Walter “Walt” Hargrove
Walter “Walt” Hargrove
Growing up in a family owned and operated dry-cleaning business, I was immersed in the complexities of small business management from an early age.
My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (Creighton University). Second, a master’s in theological studies (Emory University) with some focus on social ethics. Third, I pursued a master’s degree in engineering education (SUNYAB) concurrent with a certification from AT&T Technology Academy “Certified Network Engineer” focused on machine learning, labeling and sub-labeling, and iCloud servers. My master’s in engineering education project focused on how FinTech can be incorporated in engineering education, which provided a concise historical background and timeline on the development of FinTech programs which included a 10 week developed introductory class designed for the financial illiterate. This simplified class covered blockchain technology, digital wallets, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer lending, payment systems, stock trading and regulatory compliance.
Professionally, I have accumulated significant experience in financial management and technology integration. At EDS, UPS and Delta Airlines revenue data facilities, I managed and transferred revenue funds, in a UNIX nationwide server network ensuring accurate financial reporting in compliance with industry regulations.
In my academic career, in the adult education division of the Buffalo Public School System and six-year tenure as a theology professor at Houghton University. I dedicated 20+ years to adult education as a certified Microsoft Office Specialist instructor, focusing on financial literacy programs. I taught adults about budgeting, investing, and financial planning while working in conjunction with local financial institutions presenting seminars on financial literacy to bridge the gap for the marginalized student body. These programs were implemented due to the response of students thinking about college. Students had fears of financial responsibilities while attending school and after graduation. Where student loans became a major concern for students entering post-secondary education. I felt it was essential for students to understand core concepts like budgeting, debt management, credit card use, saving strategies, and investment portfolios. I received three class retention awards during this tenure in adult education. When I integrated Microsoft Suite 365 which highlighted skills in MS Excel to utilize mortgage amortization formulas, exercises in business revenue and employee recordkeeping.
Future initiatives, I aim to leverage my diverse experiences in FinTech to develop and support students in investigating how gamified online modules can make financial literacy learning fun and accessible, with self-paced FinTech certification programs and bootcamps. Next, a priority set to further advance project-based education in WPI’s FinTech business school’s growth.
Lastly, a legacy the “Messias Institute of Education, Economic Empowerment and Spirituality” An institute formed to integrate into the ecclesiastic, social economic and academic bodies. An institute to provide financial literacy, financial based entrepreneurship for economic empowerment and spirituality research. Based on a previous venture I chaired and recognized by Microsoft the first African American, State of the Art Technology Center (501c3) in the southeast named “East Atlanta Technology Center” in 2002 to offer CompTIA A+, Network+ and Microsoft certifications. “M.I.E.E.S” is presently in a joint venture with the ABC-USA Myanmar community in Buffalo, New York which took possession of a four-building complex.
In summary, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of advancing my expertise through Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s graduate program and contributing to the evolution of financial technology.
Walter R. Hargrove BS, MS, MTS/M.A.
Walter “Walt” Hargrove
Growing up in a family owned and operated dry-cleaning business, I was immersed in the complexities of small business management from an early age.
My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (Creighton University). Second, a master’s in theological studies (Emory University) with some focus on social ethics. Third, I pursued a master’s degree in engineering education (SUNYAB) concurrent with a certification from AT&T Technology Academy “Certified Network Engineer” focused on machine learning, labeling and sub-labeling, and iCloud servers. My master’s in engineering education project focused on how FinTech can be incorporated in engineering education, which provided a concise historical background and timeline on the development of FinTech programs which included a 10 week developed introductory class designed for the financial illiterate. This simplified class covered blockchain technology, digital wallets, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer lending, payment systems, stock trading and regulatory compliance.
Professionally, I have accumulated significant experience in financial management and technology integration. At EDS, UPS and Delta Airlines revenue data facilities, I managed and transferred revenue funds, in a UNIX nationwide server network ensuring accurate financial reporting in compliance with industry regulations.
In my academic career, in the adult education division of the Buffalo Public School System and six-year tenure as a theology professor at Houghton University. I dedicated 20+ years to adult education as a certified Microsoft Office Specialist instructor, focusing on financial literacy programs. I taught adults about budgeting, investing, and financial planning while working in conjunction with local financial institutions presenting seminars on financial literacy to bridge the gap for the marginalized student body. These programs were implemented due to the response of students thinking about college. Students had fears of financial responsibilities while attending school and after graduation. Where student loans became a major concern for students entering post-secondary education. I felt it was essential for students to understand core concepts like budgeting, debt management, credit card use, saving strategies, and investment portfolios. I received three class retention awards during this tenure in adult education. When I integrated Microsoft Suite 365 which highlighted skills in MS Excel to utilize mortgage amortization formulas, exercises in business revenue and employee recordkeeping.
Future initiatives, I aim to leverage my diverse experiences in FinTech to develop and support students in investigating how gamified online modules can make financial literacy learning fun and accessible, with self-paced FinTech certification programs and bootcamps. Next, a priority set to further advance project-based education in WPI’s FinTech business school’s growth.
Lastly, a legacy the “Messias Institute of Education, Economic Empowerment and Spirituality” An institute formed to integrate into the ecclesiastic, social economic and academic bodies. An institute to provide financial literacy, financial based entrepreneurship for economic empowerment and spirituality research. Based on a previous venture I chaired and recognized by Microsoft the first African American, State of the Art Technology Center (501c3) in the southeast named “East Atlanta Technology Center” in 2002 to offer CompTIA A+, Network+ and Microsoft certifications. “M.I.E.E.S” is presently in a joint venture with the ABC-USA Myanmar community in Buffalo, New York which took possession of a four-building complex.
In summary, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of advancing my expertise through Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s graduate program and contributing to the evolution of financial technology.
Walter R. Hargrove BS, MS, MTS/M.A.