This Athens native scored a top engineering job at 19—find out how now

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UNA student in downtown Athens — This Athens native has an impressive story. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

When I hear Huntsville engineers talk about their jobs, I’m impressed. But when I hear of a local student scoring a top job with the Missile Defense Agency at 19 years old, I’m floored.

I got to sit down and chat with Athens native Ethan Dorning on how he made it happen. Read on for all the details.

Meet Ethan

UNA student walking in Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens — Walking around Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Ethan was born in Athens and has lived there for most of his life—despite temporarily moving to Louisiana, Florida and other states for his dad’s contract jobs.

While living in Athens, Ethan attended Tanner High School and Clements High School, where his love for software engineering first took root. During high school, he joined a robust robotics team representing Limestone County and competed against groups all over world.

Exceptional Education at The University of North Alabama

Finding his dream school

UNA engineering student by Athens sign — Ethan loves how UNA is close to home. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Ethan’s enthusiasm for computer science and software engineering is what led him to his dream school. While in high school, he was a part of a gifted program that took students on university tours all over the Southeast.

He was immediately drawn to the competitive computer science program at the University of North Alabama. Plus, what sealed the deal were the incredible scholarship opportunities UNA offered. Ethan was awarded a computer science scholarship covering the majority of his tuition, fees and more.

After completing his freshman year this past semester, Ethan was confident he made the right choice. In addition to enjoying the first computer science classes he’s taken, he’s loved the community and extracurricular opportunities.

“UNA is a ton of fun. I’m a part of the Honors College and the e-sports team within the college. It’s such a great community and support system. We have regular events, where we get to do actual honors work in a way that doesn’t feel like another project or assignment.”
Ethan Dorning

Earning the SMART Scholarship

UNA student by murals in downtown Athens — Hanging out by the murals in downtown Athens. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Ethan’s success doesn’t just end with his UNA honors. Recently, he earned another prestigious scholarship.

“The SMART scholarship was introduced to me by my great aunt who works on the Redstone Arsenal. She told me it’d be a great opportunity because it’s a STEM scholarship, internship and future job folded into one.

That was really appealing to me, so I decided to apply during my senior year of high school but didn’t get it. Then, I applied again during my freshman year at UNA and got it.”
Ethan Dorning

If you’re not familiar with the SMART scholarship, here’s what you need to know:

It covers full university tuition.
On top of that, the student is awarded a stipend between $30-$45k per year to pay for their internship work each summer.
In exchange, the student will commit to working with a specific company for a certain amount of time.
- In Ethan’s case, he will work with the Missile Defense Agency for three years since he’s receiving three years of scholarship/internship summers.

Ethan and his family are excited about the opportunity he has to get a jumpstart on his career and life through this opportunity. He told me one of his biggest goals is to start saving for a house now.

Check out Computer Science at UNA today

UNA campus — Begin your UNA journey today./ (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

The Department of Computer Science at UNA set Ethan up for success. If you’re interested in great opportunities like his, check out what the department offers: