Computer science and Spanish alumnus uses liberal arts education to lead a global team

As the manager of service delivery platforms at Moog, a company specializing in precision motion control products, computer science and Spanish College of Wooster alumnus Chuck Nusbaum ’02 dedicates each day to simplifying the lives of technology users around the globe. Leading a global team, he frequently uses skills developed through his liberal arts education and exposure to diverse viewpoints during his time as a student. 

When searching for colleges, Nusbaum found Wooster while looking for institutions where he could immerse himself in a tight-knit environment and extracurricular commitments. He capitalized on these opportunities to the tune of two academic majors and involvement in organizations including marching band, campus ministry, and on-campus volunteer organizations, opportunities that continue to provide value. “Being involved at Wooster gave me the opportunity to think critically with a diverse group of people coming from diverse backgrounds. I developed the confidence to think, be a leader, and lead a team,” Nusbaum said.     

Initially a self-proclaimed shy student, Nusbaum struggled to assert himself within the campus community until his First-Year Seminar professor, Deb Hilty, emerita professor of English, encouraged him to speak up and participate actively in class discussions, noting that doing so would help maximize his Wooster education. Hilty’s suggestion inspired Nusbaum to stray from his reserved demeanor. “She made a really big difference that day. I am tremendously grateful,” he said. 

Her advice helped Nusbaum thrive outside of the classroom as well. In addition to undertaking numerous extracurricular activities, Nusbaum developed the confidence to spend a semester abroad in Córdoba, Spain during his junior year. He enriched his Spanish studies by immersing himself into the language and culture. The experience helped him understand that despite cultural and geographic differences, “People really do share more similarities than they do differences,” he said. 

Nusbaum combines this broadened worldview with his interest in computer science through his position with Moog. Working alongside a global team that meets virtually each workday, Nusbaum oversees a software system that streamlines digital processes including work projects and alerts of technical issues into one, centralized online location. “Each day is consistently inconsistent. I do not know what to expect until each day comes,” Nusbaum said.  

Despite the often-daunting nature of such a dynamic work environment, Nusbaum feels his time at Wooster prepared him to handle this challenge aptly. In particular, he remembers the skills imparted during his senior year while completing his Independent Study project alongside other commitments including a heavy academic course load and extracurriculars. “I.S. was an arduous process,” Nusbaum said, “but rewarding. I learned a valuable lesson about persistence and critical thinking that I am very grateful to have learned.” For his project, Nusbaum wrote a transcription software that translated English into Spanish, and, conversely, Spanish into English. At the time of his project’s completion in 2002, he recalls little pre-existing precedent. Consequently, Nusbaum constructed his own computer model and trained the creation himself. 

“I cannot imagine having gone anywhere else,” Nusbaum said. “The opportunities Wooster provided me academically as well as through experiences including clubs and study abroad were incredibly valuable. I am very proud of this institution.” 

Posted in Alumni on May 5, 2025.