³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ

Vanessa Baffour-Singletary ('16) knows a thing or two about juggling responsibilities. She serves as Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Duval County Property Appraiser's Office, runs a career strategy business helping professionals land new opportunities, creates local content for her growing social media audience and, perhaps most impressively, is raising four children under the age of four.

At the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, Vanessa learned much more than her business management degree from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business. As a resident assistant for three years, she learned how to lead, solve problems and connect people with resources. Mentors across campus helped shape her confidence and professional identity. She credits faculty and staff with teaching her not to let her disability define her future, helping her recognize she was capable of pursuing any path she chose.

After graduating, Vanessa's career took her from education to advocacy and eventually into public relations. She worked with Teach For America on public policy initiatives before becoming Vice President of Public Relations for a Jacksonville agency. That experience led to an opportunity with Duval County Property Appraiser Joyce Morgan, where she now helps connect residents with critical information about property taxes, legislation and community resources.

But communications was never just about press releases for Vanessa. A self-starter by nature, she attended a national conference and began creating videos and social content simply because she saw an opportunity to engage people differently. The content caught attention, earned recognition from a national professional organization and sparked another venture as a local content creator. Today, she shares everything from Jacksonville attractions and small businesses to career advice, while continuing to grow a platform dedicated to helping others succeed.

That same passion for helping people extends beyond her day job. Through her career strategy business, Vanessa helps job seekers navigate everything from resumes to salary negotiations. This year alone, she has helped clients secure millions of dollars in collective salaries, a measure of success she finds especially rewarding because of its direct impact on people's lives.

³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ is also a family affair for Vanessa. Her younger sister Vera (’25) earned her health science degree from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health, her older sister, Tamara (’23) completed the university's CRNA program, and her husband, Denver Singletary (’18) completed his degree in electrical engineering.

Looking back, Vanessa would tell her college self to worry less about the future and focus more on taking care of herself. The confidence, relationships and life skills she developed at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ became the foundation for everything that followed, from leadership to entrepreneurship and motherhood.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/6/26)

Breaking barriers in healthcare begins with ensuring that all aspiring nurses are represented, supported, and empowered within their education.

Bethany “Bebe” Baker’s (’20) journey marked a significant milestone for ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health. As the first deaf nursing student to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Baker reshaped the program's approach to inclusive education.

At only six months old, Baker's parents discovered she was profoundly deaf. Eventually, this led them to move to Saint Augustine, where she could receive a better education at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. After graduating from FSDB in 2009, she earned a Bachelor's degree in History and Theater Arts at Gallaudet University. However, 2016 marked a turning point in her career. At 28 years old, Baker moved to Tennessee and was asked to care for a 96-year-old Deaf woman, Mama Ray. "I was able to communicate with her directly, and it really hit me," she said. Despite coming from a family of nurses, Baker didn't consider nursing as a career path, but this sparked the passion for becoming a nurse. What started as a temporary caregiving role ultimately became the foundation for her long-term career in healthcare.

In 2016, she earned her CNA license and briefly worked at the Emergency Department in Johnson City, TN.

Missing her family led Baker back to the First Coast, where her decision to attend ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ was built on the nursing program's strong accommodation and a supportive environment. Dr. Li Lorez, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Nursing director, noted that since Baker's admittance, the university adjusted the way it taught the program. She had access to closed captioning for her courses, specialized equipment, and most notably, a stethoscope that could show her a visual representation of the sounds. Baker highlighted that the Disability Resource Center was the groundbreaking part of her success within the nursing program. Without them, the program would have been three times more difficult simply because there would be no communication access," Baker said. With the assistance of highly skilled interpreters from the DRC, Baker navigated the complex nursing coursework with ease. "

Additionally, Baker took her education to the next level and studied abroad with nursing students at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. While studying there, she was exposed to the cultural differences within healthcare. As she visited hospitals and clinicals overseas, she grew both personally and professionally.

Interpreters Debra and Alison accompanied her, ensuring that she could have full access while training. Beyond the clinical setting, she engaged in exploring Thailand's history and cuisine, and feeding the elephants, making her trip that much more memorable.

Once Baker graduated with her BSN, she took the NCLEX and passed it on her first attempt. She applied to over sixteen positions before she was finally accepted into the nursing residency program at HCA Memorial Hospital. She appreciates the managers who trusted her ability and believed in her potential as a nurse.

