From CSU to Cybersecurity: Dodson ’24 turns determination into a high-tech career
From CSU to Cybersecurity: Dodson ’24 turns determination into a high-tech career
Publish Date: 2026-07-08 07:55:00
Source Domain: news.columbusstate.edu
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
July 8, 2026
Kaylee Dodson ’24 is building a career protecting what matters most in today’s digital
world: data. As an information governance analyst at Aflac, she plays a key role in
safeguarding sensitive information and helping her organization stay secure in an
increasingly complex cyber landscape. Her path to this role was not traditional, but
it was shaped by determination, mentorship, and the opportunities she found at Columbus
State University.
When Dodson enrolled at Columbus State, she initially planned to study finance until
she found a direction that felt right. That changed when she was introduced to the
university’s Cybersecurity Nexus Program. With no prior background in technology, stepping into cybersecurity required a steep
learning curve that she called “a complete culture shock, and my brain kind of melted
at first.”
Her path between high school in her native Fayetteville, Georgia, and college wasn’t
a straight one. She took a break from school after starting her college studies to
work a variety of jobs, searching for direction and purpose. However, after realizing
those jobs did not provide a clear path forward, she decided to return to school.
At CSU, Dodson immersed herself in both academics and campus life, balancing two part-time
jobs while staying deeply involved in student organizations. She served as president
of the Women in Technology Club for five semesters, participated in the International Public Debate Association
Debate Team, worked as an Honors College student assistant (pictured), and served
as communications officer for the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).
She also served as a student ambassador for the Nexus program.
Despite her growing involvement, the transition into a highly technical field was
not without challenges. Dodson credits much of her success to the mentorship and support
she received from faculty and staff, particularly within the Nexus program and the
Honors College: “If I didn’t have that consistent support from faculty and staff,
I don’t think I would be the same person I am today,” she said.
Dodson (front row, center) with her classmates, instructors and fellow Women in Technology
Club members preparing for Columbus State to host a Women in Technology event.
She points to mentors like Armando Fernandez and Elke Brumbaugh, lecturers of the TSYS School of Computer Science, along with Honors College academic advisor Kristi Rehrauer—whom she describes as her “campus mom”—as instrumental
in her growth.
“They made themselves available and opened up their resources to me,” Dodson said.
“It was continuous support throughout my entire time at CSU. I’ll forever be grateful
for that.”
Professional development opportunities through the Cybersecurity Nexus Program also played a critical role in preparing her for the workforce. Through mock interviews
and networking experiences, Dodson developed the confidence and communication skills
needed to stand out, recalling that “those mock interviews 100% got me here. That
experience changed everything for me.” She credits the connections she made and experience
she gained with securing a co-op position around the time she graduated.
As an information security analyst with Synovus Bank (now Pinnacle Financial Partners),
she gained hands-on experience in cybersecurity, which helped launch her career. Now
at Aflac, Dodson works in the Fortune 200 company’s Global Security Department, helping
to manage and protect its data. Her work is essential to maintaining the company’s
digital integrity and preventing vulnerabilities.
“We look at data and determine if it’s sensitive, who owns it, and how long we need
to keep it,” she said. “We make sure it’s protected and handled properly so it stays
within regulations. You don’t have a company if you don’t have data.”
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Dodson is passionate about increasing awareness
around cybersecurity, especially for those who may not have been exposed to it.
“People don’t want to talk about cyber safety, but they also don’t get taught how
important it is,” she said, noting that she often brings her professional passion
into her personal life by helping family members better understand online risks. “I
need people I care about to think, ‘Could this be a scam?’”
For her family and friends, she also emphasizes the importance of balance in a fast-paced,
technology-driven field and life from behind the screen: “Touch grass. Go outside.
Experience something outside of a computer.”
From academic and professional uncertainty to a thriving career in cybersecurity,
Dodson’s story highlights the power of persistence, mentorship, and finding the right
path.
“I’m very glad with where I am,” she said. “The blood, sweat and tears with Nexus
helped me get here.”
Looking ahead, Dodson hopes to continue working at the intersection of technology
and human connection. For students considering a similar path, her message is simple:
“If I can do it, you can do it.” She hopes future students will continue to benefit
from the same opportunities that shaped her journey.
Averi Morton of the Office of Strategic Communication + Marketing submitted this article
for publication.
Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR
