When George Trawick talks about cybersecurity, he’s quick to point out it’s about more than technology. It’s about trust, teamwork and protecting people. As a clinical professor in Mississippi State University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and coordinator of the cybersecurity program, Trawick brings years of leadership and problem-solving experience to the classroom.

A U.S. Army veteran, he credits his military service with shaping his approach to teaching and collaboration. Whether mentoring students or developing new ways to keep MSU’s cybersecurity program on the cutting edge, Trawick is focused on one mission that’s never changed: serving others through his work.

Trawick's path to a military career began at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was born and raised. His pathway to the military felt like a natural progression, a calling that shaped not just his career but also his values.

“My family has a legacy of military service. Both my father and grandfather served in the Army, so I was destined to follow in their footsteps,” Trawick said.

Initially, Trawick’s career led him to a network administration role for the Army, where he discovered his interest in computer science.

“That was when I started really understanding how vulnerable our systems were,” he said. “It made me want to pursue further education and training to secure the systems I was responsible for managing.”

His commitment to learning did not go unnoticed. While stationed at Joint Forces Command, Trawick was encouraged to apply and was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship. Two years later, Trawick received his doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Auburn University. Then, while teaching at the National Defense University, he met an MSU faculty member. Their shared experiences and vision for cybersecurity education led Trawick to accept a position at the university, where his military background has profoundly influenced his teaching philosophy.

“My military upbringing and background absolutely form how I interact with our students,” Trawick said.

Drawing from his experience leading small units, he emphasizes the importance of treating students as future leaders, setting clear expectations while allowing them autonomy. This approach not only fosters accountability but also encourages maturity and confidence among his students, according to Trawick.

“I really enjoy seeing our students mature, learn to interact, and when the lessons sink in and the light comes on,” he said. “The things they learn in our classrooms are so important. Every aspect of our digital world requires someone to keep it secure,” he said.

In a field that evolves rapidly, Trawick is committed to keeping his courses relevant. He constantly updates his curriculum based on current standards, incidents, and trends, encouraging his students to engage with the latest publications and research. He cleverly intertwines his military experiences into lessons that help bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

“I always have a 'war' story to bring it home,” he said. “These stories help them comprehend and retain important information. I want my students to understand that they are the future leaders in cybersecurity, and they have the ability to make a real difference.”