Lawrence Kelley Security Studies Scholarship

The Lawrence Kelley Security Studies Scholarship was established by John L. Watkins II of Conroe, Texas. John L. Watkins II was born in Longview, Texas, on March 30, 1993, to Norma Kelley and John Lawrence Watkins. He attended Kennedale High School where he was involved in student council, theatre, football, and track, graduating in 2011. He went to state for the 4×2 relay and obtained a track scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Mr. Watkins later transferred to SHSU in 2013 and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in December 2015. In the Fall of 2016, he entered SHSU graduate school earning his Master of Science in Homeland Security. In November 2018, Mr. Watkins started his career with Custom and Border Protection at the busiest land border in the world, San Ysidro Port of Entry. John previously worked as a federal officer with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He most recently took a position as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He seeks to make someone’s educational goals more obtainable by easing their financial burdens.