Programming a future: Cybersecurity alum crafts his legacy in government role

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—When asked about his career, Western Michigan University alum Kane Greer, B.S.'24, cannot help but gush.  

"Being in a field that allows me to be both technical and people driven is the perfect collision of both my interests,” says Greer. “So, cybersecurity to me was a bit of a perfect storm I knew I could excel in.”  

Greer is the first and only cybersecurity professional for the City of South Bend, Indiana, a fact he is rightfully proud of.

After graduating from Western's cybersecurity program in 2024, which was still in its infancy at the time, Greer's main objective was landing a government job. He cast out a wide net of applications, in both the private and public sector, but he knew working in government was where he needed to end up. In his search, Greer found his current role.  

"Being in government, you're not only affecting your agency, but also the citizens around you, whether that be directly or indirectly," says Greer. "There's a role that everyone plays and I am grateful to be a part of that every day."  

As the only cybersecurity professional in his department, Greer's role allows him to navigate multiple facets of the cybersecurity industry. He conducts user training and incident responses, works in policy creation, manages software, improves processes and works with other government agencies directly.  

It is these tasks that excite Greer daily and remind him of why he wanted this role in the first place.  

"Truly, I am most proud of having a large impact and having my hands on so many different projects that help not only myself grow, but the city as well,” says Greer. “I can be the first to admit that my position, directly out of college, is rather unique in ultimately being a department of one. There are moments that can be scary and overwhelming, but the impact and growth that comes with them is incredible."  

Growing up in a growing field  

According to Greer, he has always been deeply interested in technology.  

"I was pretty much born with a keyboard and mouse in my hand, with my dad having a tech background," says Greer. "I think I even built my first computer when I was eight, so I always had a feeling I would end up in a related field."  

Western was Greer's first step towards cybersecurity. He originally majored in psychology—but shortly after, WMU announced the launch of its cybersecurity program. Greer changed his major right away.  

From there, Greer founded and became president of the Bronco Cybersecurity Club. He also became a team lead for TechNext, an Experience-Driven Learning program that takes students to California to learn about tech, venture capital, entrepreneurship and the arts.  

"Western prepared me by providing me the confidence and foundation to get stuff done, while learning on the job and being adaptable is key," says Greer. "Western provided me with a perfect springboard to excel from."  

Western's cybersecurity program is a part of both the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Haworth College of Business. Greer noted that the program's interdisciplinary curriculum gave him opportunities to learn beyond the basics.  

"The cybersecurity program being both computer science and computer information systems really throws you into a rhythm of tackling issues you could see every day," says Greer. "Dr. Alan Rea, Jason Johnson, Katie Holland, Tre Thomas and Barcley Johnson always pushed me to keep raising my own personal bar in the classroom."  

Greer is looking forward to seeing what's next. He hopes to eventually become a chief information security officer.  

"I plan on keeping on that path until its fruition," says Greer. "While that may be a little while away still, my short-term goals are management and some advanced certifications that will help me accomplish that goal further."  

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