SEC Awards Three Collegiate Scholarships for 2024-2025

September 1, 2024 – The Security Executive Council has awarded three $2,500 scholarships to students of excellence at its partner academic institutions, which are recognized for their outstanding programs in security, risk, and intelligence.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024-2025 Security Executive Council Scholarships:

Paige Bell (senior) Major: Cybersecurity; Mercyhurst University

Jon Lester (junior) Major: Cybersecurity; Kennesaw State University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education

Eric Locke (senior) Major: Risk Management & Insurance, Supply Chain & Operations with a concentration in Data Analytics; University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore College of Business

The SEC launched its scholarship program in 2022 to encourage and support excellence in the next generation of security leaders. Each scholarship is awarded after consideration by the SEC Scholarship Committee, which is made up of SEC staff, successful former and current security practitioners, and faculty from the participating universities.

"We are honored to see our students recognized through this scholarship opportunity, which highlights exceptional performance in cybersecurity and risk management programs. Such opportunities are pivotal in shaping students’ career paths, and we deeply appreciate the SEC's support," said Michael Whitman, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity Education at KSU.

"I can think of no one else who works as hard as Paige,” said Brian Fuller, Executive Director of the Center for Intelligence Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT) at Mercyhurst University. “Her dedication to her studies and professional growth is second to none. Having Paige represent Mercyhurst University in being awarded the SEC Collegiate Scholarship is genuinely fitting, as she embodies what the University stands for. Thank you, SEC, for providing another deserving student with this honor and our continued partnership!"

Greg Niehaus, Professor of Finance and Insurance at the University of South Carolina, said, “The Darla Moore School of Business and its Risk Management and Insurance program greatly appreciates the support of the SEC in sponsoring a scholarship for one of our outstanding students. For the second year in a row, the scholarship was awarded to Eric Locke. Eric spent the past summer as a risk analyst intern at BNP Paribus in New York City and will be graduating in December.”

The SEC is extremely proud to support each of this year’s scholarship winners. Congratulations to all!

About the Security Executive Council
The Security Executive Council is the leading research and advisory firm focused on corporate security risk mitigation strategies and plans. We work with security leaders to transform security programs into more capable and valued centers of excellence. Watch our two-minute video for a quick overview or visit us at www.securityexecutivecouncil.com.

Media Contact:
Marleah Blades
Manager, External Relations
256-689-0242
mblades@secleader.com