Software Development and Individualized Studies dual-major excels in leadership role

Kenechi Ezeokafor, 21, is completing both a Software Development A.A.S. and Individualized Studies A.S. at Dakota County Technical College. Kenny is on track to graduate from DCTC in May 2026. He is looking forward to transferring to Metropolitan State University. He hasn’t settled on a major yet, but he is leaning toward a business-related program.

Kenny Ezeokafor

An exceptionally engaged student on campus, Kenny serves as Student Senate president, a role that involves chairing the Student Life Committee, whose membership studies and makes recommendations to the Student Senate on issues linked to tuition increases, student club funding requests, and more.

“My principal duties as Student Senate president at DCTC include representing the student body on college committees and carrying out any additional responsibilities assigned by our Student Senate advisors,” Kenny said. “I also preside over all Senate meetings, share important information with members, establish committees, appoint chairpersons to those committees, and ensure that all duties and procedures are followed.”

Kenny also served as the college’s campus liaison, chairing the Outreach Committee, which works to promote the benefits of Student Life throughout the DCTC community.  He participates in TRIO/Student Support Services and attends meeting of the the Wellness Club, Rotaract Club, LEGO Club, MSLA, Gaming Club, and IT Club.

Failure Isn’t the End of the Road:
A Neurodivergent Student Success Story

Anna Voight, Megan Petersen, Kenny Ezeokafor

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In mid-April 2025, Kenny led a concurrent session at the Annual MNTRIO Conference at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Minnesota. He was supported in this endeavor by DCTC Campus Merger Coordinator and Neurodiverse ERG Chair Anna Voight and former DCTC TRIO/SSS Advisor Megan Petersen.

Kenny’s presentation was titled “Failure Isn’t the End of the Road: A Neurodivergent Student Success Story.” He shared his experiences navigating college resources, taking advantage of TRIO/Student Support Services, and relying on his support network to stay on track.

“We’re so proud of Kenny’s accomplishments and his willingness to be vulnerable in front of a crowd,” Megan said. “Students like Kenny who are willing to share their stories help all of us learn how best to serve our students. It takes a lot for Kenny to be vulnerable—and it meant the world to me that he was willing to open up not only to me, but to a room full of TRIO professionals.

“His story is certainly not unique in higher education, but it is rare that students are willing to stand up and speak out about the challenges they face. Students like Kenny help all of us grow as advisors and TRIO program staff. I’m so grateful to him.”

Kenny told the story of his transition to college, sharing how he failed out his first semester and was placed on academic suspension. He talked about the barriers faced by students with learning disabilities, why it’s hard to ask for help, and how he regained his balance academically through support from neuroinclusive staff, the TRIO/SSS program, and Educational Access & Disability Resources.

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DCTC News: How does Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) make succeeding in college more difficult?
Kenny: Having ADHD can make college more challenging because I have to find my own pace to get homework done. Being in a traditional classroom setting doesn’t always work for me—sometimes the instructor teaches too fast, and other times they move too slowly or assign homework in a way that doesn’t match my learning style.

DCTC News: What inspired you to give a presentation at the Annual MNTRIO Conference?
Kenny: Honestly, Anna said I should do it. I was going to say no, but the look on her face—I could tell she really wanted me to do it.

DCTC News: What advice would you give neurodiverse students encountering challenges on their way to achieving their college goals?
Kenny: I would tell those students not to give up—there are resources available to support them. The pace of the class can often be adjusted, or accommodation can be made to better fit their learning needs.

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Staff perspectives…

“I am so proud of Kenny and his growth since he started at DCTC, and for the positive impact he has had on others and our campus. Having witnessed Kenny’s journey from when he first began classes to seeing him elected as Student Senate president, his personal and professional growth has been remarkable.

“When I first met Kenny, he was not open about being neurodivergent—and as a neurodivergent person myself, I can relate to the multitude of reasons why we often don’t share this part of ourselves. In time, Kenny began sharing his story with more people and even shared publicly at a couple events on campus, including a student panel, and eventually the Annual MNTRIO Conference.

