SEC Awards Three Collegiate Scholarships for 2025-2026

September 2, 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.

The winners of the 2025-2026 Security Executive Council Scholarships:

Courtney Pankey: Cybersecurity student; Kennesaw State University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education

Ryan Smith: Risk management & insurance student; University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business

Maya Post: Intelligence studies student; Mercyhurst University

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.

“Kennesaw State University and the Coles College Center for Cybersecurity Education are incredibly grateful for this generous gift. We thank the SEC for its continued financial support of our outstanding students,” said Dr. Michael Whitman, Executive Director of the Coles College Center for Cybersecurity Education. “Courtney’s selection by the SEC committee reflects her exceptional academic performance and dedication to the field. She is well on her way to a successful career in cybersecurity.”

“I’m honored to receive this support from the SEC,” said the cybersecurity student and award recipient Courtney Pankey. “This award affirms my hard work and motivates me to grow as a cybersecurity professional. I’m excited to represent KSU and contribute to a safer digital future.”

“The Darla Moore School of Business and its Risk Management and Insurance program greatly appreciate the support of the SEC in sponsoring a scholarship for one of our outstanding students,” said Greg Niehaus, Professor of Finance and Insurance, University of South Carolina. “This year’s recipient is Ryan Smith. Ryan is from Leesburg, Virginia and he is seeking a career in risk management or insurance.”

“Scholarship awardee, Maya Post, an intelligence studies student at Mercyhurst University, is a strong student and excels in class, earning stellar grades,” said Bill Brosius, Instructor Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst University. “Maya is a very good writer and presenter/briefer, and a quality analyst. She thinks well through a problem or question and is a reliably outstanding performer.”

Bill added, “Thank you SEC for recognizing her outstanding achievements and greater potential by awarding her one of your scholarships.”

The SEC is extremely proud to support each of this year’s scholarship winners. Congratulations to all!

About the Security Executive Council
The Security Executive Council is the leading research and advisory firm focused on corporate security risk mitigation strategies and plans. We work with security leaders to transform security programs into more capable and valued centers of excellence. Watch our two-minute video for a quick overview or visit us at www.securityexecutivecouncil.com.

Media Contact:
Kathleen Kotwica
+1 202 730 9971
k2kotwica@secleader.com