2004-08-23 Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. is Selected for DOD’s Information Assurance Scholarship Programs

San Diego, Calif. – A graduate of National University is one of two enlisted Marines in the United States to be selected for further education in the prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP).

Gunnery Sergeant William King is a computer network manager for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.  He recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems with an emphasis on database administration. 

“I am honored to have been chosen for Information Assurance Scholarship,” he said.  “My education at National University and all the support I received from my advisor and faculty definitely gave me an edge.”

The IASP augments service members’ existing computer skills, but primarily focuses on teaching new information security skills that can be utilized to protect DOD data networks.  Information security is considered so important to national defense that the program was established by the National Defense Authorization Act for 2001.

Mr. King will transfer to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio later this month, where he will enroll in a 20-month program to earn a master’s degree.  Upon completion, he will join a military unit assessing computer data from unauthorized access and identifying vulnerabilities to computer security.

Mr. King, who excelled as a scholar, was also the recipient of a $1,000 Dick Burton Fleet Week Scholarship. “To even be considered for the scholarship, applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and an 1100 on your graduate record exam,” he said. 

Mr.  King offered specific praise to Douglas Barr, National University’s associate regional dean for military students, and to John Bugado, an instructor in the department of management science and information systems within National University’s School of Business and Information Management.

“Dean Barr provides so much support and direction to students on base,” said Mr. King.  “He played a critical role in helping me make the most of my education. Professor Bugado was also exceptional in helping students to succeed. He constantly challenged and motivated us to study harder and learn more.”

The information assurance scholar also wished to recognize his wife, Karen, for her support and sacrifice during the 24 months that he pursued his bachelor’s degree.  “I couldn’t have earned this scholarship without her help either,” he said.

National University is a recipient of the 2003 Ray Ehrensberger Award, presented annually by the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Commission on Military Education and Training in recognition of institutional excellence in military education. The Ehrensberger Award was given to National University in recognition of more than ten years of service to the military education community, during which time the University distinguished itself through innovative and dedicated contributions to the principles of adult military education and a commitment to lifelong learning within the U.S. military community.

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