“Each time I have witnessed Kenny sharing his story, I have observed head nods and often tears from those listening. Kenny’s story and the challenges he experiences daily are relatable to so many, yet we who experience the challenges often feel alone and are the only ones with those challenges. Kenny has helped others see that they are not alone in the challenges they face as a result of being neurodivergent in a world that wasn’t designed for us.

“Kenny has helped others see that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be different. And it’s okay to be ourselves. Kenny is a natural leader and speaker, and has a message that is relevant to audiences far beyond the walls of DCTC. Of all the students I have worked with in 15 years at DCTC, Kenny has been one of my favorite (and fun) students to work with.

“The strengths Kenny brings to this work are because of his neurodivergence, not in spite of it. I look forward to seeing where Kenny’s future leads him and the positive impact he will continue to make in the lives of others and in our world.”

Anna Voight
Campus Merger Coordinator & Neurodiverse ERG Chair
Dakota County Technical College

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“Kenny is an enthusiastic leader who has really grown into the lead student ambassador that he is today. He is always willing to step in where needed from making phone calls, manning the front desk, to giving entertaining tours!”

Kristen Pahl
Front Desk Coordinator
Dakota County Technical College

More about Kenny…

Originally from Farmington, Minnesota, Kenny graduated from Lakeville South High School, Class of 2022. He reported that his father works remotely on AI projects for Microsoft.

“Most of my family is in Chicago, but I have a lot of extended family here in Minnesota,” Kenny said. “I grew up in the area, and I’ve known about DCTC for a long time—my mom actually attended here years ago.”

Kenny aims much of his free time at pursuits related to DCTC.

“I like to think of myself as a bit of an entrepreneur,” he said. “Even though student jobs and Student Senate stipends don’t pay much, I choose to keep just one job here at college so I can focus all my energy and passion on being involved on campus. On the side, I make extra money by fixing up cars I buy at auctions and then reselling them. It’s a small hustle, but it helps. Outside of that, I really enjoy spending time with friends and traveling with my fiancée.”

Kenny resides in Eagan, Minnesota.

Kenny life, family, and college gallery

Kenny Ezeokafor • Q & A

Kenny Ezeokafor

What motivated you to enroll in the Software Development program at DCTC?

My dad motivated me to do it because he did a similar thing at a different community college.

What have you enjoyed most about the Software Development program so far?

My experience in the program has its ups and downs, but so far I enjoy learning about computer software.

What field of computer science interests you the most, e.g., software engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, algorithms, and why?

The cybersecurity field interests me the most because I’m fascinated by the measures companies take to protect our data and the various methods they use to do so.

Three words that describe you as a college student:
LOUD. FUNNY. LEADERSHIP.

How has your Individualized Studies coursework helped prepare you for transfer to a four-year school?

The program helped me get ready by tailoring the coursework to reflect what I would encounter at a four-year university. Plus, the instructors were always just an email away whenever I needed help understanding the material.

What did you like best about your work as a campus liaison?

I loved how much I got to engage with students and encourage them to participate in clubs and activities.

Three words that describe you as Student Senate president:
RESPONSIBLE. FRIENDLY. OUTGOING.

What advice would you give college students thinking about participating in TRIO/Student Support Services?

If students are already thinking about TRIO/SSS, it means someone has already given them some of the best advice they’ll receive throughout their entire college journey. The only thing I can add is to encourage them to stay open-minded with the TRIO advisors, as they are here to support and help them succeed.

What person has influenced your life the most and why?

My dad—when life hits hard he’s always so chill.

If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?

I’ll make college and healthcare free.

