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James Beasley

James Beasley is Professor of English and Director of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Digital Humanities Institute. He completed his Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing Program Administration from Purdue University in 2007. He teaches courses in rhetorical history, theory, and pedagogy. He is the author of Rhetoric at the University of Chicago from Peter Lang Publishers, as well as the co-author of Dramatism and Musical Theater: Experiments in Rhetorical Performance, with Kimberly Eckel Beasley and also from Peter Lang Publishers. His research areas are rhetoric in contemporary composition study, as well as contemporary applications of rhetorical theory. His work has been published in CCCC and Rhetoric Review.

Dr. Beasley has served as co-chief negotiator for ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ-UFF, and as chairs of the Faculty Association's Faculty Enhancement Committee and Faculty Association's Faculty Affairs Committee. As Director of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's Digital Humanities Institute, he coordinates the Institute's projects, events, and curriculum. See /dhi/ for further information.

Dr. Beasley assumed his role on the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Board of Trustees on September 1 2024, for a term ending August 31, 2026. 

Jill Davis

Jill Davis, of Jacksonville, graduated Cum Laude from Salisbury University with a B.A. in Political Science. She received a J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2004. Upon graduation, Ms. Davis was admitted to the Florida Bar, and has remained an active member for 14 years.

Ms. Davis worked as a prosecutor in the State Attorney's Office in the 4th Judicial Circuit from 2004 to 2007. She prosecuted over 900 criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to life felonies.

In 2007, Ms. Davis left the State Attorney's Office to start her family and focus on philanthropy and fundraising for many organizations in the North Florida region. Some of her involvements have included serving as: Event Co-Chair of Teach for America Jacksonville, "Ten Year Anniversary Celebration" (2019); Event Chair and Committee Chair of Riverside Presbyterian Day School Annual Gala (2016 - 2018); Committee Chair of St. Vincent's Hospital, "Delicious Destinations" (2016); Co-Event Chair of the Jacksonville Zoo Fundraiser "Zoobilee" (2010 - 2013); Committee Chair of the Pediatric Hospice Fundraiser, "Halloween Doors and More" (2012); Committee Chair of the Wolfson's Children's Hospital Gala, "The Arts and Antiques Show (2011); Committee Chair of the American Cancer Society Gala, "The Cowford Ball" (2007).  Currently, Ms. Davis is a Board member for MOSH serving as the Capital Campaign Chair for the new MOSH museum since 2020 and as the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ representative for the MOCA Board since 2021.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Ms. Davis has served on numerous boards throughout Jacksonville. Her passion for children and education drives her desire to serve those in need. She has served as a Community Advisory Board Member for North Florida Pediatric Hospice (2013) and a Board Member of Teach for America Jacksonville (2013 - 2016).  

Ms. Davis is currently pursuing a certification as a Title IX Investigator to assist organizations receiving federal funding with sexual assault allegations.

She and her husband, Jed, are actively involved in Riverside Presbyterian Day School where their three boys, Cooper, Austin, and Smith attend school.

Ms. Davis was appointed to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Board of Trustees by the Board of Governors on January 6, 2020, and reappointed on February 20, 2025, for a term ending January 6, 2030. She serves as Vice Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee.

Amelia Dyal

Amelia Dyal is the Student Body President and head of the Executive Branch of Student Government at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. She has previously served in the Legislative Branch first as a Senator then as the Senate President Pro-Tempore and the chair of the Rules and Oversight Committee, where she oversaw all intergovernmental affairs of Student Government.

Ms. Dyal has formerly served on the Food Services Advisory Council.

Other involvements at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ include being an active member of the Public Health community at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. Ms. Dyal is a member of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma health education honorary and she is also involved in the Talon Health and Service Alliance. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family!

Ms. Dyal was appointed to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Board of Trustees upon swearing in as Student Body President on April 11, 2025, for a term ending April 10, 2026.

Andrew Hudson

Andrew Hudson is the Vice President and Special Counsel for Corporate Affairs for BlinkRx. Previously, he served as a Vice President and General Counsel for TechNet, Counsel for the United States Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy Counsel, and Legislative Director and General Counsel for Senator Tom Cotton. Mr. Hudson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Thomas Edison State University, his master’s degree in government from Regent University, and his juris doctor from the University of Alabama.

Mr. Hudson was appointed to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Board of Trustees by the Governor Ron DeSantis.

Christopher M. Lazzara

Christopher M. Lazzara founded MountainStar Partners in 2013. As Chief Executive Officer, he leads the firm’s investment committee, directs investment strategy, and continues to oversee all major initiatives for the company and its subsidiaries.

In addition to overseeing the growth and success of MountainStar Partners, Mr. Lazzara also co-founded the Georgia School of Orthodontics, in 2016, with his father, an orthodontist. Mr. Lazzara’s leadership has been crucial to the institutions’ continued growth and success. He is a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the GSO Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2016. Currently, Mr. Lazzara serves as Chair of the School’s Finance and Facilities Committees.

Mr. Lazzara is a respected leader in North Florida. Since founding MountainStar Partners, he has devoted his time to serving on various boards of organizations that align with his values. He has a deep passion for the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, where he served for eight years. Additionally, Mr. Lazzara has previously been a member of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Student Affairs Community Council and has served as a state appointed Trustee of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ for the past five years. His commitment to higher education and community development continues.

Mr. Lazzara attributes his passion to his parents, Irene and Dr. Gasper Lazzara. He was honored to have directed all operations of the Lazzara Family Foundation, which provided grants to worthy organizations. Mr. Lazzara co-chaired the 2016 Cowford Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society, which raised more $650,000 for the fight against cancer.

He currently also serves as board member for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Mr. Lazzara is also a member of YPO, the premiere leadership organization of chief executives around the world.

In 2023, his 6-month-old daughter began experiencing symptoms of an ultra-rare and uncurable pediatric disease. Mr. Lazzara responded by founding the Isa Elaine Foundation to benefit others including children.  The foundation is committed to sharing research, clinical application and financial resources to help other patients experiencing similar challenges.  All financial proceeds from the foundation will benefit the Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health, both located in Jacksonville. 

Mr. Lazzara has his degree from the Southern Methodist University as well as certificates from the Wharton School of Business. 

Mr. Lazzara was appointed to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Board of Trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis October 22, 2020, for a term ending January 6, 2025.