Having an interpreter allows her to build real rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with my coworkers. They also help her stay aware of environmental cues such as IV pumps, call lights, etc. By being present in their care, they too better understand and support Deaf individuals in their own lives.

Plus, when it comes to working with Deaf patients, communicating directly in their shared language allows for complete clarity about their medical situation. “I’ve been able to resolve misunderstandings about treatment plans or medications that resulted from communication barriers in previous visits,” she said.

Her short-term goal is to earn her CEN certification and become more involved in nursing management, but long-term she hopes to work in an ASL-accessible clinic. Outside of nursing, she has a second job with a suicide-prevention hotline. In her downtime, she loves playing fetch with her Frenchie, Groot, working on diamond paintings, or relaxing with a good book on the couch.

(Published on 1/30/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

There’s something about the Sunshine State that brings out the best in Bryan Baker. From Fort Walton Beach to Jacksonville to Tampa Bay, he’s continued to deliver on route to his first All-Star Game selection!

As a two-sport athlete at Choctawhatchee High School, Baker was actually drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he made the commitment to join the North Florida Ospreys after meeting recruiters from a handful of schools and falling in love with the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ campus.

Playing year-round at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, he got stronger and faster, in addition to becoming more mature as a pitcher. Following back-to-back all-conference selections and a regular season title, he was prepared for the big leagues.

After finishing his collegiate career in 2016, his draft position skyrocketed up to the 11th round as he was selected by the Colorado Rockies. However, his debut as a starter in the farm system was less than ideal. This served as a wake-up call, and he discovered that a reliever’s mentality suited him better. He no longer needed to reserve his energy or his best pitches. The late-game adrenaline fueled him.

After making his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, they traded him to the Baltimore Orioles, who had lost 100 games in the last 3 seasons. In his first season, they improved their record by 31 wins but still fell short of the postseason. In 2023, the Orioles were again projected to finish last in the division, but Baker said the foundation set them up for success. They took pride in their underdog mentality to outperform expectations and clinched the AL East title for the first time in a decade!

While their playoff run ended with a loss to the eventual World Series champions, Baker headed into Spring Training with a tweaked changeup grip, excited for the year ahead. However, the Tampa Bay Rays were desperately seeking bullpen help, and Baker surfaced as an intriguing trade candidate.

“The changeup and the progression of that pitch's development, we felt like it gave Bake the chance to be a really good reliever for a few years ahead,” said Erik Neander, Rays President of Baseball Operations.

The craziest part about Baker’s All-Star selection is that the Rays weren’t even supposed to have a closer this season. They planned on deploying a four-pitcher unit for high leverage situations, but after injuries and struggles, Baker remained the lone bolster at the end of the bullpen. Save opportunities kept coming his way and he kept converting.

“He's pitched like an All-Star for us all season long,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. Now, he officially earns that accolade. “Definitely not something that I expected coming into the year or anything like that,” Baker said. “It’s a pleasant surprise, for sure.” Tune in to FOX tonight at 8pm to see him in action!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 7/14/26)

Luke Brimhall (’07) almost fell into his path by accident. In fifth grade, he missed the day where students chose their instrument for music class, and so while the band was full of drummers (which he had wanted to play), they needed a trombonist. Luckily, it was the one instrument he could make a sound on. He played the trombone casually until early high school when he started to get serious about music. He moved to Florida and joined an excellent band program, where his director encouraged him to audition for honor bands. “It was through that process I realized I might be pretty good,” he said. It gave him confidence and shortly after he put all his eggs in the musical basket.

Brimhall’s college journey didn’t start at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. He followed his teacher to his alma mater to pursue a classic trombone performance degree. However, once there, he and a friend spent almost every night practicing jazz, and he began spending all his time in ensembles and jam sessions honing that skill. With his newfound passion, he auditioned at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Music and was offered a jazz scholarship, transferring in for his final three years.

During his senior year at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, he joined the Disneyland All-American College Band. Once the summer ended, he worked as a musician for Cunard Cruise Lines, traveling around the Caribbean and over to Europe. Brimhall said, “While all of that sounds incredible – and in many ways it was – I didn’t want to do that forever.” He was accepted to the University of North Texas, and after a couple years in the Grammy-nominated The One O'Clock Lab Band, he earned his master’s degree.

He started teaching middle and high school students in the DFW metroplex while working as a freelance musician when he heard about a job with the The United States Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors. He auditioned, won the job, and then reported to basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia to learn how to be a soldier. Once he arrived at his unit, he began touring the country playing jazz concerts. After about five years, he impressed the big band, the U.S. Army Blues, with his audition and joined the crew. He has now been a soldier musician in the army for 13 years.