One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:

EXHILARATING

Kenny Ezeokafor • 12 Answers

1. Favorite sport or physical activity: I enjoy playing basketball and going on bike rides, especially on nature trails; it keeps me active and helps me relax
2. Place you would most like to visit: I’d love to visit France, and I’m actually planning a trip there this November
3. Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Driving a Lamborghini was definitely the most exciting! I love cars, and that experience was unforgettable
4. Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Invest in sustainable projects to give back to the environment 2) Set up a scholarship fund to help students pursue their dreams 3) Travel the world, experience new cultures, and live life to the fullest
5. Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: Recently, I watched Charm City Kings, which is based on the book 12 O’Clock Boys; both were amazing—it’s a powerful story about youth, dreams, and overcoming obstacles
6. Time period you would explore if you could time travel: I’d love to explore the early 20th century, especially the 1920s and 1930s; it was when the automobile industry really took off, and seeing the rise of iconic cars like the Ford Model T and classic muscle cars would be fascinating
7. One thing you most want to accomplish in life: I want to earn a master’s degree to deepen my skills and open opportunities for personal and professional growth
8. Your national bird if you were your own country: I’d choose the go-away-bird; it’s unique, has a bold presence, and isn’t afraid to stand out, just like I aspire to be; and the name is pretty cool
9. Dream occupation: My dream occupation is to own and manage my own business, where I can drive innovation, create opportunities for others, and build a brand that aligns with my values
10. Person you would most like to meet: I’d love to meet Steve Jobs; his creativity, passion for innovation, and ability to disrupt industries really shaped the way we think about technology today
11. Skill you would most like to learn and master: I’d love to master data analysis; the ability to interpret and use data effectively is such a powerful skill in today’s business world
12. Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Climate change is the most pressing issue; it affects everything from our ecosystems to economies, and urgent action is needed to protect the planet for future generations

Learn more about the Software Development and Individualized Studies programs at DCTC by contacting:

Admissions
admissions@dctc.edu
651-423-8266
Room 2-110

More about Software Development

Learn how to build and code applications

The Software Development program at DCTC prepares you to become a computer programmer. You will learn an array of programming languages used for software development. You will design, write, debug, and test application software. The curriculum both encourages and requires individual effort and teamwork. As a skilled graduate of the program, you will be equipped to provide software solutions for employers.

Awards

Software Development A.A.S. degree: 69 credits
Software Development diploma: 60 credits
Desktop Programming certificate: 27 credits
Web Programming certificate: 27 credits

Computer requirements

You must have access to outside computer resources to complete coursework assignments.

The following setup is recommended:

• Desktop or laptop (the latter often preferable for portability)
• Windows computer with Windows 11 or Windows 10
• Mac computer—non-Intel-based Macs require additional software (Parallels Desktop)
• SSD or M.2 Hard Drive: 512 GB minimum
• RAM: 16 GB minimum
• USB flash drive: 1 GB minimum

Learn more about the program…

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Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities.

May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

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Software Developers is a Bright Outlook Occupation. 

Reported job titles

• Application Developer
• Application Integration Engineer
• Developer
• Infrastructure Engineer
• Network Engineer
• Software Architect
• Software Developer
• Software Development Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Systems Engineer

 Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings. See all 149 Hot Technologies for this occupation.
 In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation. See all 31 In Demand skills for this occupation.

WAGES

Minnesota

Workers on average earn $124,540.
10 percent of workers earn $75,340 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $166,910 or more.

United States

Workers on average earn $133,080.
10 percent of workers earn $79,850 or less.
10 percent of workers earn $211,450 or more.

2024 Wage Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Trends: Minnesota

Employment (2022): 38,590 employees
Projected employment (2032): 47,920 employees
Projected growth (2022–2032): 24 percent
Projected annual job openings (2022–2032): 3,220

Occupational Trends: United States

Employment (2023): 1,692,100 employees
Projected employment (2033): 1,995,700 employees
Projected growth (2023–2033): 18 percent — much faster than average
Projected annual job openings (2023–2033): 125,100

Visit O*NET OnLine for comprehensive information about the occupation:
Software Developers

SOURCE: O*NET OnLine: Software Developers