Georgia Southern Elite Scholars Program

Acosta, Alex

The ELITE Scholarship has been an invaluable support in my academic journey. By alleviating financial concerns, it has empowered me to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my studies. This scholarship has effectively removed a significant source of stress, enabling me to concentrate on my academic pursuits and providing the opportunity to pursue industry certifications while maintaining consistently high academic performance.

Bolie, Randolph

My name is Randolph Bolie. I’m an undergrad (junior) at Georgia Southern University, majoring in Information Technology/Cybersecurity. I was born in Liberia, West Africa, and came to the U.S. at the age of six. I am grateful for the Elite Scholars program and looking forward to working with all the scholarship committees and applicants.

Camp, Brandon

The Elite Scholars program is helping me by making college more affordable and allowing me to focus on pursuing a degree without any distractions. It is helping me cover any unexpected expenses each semester, such as required textbooks in my courses. The program also lets me speed up my progress toward graduation by making it much more affordable to take classes during the summer semester. This program has been very beneficial and is helping me work toward a degree in IT at Georgia Southern University.

Dean, Brandon

Hello, my name is Brandon Dean, and I’m from Rincon, GA. I am a senior graduating in December 2023, majoring in Information Technology with a specialization in Cyber Security. I’ve had an interest in technology from a young age, and my passion for it developed during high school when I joined the Technology Student Association (TSA). Through my involvement with the club, I became the Vice President from 2016 (Junior year) to 2018 (Senior year), during which I helped establish our sister chapter at Ebenezer Middle School.

After high school, I became a full-time student initially majoring in Computer Science while working full-time to support my college education. However, as I balanced work and school, I realized that my true passion lay in Information Technology (IT). So, in the Spring of 2022, I changed my major to IT. My love for IT helped me secure a position at Walmart Distribution Center in Statesboro as a Backup System Administrator, where I was able to apply my knowledge of IT. I also landed an internship at IBM during the Summer of 2023, where I had the opportunity to learn new and innovative ways to utilize technology and develop valuable skills.

Receiving the Elite Scholar scholarship has lightened the financial burden of my education, allowing me to concentrate on further developing my skills and pursuing a rewarding career in the field of technology.

[Fall 2023]

Downs, Konnor

I am proud to be among the first individuals in the ELITE Scholars program. I see great potential in this program in helping students succeed in their I.T. future. Thanks to this program, I can connect with other people majoring in Information Technology and have most of my education expenses taken care of.

Kassab, Karam

My name is Karam Kassab, I am an adult junior student here in Georgia Southern University majoring in I.T. I was working full time while being a full-time student and that has become harder as I progressed into my junior year so I decided to drop my work hours to part-time this semester (Fall2023). This scholarship has been a Godsent to me to help me pay for school without stressing about working full-time hours. Thank you to all who participated in making this scholarship available and special thanks to the donors as well. You have made a difference in my life.

[Fall 2023]

Lenz, Garrett

The Elite Scholars Scholarship has been instrumental in helping me complete my degree. With the financial assistance provided by the scholarship, I was able to focus on my studies and finish out my school year with ease of mind. I am grateful for the support that the scholarship has provided me and would highly recommend it to any IT student in need of financial assistance.

Marquez, Sergio

I am very thankful for this support. I accept this scholarship with great pride and will use the knowledge I gain through my journey to help and inspire others

McNeely, Shannon

I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive the ELITE Scholarship. This scholarship helps me tremendously, being a first-generation college student. Having this support is very motivating, as I make a career change and get into the tech industry. I am excited to finish my remaining semester strong and begin my new career!”

Mims, Jalen

I am a freshman at Georgia Southern University, where I am pursuing a degree in Information Technology. My name is Jalen Mims. Being a member of the first group of ELITE Scholars, I am excited to be a part of this group. Being awarded a scholarship by the Committee motivates me to maintain an enduring passion for both my career pursuits and my major’s studies in the Information Technology program.

Ndiappi, Ndiana

The elite scholars scholarship has helped me achieve my goals of academic excellence.

Shamberger, Shanale

Thank you for your generosity and for making my educational dreams a reality. I look forward to representing the Elite Scholars community with integrity and dedication.

