UWF student selected for prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship

UWF student Lousindy Mitton has been selected as a U.S. Department of War DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholar. This scholarship award carries a total value of up to $379,610 that will pay for Mitton's annual tuition, cost of books and stipend of $34,000 until the completion of her Ph.D. degree in intelligent systems and robotics at UWF with a specialization in cybersecurity. Upon completion of her degree, she will receive an immediate offer of DoD employment.

"The UWF Center for Cybersecurity proudly nominates top students for this award each year, often earning one or more coveted placements," said Dr. Guillermo Francia III, director of research and innovation and principal investigator of the program. "This honor demonstrates that UWF is nationally recognized alongside other premier institutions in cybersecurity education and research."

This year, only 7.5% of the 662 applicants from institutions nationwide were selected for this prestigious award. This award reflects the strength of the UWF's academic programs and Mitton's exceptional potential and commitment to serve the nation by strengthening its cyber defenses.

"The Department of War is the largest government agency in the United States, and being selected for the CSA Scholarship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Mitton said. "I am deeply thankful to my parents for paving the way and giving me the chance to be in the U.S.; this scholarship is a continuation of the sacrifices they made for me and my family. It will not only transform my own future by helping me break generational barriers, but it will also allow me to contribute meaningfully to the security of the nation I am honored to serve. As a public servant, it has always been my heart's desire to wholeheartedly give back to the country that changed my trajectory and provided me the opportunity to create a better path for generations to come."

The competition opens in December each year to all students majoring in cyber-related programs such as mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, electrical and computer engineering, and other related fields of study.

For more information about the DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program, visit uwf.edu/dodcysp or send inquiries to Dr. Francia at [email protected].