Father-daughter duo earns degrees together, continues family legacy at WSU
OGDEN, Utah — Matt and Hannah Stowell’s bond as dad and daughter has become even stronger as they pursue a shared goal together: college.
Matt is getting a Master of Science in Computer Engineering, while Hannah is studying elementary and special education.
“It’s fun to see the expression on my friends’ faces when I say, ‘yeah, I go to school with my dad,’” Hannah said. “It’s just a unique opportunity.”
By attending Weber State University, both Matt and Hannah are continuing a longstanding family tradition.
“It goes way back,” Hannah said. “My parents have gone here, my grandma, and my great-grandpa. My family has had such great experiences here.”
Continuing a family tradition
After graduating from Bonneville High School, Hannah received scholarship offers from multiple colleges, but she knew she wanted to be at WSU: “I’ve always wanted to go here my whole life.”
She already had college credits from taking concurrent enrollment classes, and she was excited to become a fourth-generation Wildcat.
Hannah felt inspired by her former teachers, especially in sixth grade, which led her down the path of becoming an educator herself. She was awarded the Teach for Weber scholarship, given to support students attending WSU who plan to teach in the Weber School District after graduation.
Now, as a student in the Jerry & Vickie Moyes School of Education, she gets to learn more about what makes an impactful educator.
“I’ve found I can do things that I didn’t think I could in the beginning,” Hannah said. “I’m proud of the work I put into things.”
She plans to take a pause from school beginning January 2026 to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, when she returns and graduates, she looks forward to teaching any grade — but preferably middle schoolers — and making a fun space for them by personalizing the classroom with Scooby-Doo decor.
Most of all though, she wants to be a role model to her students, just like past teachers were for her.
Advancing in his career field
For Matt, getting a master’s degree first became a goal nearly 15 years ago, but career and home-life commitments consumed most of his time.
He later accepted a civil service position at Hill Air Force Base, working in the 309th Software Engineering Group. Matt is a software manager, which means he helps create web applications for U.S. Air Force personnel to more easily and efficiently do their job.
“You may have heard people talk about user-centered design,” Matt said. “I get to be at the tip of the spear of that with my products. I learn about the everyday problems employees face, and think of ways we can make that better, easier, automated, or simplified.”
While working, Matt came across scholarship opportunities for government employees, renewing his interest in continuing his education. He applied for and received the Department of Defense’s SMART Program scholarship, which helps the DoD’s civilian workforce pursue education in STEM.
“You can go anywhere you want with this scholarship; there’s no cap on tuition,” Matt said. “But I still chose to go to Weber.”
With a bachelor’s degree in engineering from WSU under his belt, along with years of other industry experience ranging from medical device research and development to commercial aerospace work, he returned to school.
“This was a logical move for career growth,” he said. “The government very much values education, and I know this will open opportunities.”
While pursuing a master’s degree, the SMART scholarship gives Matt a temporary break from work so he can focus fully on his graduate program.
Making time for family
He said he spends about 70 hours a week on class work. And though he has a different class schedule than Hannah, they still try to make time to connect.
“We started doing lunches about once a week on campus,” Hannah said. “And we’ve got our basement — we’ll sit together in the evenings and do our work. That’s been really fun.”
Matt picks the music, usually ‘80s synth-pop, and they both value the chance to connect with one another.
“We have this time together and these conversations that we might not otherwise get,” Matt said.
Matt has three other children, ages 14, 11, and 5. He also credits his wife, Amy, for supporting everyone as they work toward their goals.
“I feel like in some ways, it’s brought our family closer,” Hannah said. “Going through this together, seeing how hard it is. It’s been a trial, but also a blessing.”
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu