Regent Undergrad Receives New VA Cybersecurity Scholarship

A Regent University cybersecurity student is among the first in Virginia to earn the new Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nathan Mowry ’18, College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), is Regent’s first student in the university’s undergraduate cybersecurity program.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe says 36,000 open jobs in cybersecurity makes it a growing industry. The new scholarship designed to encourage students to enter the field in Virginia. Mowry is one of 25 recipients who will receive $10,000 per semester in exchange for future service in the field.

“He is quite a good student, very hard working,” said Dr. Young Choi, CAS associate professor. “I’m very proud of him, because he is the first recipient of a cybersecurity scholarship from an external organization. It’s really good news.”

Mowry began as an information systems student, but recently changed his major to cybersecurity. Choi says the information systems major is designed to allow students to easily change their major to another concentration like cybersecurity, computer science, or information security if they develop different interests throughout their education. The scholarship offered to cybersecurity majors attracted Mowry to consider the field and make the switch.

“As a Christian, it’s my job to help protect our country,” said Mowry. “Cybersecurity is incredibly important. It’s very needed in our world, especially for our country. You hear about cyber attacks all of the time, and cybersecurity is a way for me to be able to serve our country in a unique way with my skills.”

Mowry has a natural ability to help people with computers, and he is fascinated by technology. He appreciates the diverse areas of specialization available to him in a future career path. He’s enjoyed his time at Regent, making many friends and participating with the Student Activities Board. Beyond studying technology, Mowry especially enjoys interacting with his professors.

“My professors are very open,” said Mowry. “I can always talk to them. They are very accessible. Regent gives me a better chance to learn than a larger, state college. The student life is fantastic. The culture Regent promotes makes me strive to be a better Christian and serve others.”

Mowry is looking to soon begin interning in his field. He has officially accepted the first $10,000 of the scholarship and is planning to stay in Virginia and work in cybersecurity public service for at least a year after he graduates.

Learn more about Regent’s Center for Cybersecurity and undergraduate and graduate degree programs.