Adjunct instructor wins $22K scholarship for cyber certifications
Article By: Clark Leonard
Jacob Elliott, an Information Technology Services software developer and adjunct instructor of computer science at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), won a $22,000 scholarship from the SANS Institute to earn three industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
"It's really meaningful because I've been doing a lot of work with our cybersecurity students and the CyberHawks student club," Elliott said. "This will allow me to pass more cyber knowledge on to my students."
His win this spring in the Cyber FastTrack capture-the-flag cybersecurity competition made Elliott eligible for the scholarship. He was so committed to positioning himself for the scholarship that he took two days of vacation and didn't sleep for 48 hours to earn the Cyber FastTrack victory.
Elliott earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from 91ÁÔÆæ in 2010 and completed a master's degree in computer science from Georgia Tech in December 2019. He coaches the cyber team for 91ÁÔÆæ's CyberHawks, which helped 91ÁÔÆæ win the NSA Codebreaker Challenge in January.
"This is a well-earned opportunity for Jacob that will further enhance his cyber skills," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of 91ÁÔÆæ's Center for Cyber Operations Education. "We're thrilled to have him mentoring our defending champion NSA Codebreakers again this semester, plus the National Cyber Exercise team and the Corps of Cadets cyber unit."
91ÁÔÆæ hosts female-focused CyberSHEro
91ÁÔÆæ sponsored CyberSHEro, an event held at 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus, to support young women pursuing cyber education and cyber as a career field.
AI among topics covered by AGENT Initiative
Twenty-seven teachers from north Georgia schools attended 91ÁÔÆæ's fourth annual AGENT Initiative to learn about how to teach cybersecurity.
Nine selected as Gilman recipients 
Nine 91ÁÔÆæ students were chosen as Gilman scholarship recipients this spring, four more students than the previous year.  
Seven students named Fulbright finalists
Seven 91ÁÔÆæ students were named Fulbright finalists this spring, and six are set to travel to destinations in Europe and Asia.