The thing that brings him the most enjoyment is making high-level music with world-class musicians, not just with his jazz ensemble but with others as well. He’s had opportunities to play with the U.S. Army Concert Band and U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the rock-oriented U.S. Army Band Downrange and U.S. Army Strings. They’ve played concerts and events for the highest levels of our government from the Capitol to the White House, including presidential inaugurations and state funerals. “Serving in the U.S. Army Band has given me a greater sense of national pride, especially when I get to perform full military honor funerals for our nation's heroes as they are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery,” he said. He also enjoys hearing military stories from veterans and their families, while passing along his knowledge to the next generation of music students.

Outside of work, he spends time with his wife and two sons, who get to plan little trips through the years. He also runs, hikes and plays basketball and racquetball. He still finds time to play freelance gigs, teach lessons and write music. His first album as a leader titled “Dedication” will be released later this year.

(Published on 7/2/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Sometimes, it takes a trip around the globe to come full circle. A Jacksonville native, Brenna Brisson (’22, ’23) didn’t have much interest in travelling for college when she enrolled at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, so you might’ve been surprised to see her continuing her master’s degree at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea. Today’s featured flagship, the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Global MBA program, will definitely expand your horizons.

When Brisson was initially exploring her college options, she loved the peace and tranquility of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s campus, with the added benefit of having her family nearby. She lived on campus and got very close with her roommates while pursuing her bachelor’s in political science. However, a study abroad trip to Greece during her final semester became a major turning point in her life.

As a student enamored with American politics, she got the opportunity to experience international politics. After a little taste, she continued to feast by enrolling in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business's Global MBA program.

Her first destination was Cologne University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Much of the cohort was from Germany, so they happily took the Americans under their wings to get them further acclimated. With only three girls in the program, they instantly hit it off. “We even got matching tattoos,” said Brisson.

Next, they had to brave the winter semester at the University of Warsaw in Poland. It was a heavy term in the classroom as they took on eight courses, so between presentations and exams, she spent most of the semester with her head buried in her textbooks.

The summer semester was the shortest, but the most nerve-wracking, as they made the trek to South Korea. Since she didn’t have as many classes, she got plenty of time to explore, even taking a trip to Japan. Out of all the countries she visited, she believes the South Korean culture was her favorite.

One night, on her way back to the dorms, she dropped her phone getting on the bus and only realized it on the way to the next stop. Since Daegu isn’t as populous as Seoul, she couldn’t find an English speaker around to help her. However, a couple saw her panicking and went out of their way to use Google translate to communicate with her and help her track down the bus stop to find her phone, untouched, right where she left it. “They even paid for a taxi to take me straight home,” she said. “That changed me to want to become better to others.”

Her final semester was back in Jacksonville, and she was excited to welcome all her international friends to her home turf. It was the hardest semester academically, but she took joy in showing them around the Bold City.

After completing her degree, she began the job search, but luckily the Global MBA program exposed her to all aspects of the business realm. Her worldly experience allowed her to land a job with the PGA TOUR’s international media team, where she worked with a variety of countries to help them acquire broadcasting rights.

Once her term ended, she was able to use connections she made through ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Women in Business Society to earn a role at Terra Innovations, a luxury development company headquartered in north Florida, where she was promoted to Marketing Implementation Manager earlier this month!

As a recipient of an Elizabeth M. Head Global MBA Endowed Fellowship and a Thomas C. Hendrick Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship, Brisson knows the importance of community support. “Scholarships meant the world to me, literally,” she said. She and her two sisters were raised by a single mother, so the financial support from donors not only allowed her to defy the odds and earn her degree, but also allowed her to travel and find out what she’s passionate about.

Now, living nearby, she returns to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ to be an advocate for students in similar situations. “All of these experiences made me who I am today.”

(Published on 3/23/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

The Alumni Service Award honors ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ graduates who exemplify integrity and make a lasting impact through volunteer service. This year’s recipient is Misline Brown (’24), a dedicated Family Advocate with JFCS's Jax Preschool SEEDS program.

With over a decade in education and social services, Brown works tirelessly to support low-income families, helping parents become active partners in their children’s learning and well-being. Launched in 2023, SEEDS brings ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ students into early learning centers to spark a love of reading and build literacy skills. Brown plays a key role in removing barriers for families whether through housing support, counseling referrals, or sharing educational resources.

