Webmaster to graduate after balancing full-time job, major project with classes

Senior Eddie Pantoja is ready to walk across the graduation stage in just a few days, but doesn’t have plans to leave campus anytime soon. Pantoja has worked as Montana Tech’s full-time webmaster since summer 2022, and he says he hopes to continue in the position for a long time.

“It comes naturally to me,” Pantoja said of his webmaster tasks. “I love it.”

Pantoja is originally from California. His family moved to Columbus, Montana more than a decade ago. His high school was small, and he wanted a similar experience in college.

He started as a computer science major, but midway through the program, Pantoja changed his major to applied math with a computer science minor.

“The hardcore coding wasn’t clicking with me,” Pantoja said.

Pantoja preferred to focus on the web user’s experience, rather than the complicated backend development. This made him an excellent candidate for the webmaster position. When the position became available, he was already working in Montana Tech’s IT Services Department as a student employee.

Pantoja was immediately thrust into one of the Marketing and Communications Office’s most significant projects in years: redesigning the Montana Tech website. He was tasked with rebuilding thousands of web pages. Armed with a spreadsheet, he knocked them off one by one, and endeavored to give each  page a fresh, sleek new look in line with the University’s updated brand. The project involved coordinating photos with the University photographer, Lou Mason, and collaborating with department heads and staff about how to best present information thoroughly, accurately, and aesthetically pleasing. 

“It was a little stressful,” Pantoja said. “We thought it would start in summer when I didn’t have classes, but then it got delayed until fall. It was a lot to balance school. There were a lot of long nights at the office.”

“Eddie has been an incredible addition to our team,” noted Amanda Badovinac, executive director of marketing and communications. “He provided great leadership and vision during the development and launch of our largest marketing tool—our website. Eddie’s work ethic and positive attitude are much appreciated, and we are thrilled he is part of the Montana Tech team.”

With web development experience, Pantoja could easily find a work-from-anywhere job for a big corporation, but he likes working for a close-knit communication team.

“Montana Tech is a great school and this is a good gig,” Pantoja said.

Pantoja also likes the ability to work on campus, with people, in person. He did not like remote and hybrid classes that were necessary during the pandemic.

“It wasn’t my favorite,” Pantoja said. “I was not a fan of the hybrid environment.”

Pantoja’s favorite class was Data Science with Dr. Hilary Risser, because it dealt with real-world applications of mathematics. His biggest supporter has been his mom.

“She has always encouraged me to do what makes me happy,” Pantoja said.

Pantoja says he’s learned to persevere during his time as an Oredigger.

“Just keep pushing, never give up,” Pantoja said. “Some projects seem like a daunting, big task, but it can be done, even if it’s just a little bit at a time.”