AU celebrates 19 graduates from the FBI Collegiate Academy 

Augusta University’s Career Services recently partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to host the FBI Collegiate Academy, a four-week, 12-hour educational program. The academy included 43 total students from AU, Paine College, the University of South Carolina Aiken and Augusta Technical College. 

“FBI Atlanta enjoyed connecting with the Augusta University students during the 2024 Collegiate Academy sessions at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center throughout the two months,” said Demetrius Smith, FBI community outreach specialist. “We witnessed true dedication and commitment by the AU students who, after long days of academic endeavors, committed to showing up and being engaged weekly. Scholars went so far as to traverse the CSRA streets through the Hurricane Helene aftermath.” 

The program included 19 students from AU’s Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. The rigorous application process looked for applicants from all walks of life and majors who are interested in working with the FBI.

The academy covered topics including forensic accounting, domestic terrorism, operations and leadership, cybercrime, violent crimes against children/human trafficking, employment pathways, drugs and gang activity, active shooter training and the Ahmaud Arbery case. 

“The initial class started with 50 students, ended with 43 graduates, and the students from Augusta University were the only institution with 100% retention from start to finish,” said Julie Goley, director of Career Services. “I enjoyed getting to witness the professionalism and inquisitive nature of our students involved in the program. They were a great group.” 

For first-year undergraduate cybersecurity major Jordan Lee-Davis, the program was a perfect fit. An honors student with a passion for criminal justice, her interest in the FBI’s inner-workings began with her fascination for conspiracy theories and the TV show “Criminal Minds.” 

“This opportunity with the Augusta FBI Collegiate Academy is incredibly meaningful to me because I have always admired those who solve cybercrimes and other complex criminal cases,” Lee-Davis said. “The FBI plays a critical role in protecting our nation from cyber threats, combating transnational criminal enterprises, addressing cyberterrorism and safeguarding vulnerable populations, such as children.” 

As a member of the Multicultural Mentorship program, Lee-Davis hopes to use her own knowledge to mentor young women of color. She was deeply impacted by the session on the Arbery case, where three Georgia men were convicted of committing hate crimes, attempting to kidnap and murdering Arbery, a young Black man who was jogging on the public streets of a neighborhood. 

Omarion Butts, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in criminal justice, also found the program transformative. Aspiring to be a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Butts networked with agents and peers and learned about the FBI internship process.  

“When I was younger, I would say that I wanted to be a special agent with the FBI,” Butts said. “As I got older, I began to understand more about the geographies of the job, and I don’t necessarily want to travel as much as I would be required to with the FBI, which is what led me to the GBI. I really want to investigate crime scenes and play a part in putting together clues.” 

The Arbery case also stood out for Butts, because an agent who worked directly on the case visited the class and spoke with the students. 

“I learned a lot,” Butts said. “It’s really the little things that matter, especially that they’re a team-based organization. The FBI doesn’t do it all alone. They work with local police officers, state officers and even watch the news and media to gain information from them as well.” 

DJ English, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and political science, looks forward to working for the United States Department of State, combining his interest in cultures and people.  

This eye-opening experience taught him about crimes that have occurred outside the Augusta area, prompting him to consider how similar incidents would impact his own community. English found the program inspiring, from dressing professionally for each class to meeting special agents who put their lives on the line every day. 

“The program made me realize that many people have a negative view of the government, and how we’re how to be protected and where our taxpayer money is going,” English said. “I’ve always wondered, ‘When terrible crimes are committed, who are we looking toward to help and protect?’ This program was a wonderful experience that taught us as students that the FBI is here to help us.”