Brown’s commitment has earned her the Young Black Caucus of Jacksonville Award, the Family Engagement Award, and ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Osprey Community Engagement Medallion for outstanding service to the Jacksonville community. Her work reflects the heart of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s mission - empowering others and creating lasting change.

(Published on 9/17/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Today we pivot from network TV to reality TV as we introduce you to a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumna who found love and fame on the hit show “90 Day Fiancé.”

Loren (Goldstone) Brovarnik (’10) graduated from ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ with a communication degree focusing on advertising. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ three weeks later, Brovarnik moved to New York City, where she worked at a retail store while searching for jobs in advertising, marketing and events. She eventually learned about the Birthright Israel Foundation program, giving her the opportunity to go on an educational trip to Israel in 2013.

While on the trip and serving as a trip staff leader, she met Alexei, who was assigned as the medic for the group. They weren’t expecting to fall in love, but they quickly made a connection. The two lovebirds worked through a long-distance relationship and cultural differences, and stayed in touch through video calls and frequent visits.

They eventually got engaged and later applied for a K-1 Visa application for Alexei to come to the United States. With 90 Day Fiance already airing seasons on TLC, Loren said her roommate suggested that they write to the show and apply. She sent an email with pictures of the loving couple, leading to a few rounds of phone and video interviews.

“They (the show) decided to follow our journey from the very beginning – even Alex getting approved!” she said.

The couple made their television debut in season three of the hit series, which highlighted the early days of their relationship. They’ve since gone on to appear several times on the series as well as various spin-offs. They married in 2015 and now have three children.

Loren said that when she and Alexei decided to do the show that they would not watch the show or get caught up in it, which they continue to stand by. She said it was important to continue sharing their story of love because so many people go through the K-1 Visa process or are in long-distance relationships. She felt that shining a light on the good and the bad helps people understand their own relationship dynamics.

“We communicate everything with each other and do everything with and for each other,” she said. “It’s not just Loren or Alex … it’s Loren AND Alex, and it’s been like that since the beginning.”

She still calls Alexei her “best friend” and is happy that they’ve reached 10 years of marriage this year. She’s called the experience a wild ride but also a beautiful chapter.

“We’re not perfect. We fight, we don’t agree on everything, but we respect each other and remember we chose each other for a reason.”

With three children, Loren has been staying active as a stay-at-home mom but works heavily on her social media presence with content creation, filming and other adventures she highlights for her more than 1.4 million followers. She said she and Alexei are working on their three-year plan to see what the future holds for the popular couple.

(Published on 10/21/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Skylar Catherwood (’25) serves as the Social Media Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

A Jacksonville local, Catherwood wanted to stay close to home to help her family business. Plus, she knew her hometown market had plenty of ways to get involved. As a multimedia journalism major in the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Communication, she was involved both on and off campus. She served in a number of roles for Kappa Delta, including VP of Events and Programming, and her first internship consisted of writing and producing for 1010 XL Jax. She also shadowed local stars, WJXT4 Vic Micolucci & Catherine Ritter (’20), before joining the latter as a sideline reporter & content creator for the Jacksonville Sharks. Catherwood has also served as a sideline reporter for ESPN+ during North Florida Ospreys athletic events.

Catherwood started with the Jumbo Shrimp last season as a Multimedia Intern, where she put her degree to use writing recaps and press releases, in addition to creating hype videos and social media content. She could also be seen on camera conducting post-game interviews with the players and hosting the Shrimp Show with fellow alumnus Adam Glover (’24). She celebrated the off-season with a Minor League Baseball championship ring and a well-deserved promotion.

This season in her new role, she’s excited to take the Jumbo Shrimp’s social media to the next level. We’re also excited for her take our platform to the next level with tomorrow’s takeover. So tune in on Tuesday to see what a day in Skylar’s life looks like and be sure to follow the Jumbo Shrimp socials to see all the fun she’s got going on all season long!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 6/1/26)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is returning to the US, and while many folks are starting to tune in, some like alumna Lauren Church (’16), the Director of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for the US Men’s National Team at U.S. Soccer, have been invested since day one!

Most people don't return to college after raising six children, opening a restaurant, and building a career. Most people aren’t Ellen Cottrill (’19, ’22).

