Finding Support, Powering the Future: How Michael Ogbinaka Found His Path at CU Denver

For Michael Ogbinaka, choosing CU Denver was about more than finishing a degree. It was about finding a university that recognized his journey, valued his experience, and actively invested in where he wanted to go next.

“I chose CU Denver because of the support I received even before becoming a student,” Michael said. “From advising to department leadership, I felt like people genuinely wanted to see me succeed.”

That sense of belonging and encouragement has shaped Michael’s transition to CU Denver, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Design and Computing (CEDC). For Michael, CU Denver offered more than a seamless transfer—it offered clarity, momentum, and a clear pathway forward.

From Lagos to Denver: a journey built on persistence

Michael’s academic journey spans continents. Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, he developed an early curiosity for technology and problem-solving—interests that would ultimately shape his future in engineering. That curiosity led him to the United States, where he spent two years in Newark, New Jersey, earning an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering.

“Those years helped solidify that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to pursue,” Michael said. “I knew I wanted to keep building on that foundation.”

As he prepared to transfer and complete his bachelor’s degree, Michael knew he needed more than a place that would accept his credits. He was looking for a university that understood the complexity of being a transfer student, a place that understood where he was coming from and could help him get to where he wanted to go.

“I wanted a place that would help me build on what I’d already done, not start over,” he said. At CU Denver, that’s exactly what he found.

Choosing a university that chooses its students

CU Denver’s CEDC stood out early in Michael’s search, not just for its academic offerings, but for how intentionally the college supports student success from day one.

“My advisor, Karla, guided me through the entire transfer process,” Michael shared. “Dr. Golkowski, the department chair, also offered incredible support that made my transition to Denver much easier.”

That early outreach made a lasting impression. For Michael, it signaled something deeper about the culture of CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing—one where students are met with clarity, encouragement, and real investment in their success.

That early engagement reflects CU Denver’s approach to transfer students: proactive advising, intentional pathways, and faculty who recognize transfer students as assets to the classroom and the college.

“Seeing how committed CU Denver was to helping me succeed is what ultimately made my decision,” Michael said. “Having that level of support—from advisors, faculty, and the department—makes a huge difference. It gives you confidence that you’re in the right place.”

Building skills for what comes next

Now in his first semester at CU Denver, Michael is immersed in coursework that builds on his technical background while preparing him for advanced study and industry impact. As an electrical engineering student, he’s developing the analytical, design, and problem-solving skills that power modern technology, from hardware systems to emerging innovations.

Looking forward, Michael already has a clear plan.

“After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I want to take advantage of CU Denver’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program to earn my master’s in electrical engineering,” he said.

This program offers high-achieving students a powerful advantage: the ability to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelors degree and finishing both degrees in less time than pursing them separately. This pathway not only saves time and cost, but also deepens technical expertise, expands professional opportunities, and positions students for leadership roles in engineering fields.

From there, his sights are set on a career in hardware engineering, where theory meets application and ideas become tangible solutions. “I’m excited about working on real systems and contributing to technologies that people rely on every day,” Michael shared.

A launchpad for what comes next 

CU Denver’s accelerated graduate pathways, combined with strong industry connections, allow transfer students like Michael to move faster, go further, and graduate with a competitive edge.

His experience reflects the CU Denver College of Engineering, Design and Computing promise to transfer students: an education that recognizes your prior work, supports your transition, and equips you with the tools to launch what comes next.

Connect with a transfer advisor and see how CU Denver can turn your progress into a pathway forward.