[Fall 2023]

Smith, Kacey

I wish to express my deep gratitude for the exceptional opportunity to be selected for the ELITE scholarship. This scholarship represents a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey, and I am fully aware of the immense value it holds, not only for me but also for fellow students seeking to further their knowledge and skills in the field of technology. The ELITE scholarship offers invaluable opportunities for students, providing access to mentorship from industry experts and financial support which empowers future tech leaders to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in the tech field.

Yangoue Wouatou, Arnaud

I am renowned to be the recipient of the ELITE Scholarship. Your support and encouragement have helped me to keep moving forward. I’m currently enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program in Information Technology with a concentration in cyber security. I’m also an active-duty soldier in the US Army. Your charitable contribution will allow me to stay on top of my studies, continue to strive to be the best in my field of study, and keep protecting our beautiful Country.

Ferrell, Willie

This scholarship for IT students who aspire to make a significant impact aligns perfectly with my goals and ambitions. As a creative individual, I am dedicated to expanding my skills within the cybersecurity industry. The scholarship would provide essential support in furthering my education and allow me to continue making strides in my projects and endeavors. Additionally, it would enable me to pursue my passion for learning and self-improvement, contributing not only to my personal and professional growth but also to the broader field of cybersecurity.
Ultimately, I aim to leverage my skills, experiences, and continuous learning to contribute meaningfully to the IT industry, making a positive impact through advancements in cybersecurity and world-changing actions.

Lanier, Daniel

The ELITE Scholars Program is a game changer for me because it takes the financial burden off of gaining more certifications and makes going to and from internships much more feasible. With this extra support, I’ll be able to afford to attend some great internships and I’m really looking forward to it.

Williams, Juanatas

My name is Juanatas Williams. I am a sophomore at Georgia Southern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and a Minor in Cybersecurity. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be selected for the Elite Scholarship program. This scholarship will help me financially while studying hard to achieve my career goals.

Woodcock, Michael

Since joining Georgia Southern, I have found myself thoroughly enjoying working with the faculty and actively participating in tutoring, mentoring, and collaborative activities. The support and guidance from the faculty have been instrumental, making my university experience truly invaluable. Through the ELITE Scholars Program, I have had the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and students (soon, anyway, can’t wait!) in ways that I may not have
otherwise.
As I look forward to continuing my university journey, I am eager to contribute to the program and collaborate with both faculty and other students. I want to express my gratitude for the scholarship and support, which has been a crucial factor in enabling me to persevere through challenging times. The support has made a significant impact on my ability to attend Georgia Southern despite adversities.

Johns, Troy

I’m very excited for the opportunity that the Elite Scholars scholarship is providing myself and my family. As an adult learner with high school aged kids at home, I believe it is important to show them how important it is to complete college. This program also shows them that there are other opportunities other than loans to pay for your education if you work hard. I believe this program will give me the support I need to complete my degree and achieve my goals.

Mitchell, Annie

I’m excited to be apart of this program. The opportunities that I’ve heard during the meeting Eileen definitely be beneficial to my studies!

Le, Han

The Elite Scholarship Program has been a big help for me by covering important costs and easing my financial worries in school. With this support, I can concentrate on my studies and stay on track to graduate on time. I’m very thankful for this opportunity as it allows me to focus more on my studies and reach my academic goals. The Elite Scholars Program for information technology majors offers valuable opportunities, such as mentorship, networking, and access to career development resources. The program helped me develop both technical skills and professional connections, and offering career strategies after graduation. Overall, I think this program can be a significant advantage for aspiring IT professionals like me. This program is a great program to guide you as an information technology major. It helps you beyond what your coursework can. It prepares you for the work field after college.

Camp, Brandon

The Elite scholarship program is really nice for the additional financial aid alongside the events that allows the students to collaborate with each other. With the supportive faculty and training it also helps prepare students for their future careers. The Elite scholars program is very beneficial for the students that are a part of it and I hope more students have the opportunity to benifit from it in the future.

