Growing up in the small town of Troy, North Carolina, class of 2017 graduate Vincent “Chae” Awong-Cole didn’t always see a clear path to his future career, nor was he fully aware of the opportunities available to him. The thought of a large university felt overwhelming, but he knew he wanted to continue his education. One day, while visiting Methodist University with his cousin, he knew.
Growing up in the small town of Troy, North Carolina, class of 2017 graduate Vincent “Chae” Awong-Cole didn’t always see a clear path to his future career, nor was he fully aware of the opportunities available to him. The thought of a large university felt overwhelming, but he knew he wanted to continue his education. One day, while visiting Methodist University with his cousin, he knew.
“It showed me there were other options,” he said. “MU felt personal. It felt like home.”
He applied, enrolled, was accepted and quickly became involved on campus. Awong-Cole started tutoring, played JV basketball, became a Resident Assistant and joined Future Business Leaders of America and the Computer Science Club. That sense of belonging powered his academic career, and his involvement and approach to his academics did not go unnoticed.
Awong-Cole embodies the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and innovation that defines the very best in computer science,” said Dr. Terry House, professor and chair for the department of Computer Science & information Technology. “Through a relentless drive to improve, Chae not only mastered challenging concepts but transformed them into opportunities to grow.”
Fast-tracked to a Career in Tech
Early in his academic career, Awong-Cole discovered he could graduate early. With his roommate on the same path, he pushed himself and completed his degree in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Business Information Systems and a minor in Business administration in just three years.
Just one month after graduating from MU in 2017, he accepted a role at Duke Energy’s corporate headquarters in Charlotte, through an IT program that introduced him to skills like application testing, software development and IT Ops. The momentum only picked up from there: Duke Energy would go on to fund his master’s and then his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, achievements he never thought possible.
Awong-Cole credits his growth not only to his drive but also the foundation he was able to build for his future while at MU.
“I didn’t want to be a number in a classroom. The people at Methodist University know you and push you,” he said. “That made all the difference.”
Fueling the Next Generation
Despite his growing career, Awong-Cole remains focused on helping the next generation have what he didn’t.
“I want them to see another way,” he said. “I want them to know they can succeed in tech, business, trades, whatever path fits them.”
As a licensed minister, Awong-Cole regularly speaks at events, middle schools, and high schools, including returning to his hometown as a commencement speaker for Montgomery Community College. He walks students through the trials of transitioning from college, the value of education, and the importance of understanding financial literacy early.
“Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s,” he tells them, “but you need to know what’s available to you.”
For him, he says the work is an extension of MU’s core values: Engage, Enrich, Empower.
As MU’s 2025 Distinguished Young Alum award winner, Awong-Cole says he hopes his journey encourages students to trust their path, stay open to possibility.
“To receive this award… it’s surreal,” he said. “You never know who’s watching or who you’re impacting.”
From small towns like Troy to the front lines of Duke Energy, Awong-Cole shows how understanding your potential and embracing your opportunities can power change.
Today, he is in the role of senior product owner in Duke Energy’s Cloud & Engineering organization, guiding user needs, product direction, and data streaming initiatives. Those who have watched his journey from the classroom of MU into a corporate leader see the impact.
“His journey is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can turn complex problems into stepping stones toward a brighter future,” said House. “I’m proud to celebrate his achievements and excited to see the impact he will continue to make in the world.”
For more on Methodist University’s Computer Information Technology program or Business Administration and the pathways they can lead to, visit methodist.edu/business-technology-professional-studies.