CHRIS CANTERA – BSCS CHAIR

CHRIS CANTERA BSCS CHAIR

Chris Cantera–Neumont College’s recently appointed computer science degree chair–is new to the position, but not computer science. His successful career has spanned over thirty years in tech and we’re grateful to have his expertise, and years of experience to the Neumont classroom.

His interest in technology began in high school during the early 1980s where he not only learned how to code, but found his passion for it. This interest carried on through college and after graduating from Brigham Young University, a Utah-based university, he realized there was an immense opportunity for growth in the state’s impending tech scene. He decided to reside in Utah and over the course of the next three decades, Chris took on roles as a technical account manager, software engineer, and for the last twenty years, a director of software engineering.

Throughout his career, Chris has hired a number of Neumont graduates via the Neumont Enterprise Partner program, in which Neumont students complete tech projects for local and national companies. It was through Enterprise Projects that Chris discovered our tech-centered college, prompting him to make a career change into academics because he had long enjoyed working alongside our students.

“I chose Neumont based on what I observed –the quality and intelligence of the students, the expertise of the faculty, and the laser-focus the college has on producing outstanding, industry-ready graduates.”

After joining Neumont as an adjunct professor, Chris found a new love in higher education and made the full-time transition permanent in 2020. When asked about what type of student would excel in the broad-based computer science program, he said those who have an interest in software development, mobile development, distributed systems, databases, or modern programming paradigms would be the ideal fit. He went on to recommend to those with an interest in tech, “begin to explore those technologies which are most interesting and compelling for you.”

Looking forward, Chris believes the future is bright for those working in the technology industry—especially after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Neumont College. We’re grateful to have Chris’ expertise and leadership as he prepares the next generation of tech heroes on our campus.