From UWF Graduate to Intelligence Analyst
July 8, 2025 | River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator
Ty Faist’s academic journey at the University of West Florida (UWF) and his extensive work in national security showcase the power of CASSH’s (College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities) programs in shaping professionals ready to make an impact on a global scale. A graduate of both the undergraduate International Studies program and the International Affairs graduate program, Faist's story is one of seizing opportunities and making the most of UWF's diverse offerings.
Faist’s path to studying international security began with a deep interest sparked by the early days of the Ukrainian revolution in 2013-2014. Witnessing the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, Faist became intrigued by the global complexities of national security and foreign affairs. This interest guided his choice to major in International Studies, with a focus on security and diplomacy, and later, International Affairs. He credits his experiences at UWF and the Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government for preparing him both academically and practically for the professional world.
The CASSH faculty has been integral to my academic journey. UWF gave me real-world experience that brought classroom concepts into practice. - Ty Faist, Intelligence Analyst
Beyond his studies, Faist took full advantage of extracurricular opportunities. As a Student Ambassador, he worked alongside university staff to host events, including the Board of Trustees’ dinners and Commencement Ceremonies. This experience, he notes, helped him gain insight into the inner workings of university operations and provided an outlet for making valuable connections.
His academic experience was equally robust, with Faist singling out several professors and experiences that shaped his growth. Dr. Donovan Chau’s courses on Intelligence and Hacking 4 Defense were particularly impactful, honing his analytical skills. Similarly, working closely with Dr. Jacob Shively deepened his understanding of U.S. national security decision-making. Chau, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Cybersecurity and National Security, and Shively, Associate Professor, International Relations, are faculty members in the Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government.
Faist also credits his time working on Directed Study courses, which allowed him to delve into security topics that traditional courses could not accommodate. "The ability to engage with experts in national security, as well as the opportunities to connect with practitioners in the field, prepared me well for the professional challenges ahead,” Said Faist. A pivotal experience was his participation in the Hacking 4 Defense course, where Faist worked directly with the U.S. Army’s 7th Special Forces Group to solve a real-world challenge. His team’s success in delivering a viable solution provided him with invaluable hands-on experience in problem-solving and teamwork, skills that have served him well in his career.
From my first interaction with him in Hacking 4 Defense (Summer 2019), Ty exuded an enthusiasm, passion, and work ethic for understanding the hard problems of US national security and international politics. - Dr. Donovan Chau, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Cybersecurity and National Security
Faist’s academic success has not gone unnoticed by faculty. Dr. Donovan Chau, a key mentor in Faist’s journey, shared his admiration for Faist’s passion and growth throughout his time at UWF: "Over the years, I have had the great pleasure of teaching and supervising Ty in multiple seminars and directed studies. He has grown tremendously as a researcher, writer, and scholar, contributing not only to his classmates' undergraduate and graduate education but also to my continued professional education. He has made teaching at UWF fun, interesting, and worthwhile, and he will be missed. I am confident Ty will go on to do great things for US national security and student-learners for decades to come."
Since graduating, Faist has continued to apply the skills and knowledge gained at UWF in his career as an Intelligence Analyst. Currently, he works as an Intelligence Coordinator for the Mobile Police Department’s Gulf Coast Technology Center. In this role, he leads a team of analysts in monitoring activity related to extremism, fielding requests for assistance from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and developing intelligence products to be shared with partner organizations. Faist’s work extends to outreach and collaboration with various federal and state agencies, cementing his role as a significant player in national security efforts.
“My education at UWF laid the foundation for my professional success. The knowledge I gained in both undergrad and graduate school has allowed me to hit the ground running and continuously develop as an analyst,” Faist said.
Dr. Jacob Shively, another influential figure in Faist’s academic development, echoed similar sentiments to Dr. Chau's: “Ty has been a remarkable student over his career. He is curious, tenacious, and focused, and the CASSH environment really helped him flourish by offering a wide range of courses and experiences for him to dig into. Working together, we've been able to link general concepts and principles to policies and developments in the world. He is now building a career profile in analysis, drawing on those habits of mind. It's a classic CASSH story: cultivating the mind by grappling both with the classics and the latest research.”
Faist also credits UWF for providing him with a platform to showcase his work at high-profile conferences, such as the 14th annual Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) Conference hosted by the Department of Defense. Faist presented research from his graduate seminar on the Battle of Kyiv, networked with leaders in national security, and engaged in discussions that would shape his professional trajectory.
Looking back on his journey, Faist offers advice to current and prospective students at UWF, particularly those considering degrees in Political Science or International Affairs. “Don’t limit yourself to just your department. Explore electives and interdisciplinary courses across different fields. By taking a broad range of classes, you’ll gain insights into areas outside your immediate field of study,” he advises.
Always be looking for opportunities to apply what you’re learning in real-world settings. Internships and networking will set you apart as you enter the job market. - Faist
Faist’s journey is a testament to how CASSH programs prepare students for success, with a solid foundation in both academics and hands-on experiences. His story highlights the critical role of the UWF Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government's faculty and resources in shaping the next generation of national security professionals. From his involvement in national security projects to his contributions as an analyst, Faist’s success story continues to unfold. His journey reflects the powerful blend of academic rigor, professional experience, and personal determination fostered at UWF.
To learn more about the International Affairs program at UWF and how it can shape your future, visit UWF’s Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government.
