Lousindy Mitton, a cybersecurity graduate student at the University of West Florida (UWF), has become the university’s first recipient of the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship. The fellowship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center, prepares future leaders to advance U.S. foreign policy through technology.
Mitton’s journey to this achievement includes earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Miami Dade College before entering UWF’s master’s program through an express admission partnership between the institutions. Her credentials include multiple industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, ITF+, Project+, CRISC, ISC² CC, and Salesforce Administrator.
“My story reflects the transformative power of education and the unwavering support I have received from the UWF community,” said Mitton, who balances her academic pursuits with single motherhood while serving on UWF’s Graduate Student Advisory Board.
UWF adjunct professor Renee Carnley praised Mitton’s academic excellence and character: “Lousindy had one of the top three highest grades in my class… She has the skills that will help fill in the job shortage of skilled professionals within the cybersecurity workforce.”
The two-year FAIT fellowship includes up to $43,500 annually in academic funding, internships at the U.S. Department of State and abroad, and mentoring opportunities. Upon completion, Mitton will join the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer for a five-year commitment, joining an elite cohort of 15 recipients selected for 2024.
For more information on UWF’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecuritymasters.
For more information on UWF’s Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/centerforcyber.
For more information on the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, visit faitfellowship.org.
OUTSTANDING!