SEC Awards Three Collegiate Scholarships for 2024-2025

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.”

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.