Woodcock, Michael

Since joining Georgia Southern, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty and actively participating in tutoring, mentoring, and collaborative activities. The support and guidance I have received have been instrumental in shaping my university experience, making it truly invaluable. Through the ELITE Scholars Program, I have had unique opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and students, forging relationships that have greatly enriched my academic journey and show promise of helping me professionally for years to come.

As I look forward to continuing my academic journey, I am eager to contribute to the program and collaborate closely with both faculty and students. I want to express my gratitude for the scholarship and support provided to me by Georgia Southern faculty. This assistance has been a crucial factor in enabling me to persevere through challenging times and has had a significant impact on my ability to attend Georgia Southern, despite the adversities and global challenges we face.

As we all continue on our paths, I encourage everyone to embrace new challenges and opportunities, remembering that growth often happens just outside our comfort zones. As Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Dennis, Eric

Hello, my name is Eric Dennis, and I’m from Dacula, GA. I’m currently a senior majoring in I.T. with a concentration in Cybersecurity.

The Elite Scholars program has allowed me to focus on my studies without the financial stress of paying for college. It has covered my tuition, textbooks, and other course materials, enabling me to focus solely on my studies.

In addition to the financial support, the program has provided me with academic and career guidance from the knowledgeable staff at Georgia Southern. I’ve also built connections with my peers, and we’ve been able to learn and grow together by sharing our knowledge and passion for I.T.

I’m excited to see where this program will lead me as I continue my education at GSU and form meaningful connections along the way with staff and peers. Thank you, GSU and the National Science Foundation!

Wouatou, Arnaud Yangoue

The scholarship and program helped me to have a better leadership training and communication skills, an extended and deep resources in cybersecurity. In fact, I have successfully passed the comptia security+ exam. I thanks the program for making advisors available to support and mentor us.

Marquez, Sergio

The scholarship and the overall program have helped me and others grow. Through this program, many dreams will be fulfilled, and the efforts of faculty and students will produce highly talented and ambitious individuals. It is an honor to have been awarded this opportunity to be involved and to receive the benefits that come with it.

Reid, Kai

I believe the scholarship is a valuable opportunity for IT majors who need financial assistance. Additionally, the skill development and networking opportunities provided by the program will be highly beneficial for us as IT professionals.

Williams, Juanatas

Being a recipient of the Elite Scholarship program has improved my academic journey. With this scholarship I was able to get a mentor who is willing to help me achieve my goals. I have opportunity to work on two or more research project to build my resume and get an internship. The scholarship provides online leadership learning tools to help us be familiar with everyday working environment. The scholarship board see to it we as peers interact with each other during meetings and events. I make my duty to work hard every semester to secure my scholarship money.

Smith, Tiyanna

The Elite Scholarship program is granting me the ability to focus on finishing my degree with not only the financial flexibility to focus more on my studies but also opportunities to network with my peers and build professional skills with like-minded individuals. The scholarship is opening a new door to my final chapter and I’m so thankful I can be more engaged with my school work because of it.

Calhoun, Terry

My family and I are so amazed that I was chosen to be apart of program that will put me one step closer to secure a successful future. I’m so glad to be part of a community that’s driven by the same goals as me and im excited to see how Elite Scholars Program will shape my future . I’m so excited to be with like-minded students to set goals and achieve them together.

Blankenship, Adelaide

I am Adelaide Blankenship and I am a junior in the Information Technology Program here at Georgia Southern University. I am passionate about technology and I am grateful to the ELITE scholars program for providing this opportunity. This program is important because it provides us the guidance and financial resources to achieve our dreams in the field. The professors are really knowledgeable and care about your success and I would recommend it to everyone!

Johnson, Jaden

Thanks to the Elite Scholar Program, I no longer worry about taking on a job or student loans. I sincerely appreciate all of the opportunities and openings the Elite Scholar Program has given me and the limitless prospects it holds for the future.

Ward, Jordyn

I think that this scholarship was something that I am very grateful to receieve. I believe that I will use this scholarship and program to my advantage to make sure I get everything out of it that I possibly can. I believe that the scholarship will provide an opportunity for you to buy books and equipment I may need for classes. I hope to be able to see what this program has to offer for Georgia Southerns diversified students and more such as myself.

