Cadet wins scholarship from armed forces group for 2nd straight year

University of North Georgia (UNG) cadet Desmond Henderson has become the first back-to-back winner of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Atlanta chapter's annual $1,500 scholarship.

Henderson, a junior from Tampa, Florida, pursuing a cybersecurity degree, said he didn't feel worthy after winning the award in 2019, so he set out to prove AFCEA right.

"I wanted to prove they could rely on their investment in me," Henderson said.

Henderson along with fellow cadet Ryan Fisher launched a cybersecurity special unit within UNG's Corps of Cadets during the 2019-20 school year. They have especially sought to help freshman and sophomore cadets with their cyber skills through the work of the unit.

"It was my way of giving back to the Corps of Cadets and benefiting future leaders," Henderson said.

AFCEA is a nonprofit that was founded in 1946, and it includes UNG as a member, with the university's partnership led by the efforts of Dr. Sharon Hamilton, a retired Army colonel who serves as federal liaison and director of military programs for UNG's Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies.

"Desmond is an outstanding example of the kind of cyber leaders UNG is producing," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of UNG's Center for Cyber Operations Education. "He's leading UNG's new Cyber Unit in the Corps of Cadets, competing in competitions, attending industry conferences in cyber, and completing professional cyber certifications while enrolled as an undergraduate student and serving in the Georgia Army National Guard."