MACON – Mercer University School of Engineering senior Charlie Harris is one of only two students nationwide to receive a scholarship from the Association of Old Crows (AOC) Educational Foundation for 2017.
AOC is an organization for individuals who have common interests in electronic warfare (EW), electromagnetic spectrum management operations (EMSO), cyber electromagnetic activities (CEMA), information operations (IO) and other information-related capabilities.
The AOC Educational Foundation annually provides scholarships to college students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. These scholarships are funded by a $25,000 donation from the Raytheon Corporation. Each recipient is awarded $12,500 along with a three-year membership to the AOC.
“Receiving the 2017 AOC Scholarship is a true blessing,” said Harris, who aspires to work as an EW defense contractor. “I am very honored to accept this award, and I look forward to the doors that will open in the EW field through sponsorship by the Association of Old Crows Educational Foundation.”
Harris, from Athens, is participating in the School of Engineering's 4+1 Master of Science in Engineering program and plans to graduate with both his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering in May.
As an undergraduate, Harris has served in leadership positions in the Society of American Military Engineers Club, Ballroom Dance Club, Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Phi Omega and UKirk, the University's Presbyterian Church (USA) ministry.
Harris previously received scholarships from the Georgia Engineering Foundation and GEICO, and he earned internships with the Robins Air Force Base and the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
“Mr. Harris is an outstanding student and person, excelling in the classroom while still being socially active in a variety of extracurricular activities which demonstrate his commitment to community and responsible citizenry. He has been in several of my courses, and he is a true pleasure to teach and to work with,” said Dr. Kevin Barnett, associate professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering.
“Naturally, all of us at the University are very proud of his achievements, and I believe his participation in the Society of American Military Engineers demonstrates his commitment to working with the United States Armed Forces. We are thrilled that he has been recognized by the Association of Old Crows, and we know he represents Mercer's School of Engineering well.”
AOC provides a means of connecting members and organizations nationally and internationally across government, defense, industry, and academia to promote the exchange of ideas and information, and provides a platform to recognize advances and contributions in these fields. For more information, visit crows.org.
About the School of Engineering
Mercer University's School of Engineering, founded in 1985, offers innovative and academically challenging programs that provide students with a comprehensive education, featuring a solid foundation in mathematics and sciences, a core engineering curriculum, a range of courses in engineering specialties and a strong emphasis on communication technologies. The School is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top three master's-degree-level engineering schools in the Southeast. Known for its breadth of instruction in its undergraduate program and its five-year joint bachelor's and master's degree program, the School combines technical education with hands-on laboratory experience. Mercer engineers can look forward to joining fellow alumni in companies such as Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, Lockheed Martin, Georgia Power, Siemens and Gulfstream Aerospace.
