot of times when you go to school and you try to get the traditional majors, you’re boxing yourself into one category,” Andrews said.

Building his network on campus

Born and raised in O’Fallon, Illinois, Andrews made his way to Springfield to start college and play baseball at Evangel University.  

After two years there, he decided to transfer schools and turn his focus on academics.  

For the next two years of his college journey, Missouri State gave him the community he longed for when he joined Bears in Technology (BIT), a student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). 

“I made some very valuable connections with people who I’m still friends with today,” he said. “I didn’t really want to leave Springfield. I wanted to stay there and just be close to my friends. It was a plus having Missouri State be a Division I school, because I always wanted to go to a Division I school.” 

Some of Andrews’ favorite moments at Mo State were attending football games. He recalls one home game during his senior year when he was interviewed on the local news. 

He remembers being astonished by “the atmosphere, how many people were there and how many people who were excited for football.” 

Three areas of study, one degree

In his studies, Andrews’s BGS degree path allowed him to refine his interests and choose courses that matched what he enjoyed. 

“For the future students coming in, really focus on not boxing yourself in but looking at things that really interest you. Everything isn’t just about money; it’s about what you’re going to be doing and if you’re happy doing it.” 

His computer science classes helped him realize that he enjoyed the cybersecurity side of the field, including learning about databases and the inner workings of the computer. 

Within the College of Business, he is currently taking a marketing class about “branding yourself,” which has been valuable to his career field. 

In the mathematics realm, Andrews really enjoyed the classes taught by Dr. Roger Bunn. One thing that Andrews appreciated about Bunn’s teaching style was that Bunn made sure his students were answering questions and learning the concepts instead of just making sure they finished their classwork. 

“(Dr. Bunn’s) class really pushed me as an individual for school but also made me think about how I want to live the rest of my life and making sure that I’m putting forth effort in whatever I’m doing, regardless of if it’s pre-calculus or the potential job I’ll be working in the future,” Andrews said. 

His instructors taught him how to take initiative, ask questions and apply his learning outside the classroom. 

“I really like classes that teach you step outside of being in school,” Andrews said. “I think the concepts that you learn in school are very valuable, but I think the things that you learn to be an adult and to push you professionally are my favorite type of classes.” 

By exploring more than one discipline in the BGS program, Andrews was able to keep and transfer many of his course credits from Evangel to Missouri State. 

His academic advisor, Gates Breedlove-Koepke, served as a valuable resource while he acclimated to Mo State as a transfer student. 

“Breedlove was a great advisor and made sure that I was moving in the right direction for the classes I was supposed to be taking,” he said. 

Being gritty to become great

By majoring in general studies, Andrews created a pathway that allowed him to graduate sooner. 

After participating in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony, he will be finishing his final two courses this summer to officially earn his degree. 

Andrews is also currently participating in his second internship with The Resource Group, a company that, he says, offers cost-saving initiatives for quality products to hospitals, clinics and other clients. 

At The Resource Group, his work is centered on data analytics. Because of his classes at Missouri State, he now knows which questions to ask and the steps he needs to take to efficiently reach a solution for his work. 

He is hoping his experience with The Resource Group will help him secure a full-time position there. 

Andrews said his time at Missouri State has “taught him to be gritty” and motivated him to do more than just attend class and do homework.  

“Missouri State taught me a lot about my character and not giving up when things get hard,” he said.  “It taught me to keep striving to be successful and keep striving to accomplish your goal.”

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