An international student from Costa Rica, Andres Herrera recently earned his degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from the University of Mount Olive. (Photo courtesy UMO)
Andres Herrera completed a rigorous commission-based sales internship with a pest control company during the summer of his junior year at UMO. (Photo courtesy of UMO)
Andres Herrera was named the University of Mount Olive Computer Information Systems Student of the Year. (Photo courtesy UMO)
Recent University of Mount Olive May graduate Andres Herrera is an example of resilience, dedication, and achievement. An international student from Costa Rica, Herrera recently earned his degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS).
Herrera’s path to UMO began in 2021, marking his first time living in the United States. Originally enrolling as a business management major, he transitioned to CIS to gain a deeper understanding of how technology integrates with modern business practices. His passion for technology and business has driven his academic and extracurricular pursuits.
While at UMO, he has distinguished himself not only as a top student, but also as a campus leader. He has been a vital part of the men’s soccer team, a tour guide, a resident assistant, and an active member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). His contributions to campus life earned him the Student of the Month award in 2023. In 2024, he was named Computer/Management Information Systems Student of the Year within the Tillman School of Business (TSB).
“Being a campus tour guide provided me with the opportunity to develop my soft skills,” he said. “I learned how to communicate and become a more confident person. Being part of the FBLA organization allowed me to attend several conferences where I learned more about business and got to know and befriend business students from other colleges.”
Herrera’s commitment to service extends beyond the University. Back in his home country, Herrera led a project to remodel a primary school in an impoverished area. The project motivated him to give back to his community and inspire younger students.
Herrera’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success are rooted in the personal experiences and the challenges he overcame growing up, including the divorce of his parents and the loss of his mother, Karla Montero, to cancer when he was just 15 years old. Herrera credits his late mother as his role model and inspiration. “My mom was such a brave person. She set an example of bravery amidst adversity, battling for her life and happiness no matter the circumstances. After my mom’s death, I decided to keep fighting for my dreams and become the person that one day I knew she would be proud of as I worked towards graduation.”
In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Herrera completed a rigorous commission-based sales internship with a pest control company during the summer of his junior year at UMO. His success was dependent solely on his own preparation, work ethic, and time commitment. By summer’s end, Herrera had generated $140,000 in revenue, placing him among the top five rookies in the region. This experience reinforced his belief in hard work and determination, aligning with the wisdom imparted by his professor, Dr. Reimers: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
After graduation, Herrera plans to further his sales career, continue developing his skills, and invest in real estate and e-commerce. His vision for the future includes financial independence, business ownership, and the ability to live a fulfilling life surrounded by family and loved ones.
“Andres embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition,” said Assistant Dean of the School of Business Waylon Woodall. “His story is an inspiration to all of us at the University of Mount Olive, and we are confident he will continue to achieve great things.”
As Herrera walked across the stage in May to receive his diploma, his journey from Costa Rica to North Carolina was a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. His mom would be proud!
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
