Dylan Hillard
Dylan Hilliard of Waldo, AR, a 2026 graduate of Southern Arkansas University, has been promoted from intern to a full-time software engineer at Murphy USA.
Hilliard chose SAU for its affordability and its game and animation design program. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2026, he learned of a software engineering internship through SAU alumni who have built careers at Murphy USA. For many Muleriders, the company is a natural next step.
“A lot of the people I work with in the IT department are SAU graduates,” Hilliard said.
As an intern, Hilliard applied the skills he honed as a computer science major at SAU. He credits multiple faculty members for his success, including Dr. Hong Cheng, whose data structures and algorithms class taught him SQL and how to work with a relational database. On the game side, Hilliard acknowledged Eric Rogers, whose group projects introduced him to the Agile framework for project management, a method he still uses today. Beyond the classroom, SAU’s Global Game Jams helped him expand his portfolio website, making him a more competitive and well-rounded applicant.
To current SAU students, Hilliard offered this advice: “Start thinking about things you’re interested in learning and do it. Try Global Game Jams—they are some of the best ways to learn and to get a project added to your resume.”
SAU hosts a Global Game Jam each fall and spring semester. The 48-hour game development marathon challenges participants to collaborate and build a video game from scratch based on a stated theme. The Jams are located on-campus, with a hybrid component for participants 18 years and older.
For students interested in game and animation design, please visit the Game and Animation Design Program.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional demands of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies.
