Jakobe Bussey, a sophomore from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a member of Watauga Residential College, the Honors College and the Finance Club at Appalachian State University. He is double majoring in Computer Science and Economics. Bussey is also a teaching assistant and research assistant for the Department of Computer Science.
Bussey chose to come to Appalachian because of the amazing professors and positive community.
“At Appalachian, you can do anything. If you can show you have the skill and the passion to do something, you can do anything you put your mind to,” said Bussey.
The Department of Computer Science has helped Bussey discover his passion for technology. He loves learning new things and working on innovative projects.
“I love the feeling of discovery. Finding out new things and trying them out feels fantastic. When everything works and melds together, it’s a really beautiful thing,” said Bussey.
Bussey is a dedicated student, juggling 21 credit hours this fall semester while running for a student senator seat for the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as keeping up with other academic pursuits.
When a previous corporate-funded scholarship he relied on was no longer available, a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Council, Scotty Jackson '76, stepped in to provide support. Jackson has been a longtime member of the Council and graduated from Appalachian with a B.S. in mathematics and computer science.
“When I learned that Jakobe's scholarship wasn't going to be funded this year, my heart went out to him. After all, an Appalachian scholarship and a Computer Science major, two things we have in common! It's important that we do all we can to help students fulfill their dream of a college education. I am happy to have helped Jakobe and wish great things for him in life,” said Jackson.
Following his graduation from Appalachian, Bussey hopes to pursue an M.B.A. at Harvard, work with artificial intelligence and possibly own an international conglomerate one day. He is grateful that this scholarship has helped him focus by alleviating the pressure of funding his education.
“This scholarship has helped me stay focused knowing I don’t have to struggle to fund my education. Being able to focus solely on my work really helps my performance in school,” said Bussey.
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About the Department of Computer Science
Appalachian’s Department of Computer Science provides a rigorous, high-quality education that prepares students for the computing industry or graduate education. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and a Master of Science degree in computer science. Learn more at https://compsci.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics offers diverse courses that cover standard fields such as microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, labor, public finance, regional and development economics. The department is particularly strong in the areas of environmental and experimental economics. It offers the Bachelor of Science in business administration (B.S.B.A.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Learn more at https://economics.appstate.edu.
About the Watauga Residential College at Appalachian
The Watauga Residential College is a specialized academic program where classes are discussion-based seminars that allow students to pursue topics of interest to them within the context of the class. This program provides an unusual opportunity for students to become engaged in learning at a deep level through class discussions and research projects. Watauga classes are interdisciplinary and this approach to learning requires students to integrate knowledge from a variety of disciplines to gain a complete perspective on a topic. Learn more at https://watauga.appstate.edu.
About the Honors College
More than 500 students are enrolled in Appalachian State University's Honors College, which serves a diverse group of high-achieving, high-potential, highly motivated students from all majors. The Honors College helps students develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills; promotes interdisciplinary inquiry; and nurtures cultured and caring exchanges of ideas. The college’s enhanced academic experience prepares students for success in graduate or professional school and for leadership roles in their lives, communities and careers.
By Sophia Woodall and Maddie Seehafer
Sept. 29, 2020
BOONE, N.C.
Jakobe Bussey. Photo by Ellen Gwin Burnette
Jakobe Bussey, scholarship recipient