Gamble, Carlton

I love the scholarship and the program for the opportunity that it affords me to not worry about certain financial situations and focus mainly on my studies as well as the opportunity to connect with other like minded people and other high performers in my major to make long lasting connections that will be very useful for the future

Jeffers, Siyom

I am grateful for the opportunity to have my hard work and dedication noticed and I am inspired to continue striving for excellence

Mainprize, Ethan

The Elite Scholars program has allowed me to focus on my degree, broaden my knowledge by allowing me to continue getting certifications in my field, and take the financial burden off of myself so I can focus solely on my studies and education instead of managing employment and the workload from my degree. It also allows me to connect with peers in the same field of study as myself, giving me a cohort of like-minded scholars with whom I can connect and collaborate during my time at Georgia Southern University.

Hunter, Kameron

This Scholarship program has been very useful in terms of helping me thrive on campus. Without it, I would be breaking my bank everyday getting the basic essentials that I need to excel here at Georgia Southern. You guys have a great thing going and I hope that it continues to impact me and other students in a positive manner.

Downs, Konnor

Thanks to the ELITE Scholar program, I am able to continue my studies as an IT major while having a lot of my educational expenses paid for. Additionally, it opens up an opportunity for me to connect with other like-minded individuals who like IT just as much as I do. I am also thankful for the countless the opportunities the program provides, especially the training opportunities and information sessions. Even though I have been in the program for about a year, I have learned a lot of skills as a result of the opportunities provided. Overall, I am beyond grateful for this program’s existence and helping student achieve their academic and perhaps even career goals.

Yussuff, Michael

I feel the program was really nice. I feel like the instructor’s did a great job on letting us know what we need to expect in the program. It was very fun meeting new people and and being part of the program. You can just feel a sense of welcome.

Mims, Jalen

I am Jalen Mims, a second-year student at Georgia Southern University. I am honored to be recognized as an ELITE Scholar and to have been awarded the ELITE scholarship. The ELITE program provides students the opportunity to interact with peers, explore IT career options, and gain valuable insight and knowledge from professors and faculty. The scholarship will help meet financial obligations and alleviate challenges associated with pursuing a high-quality education. I am committed to succeeding in college and achieving a promising future. This scholarship will greatly assist me in taking those significant steps to “SOAR BEYOND.”

McKee, Matt

The ELITE Scholars Program is a life changing opportunity. This isn’t just about the money it provides, though that is a huge benefit and takes a great weight off my shoulders to know that I have my tuition and unexpected expenses covered. The program offers a sort of access that otherwise might be hard to come by, opening doors not only to the faculty advisors of the program, but my fellow peers in the program. As we’ve heard from the staff overseeing the program, it is what we make of it and I can’t wait to make the most of it.

Acosta, Alex

I am deeply grateful for the ELITE Scholarship program. It has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my studies without the burden of financial stress, while also offering invaluable resources to support my career development.

Davis, Colin

This Scholarship will help me get to where I want to go in this Field by providing help whether it be financial assistance for my degree or resources in the IT Field.

Ndiappi, Ndiana

This program has helped me excel in my studies and provided me with opportunities I did not know to ask for.

Dorsey, Rich

I’m grateful to be a part of the Elite Scholars Program. They represent a commitment to excellence and provide great resources that help us grow both academically and personally. The mentorship opportunities, networking events, and access to exclusive workshops improve my educational experience. Being around like-minded peers who are passionate about their goals is truly inspiring and enlightening. I am motivated to pursue my ambitions and make a meaningful impact in my field. Overall, it’s a wonderful opportunity for growth and development.

Lanier, Daniel

The Elite Scholars Program has been a massive help to me, and has made my schooling so much better and easier. The reward money means I don’t have to stress about any of the necessities of life, and allows me to get top notch equipment for school purposes. I think my favorite thing though has been the closer relationship to the professors of the program. It is very fulfilling and also helps me to learn a lot more.

Bolie, Randolph

The Elite Scholar Program has been an invaluable experience for me. This program has done a remarkable job of supporting students both academically and personally. With the help of this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies. I am grateful for the Elite Scholars Program and look forward to collaborating with all the scholarship committees and fellow applicants.