Education and Endurance: Life Lessons from Montreat College Alumna Myra Rowell ’00, ’09, ’14

October 24, 2018Myra RowellPrograms of study:Masters in Business Administration

By Jessica Evans ’19

Myra Rowell has maintained a deep connection with Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies across decades. After earning her associate degree in 2000, she pursued a B.S. in Management in 2009, culminating with her MBA in 2014—all while balancing full-time employment and personal commitments. Today, she serves as senior vice president for cybersecurity at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Initially enrolling in computer science elsewhere, Myra paused her studies to work in consulting before returning to academia. “I needed to complete my degree, and Montreat’s flexible model made it possible,” she reflects. “Their Charlotte campus suited my schedule perfectly—I was already established professionally, so a traditional university wasn’t practical.”

Myra emphasizes how peer connections fueled her perseverance. “Collaborative environments helped me stay focused during rigorous coursework,” she shares. “Group projects taught me effective team dynamics—essential skills for leading and contributing to teams.”

She highlights the MBA program’s emphasis on diversity, noting its role in shaping her understanding of inclusion. “Diverse perspectives drive innovation,” she states. “Without them, progress stalls. In cybersecurity, varied viewpoints help identify blind spots and strengthen defenses.”

Beyond gender equity, Myra advocates for broader cultural representation in tech. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about code—it’s about understanding human behavior and societal contexts,” she explains. “Different backgrounds enrich problem-solving.”

Endurance, she argues, demands both grit and adaptability. “Tenacity keeps you moving forward, even when challenges arise,” she notes. “But flexibility ensures you evolve with changing circumstances. Trusting in purpose provides stability amid uncertainty.”

Central to her experience is Montreat’s commitment to ethics. “The institution’s values shape character,” Myra observes. “Integrity matters deeply—not just professionally, but personally. Employers notice this consistency.”

Jessica Evans ’19, an environmental science major at Montreat College, contributed to this narrative.