Austin Seidel
Austin Seidel is part of the next generation of cybersecurity leaders the University of North Georgia (ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥). Scheduled to graduate in December 2023, Seidel is pursuing a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and a minor in Arabic.
The Loganville, Georgia, resident is also a member of ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥'s ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ who aims to commission in the Army National Guard's military intelligence branch.
Seidel is a recipient of the Georgia Military Service Scholarship, which is worth more than $85,000 over the course of his college career. Each year, 42 Georgia high school seniors receive the scholarship from the state, through which they are members of the Georgia Army National Guard while at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ and have most of their school expenses covered.
He is also a recipient of the Col. Michael D. Pyott Memorial Scholarship honoring ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥'s former professor of military science's leadership.
Seidel originally had the goal of serving as an FBI special agent, but he later decided to shift away from criminal justice. On a tour at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥, he heard about the school's cybersecurity education programs.
"I didn't have the technical background, but I knew the university could catch me up on that," he said. "I feel like I am serving a greater purpose than myself by protecting people and helping them feel safe."
His applied cybersecurity course helped him realize cybersecurity was right for him, and he continues to shine in the classroom.
"ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ does a great job balancing technical and conceptual courses," Seidel said. "Cybersecurity is challenging, but it's extremely rewarding when you figure it out and continue to develop those skills."
The cybersecurity labs encourage him that he is gaining the skills needed to excel in his career. He has thrived under the mentorship of faculty members like Dr. Ash Mady, assistant professor of computer science. Mady brings experience both in the private sector and higher education to the classroom.
"I love his teaching style. He is nothing but supportive. He helps me find more resources to learn about cybersecurity," Seidel said. "He is more than open to answering any question. I look up to him."
Seidel is one of numerous students who have benefited from ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥'s Institute for Cyber Operations, which was launched with three years of U.S. Department of Defense funds.
The institute, which helps students connect with cybersecurity professionals in the military, government, and businesses, also provides financial backing that allows students to gain cybersecurity certifications while at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥.
"It gives students opportunities to get a head-start on their careers," Seidel said.
Seidel's time at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ has helped him realize cybersecurity is a highly accessible field.
"I am a perfect example of someone coming into college with literally zero coding experience and slight familiarity with computers, yet being able to learn and advance my way to earn awards of excellence just by applying myself," he said. "The resources are out there for anyone to learn cybersecurity and it doesn't have to be a bachelor's degree, but there is a lot of value with spending the time to learn that one gains at a university but would not get elsewhere."
Rosaria Meek
As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan, who teaches microeconomics and macroeconomics and is the head of the Department of Economics and Finance in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥, has been recognized for teaching excellence by state and national organizations.
Jiyoung Daniel
Jiyoung Daniel helped start ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥'s program in Korean language and culture, and uses technology to keep her lessons relevant as real-world use of the language changes.
Jennifer Graff
ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.