Decades after first enrolling in college, our future alumna returned to the classroom as a nontraditional student, earning both her bachelor's degree in communication and master's degree in communication management before putting those skills to work helping shape Jacksonville's cultural and civic landscape.

Long before she arrived at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, Ellen's path had already taken her far beyond a traditional college experience. After beginning her education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, she lived in Israel, studied at Tel Aviv University, started a family, and later became part of a blended family with six children.

In 2014, Ellen and her family opened Hobnob, a restaurant in Jacksonville's Brooklyn area, years before the area became the thriving destination it is today. Drawing on her background in art and gallery work, she helped create a unique space filled with original artwork and community events. As she worked to promote the restaurant and connect with city leaders, she discovered a passion for communications.

When Hobnob eventually closed, Ellen saw an opportunity to finally finish what she started. She enrolled in the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Communication and pursued a bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in public relations.

One unexpected bonus? Sharing the experience with her stepdaughter, Andrea Little ('18), who was pursuing the same major at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ at the same time.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Ellen continued into the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School, completing a master's degree in communication management with a concentration in nonprofit leadership.

Since graduating, Ellen has combined her passions for communication, the arts, and community development. She worked in communications for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, served on the Thomas G. Carpenter Library Dean's Council, and helped spotlight local artists featured throughout ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's library collection.

Today, she serves on the boards of Scenic Jacksonville and Downtown Vision, Inc. while helping lead the redevelopment of historic properties throughout downtown Jacksonville. Most recently, Ellen and her husband, Alan, purchased two long-vacant buildings on Laura Street with plans to transform them into new residential and restaurant spaces in the heart of downtown.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/21/26)

We’ve shared the other new members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, but our final one represents an additional 9 Ospreys! Patrick Courson’s (’06) family's connection to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ spans more than four decades, three generations, and nearly every branch of the family tree.

The legacy began with Patrick's mother-in-law, Sharon Achey (’84, M.A. Social Studies). Over the years, it grew to include Patrick's brother, Rick Courson (’91, B.B.A.), sister-in-law Lisa Courson (’91, B.S.N.), wife Tara Courson (’04, B.A. Political Science), brother-in-law Travis Achey (’11, B.A. Criminal Justice), and Patrick himself (’06, B.B.A. T&L).

The next generation followed. His son Nicholas (’16, B.H.A.) and daughters Anastasia (’21, B.A. Psychology) and Lauren (’26, B.B.A. Marketing) graduated from ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. This fall, his youngest Trevor will begin his first semester as a mechanical engineering student, continuing a family tradition that has become woven into the fabric of their lives.

For Patrick, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ entered the picture when he returned to Jacksonville after serving in military transportation and logistics. While working full-time and raising a family, he enrolled in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business' transportation and logistics program, attending classes in the evenings and on weekends. The degree helped him transition into the civilian transportation industry and launch a successful career in operations, sales, and executive leadership.

The Coursons have remained a part of the Osprey community. They've attended North Florida Ospreys baseball and basketball games, participated in Swoop the Loop, explored the campus trails, and watched the University evolve. Now, Patrick is looking forward to helping the university continue that growth.

For the Courson family, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ has been the backdrop for graduations, game days, family traditions, and lifelong friendships. And as one Courson prepares to graduate, another begins their journey, continuing their lifelong legacy within The Nest.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 6/18/26)

How do you get an interview with an astronaut? You planet! 

As you've undoubtedly seen by now, in just a few short weeks, NASA's 13th crew mission to the International Space Station under the Commercial Crew Program will carry a four-person international crew on the Crew Dragon spacecraft, Grace. Among them will be ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumnus and Pilot, Luke Delaney ('06).

Delaney's interstellar story starts as a boy growing up in Central Florida, watching shuttle launches and dreaming one day to be part of one. In 1998, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following high school and was selected for a navigator position and flight training. He was then admitted to the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and stationed in Jacksonville to help run an ROTC program at JU, while earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ College of Computing, Engineering and Construction - CCEC. His wife Tracy (’07) also earned a degree in elementary education from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, allowing her to teach wherever he was stationed.

From there, he continued his flight career as a naval aviator, earning numerous service medals and executing 400 combat sorties amounting to over 550 combat flight hours. Delaney has more than 3,700 flight hours on 48 different models of jet, prop and rotary wing aircraft. He also earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He retired from the Marines in 2020 and transitioned to NASA Langley as a research pilot and aerospace engineer.

Out of over 12,000 applicants, Delaney was one of ten chosen by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the 2021 class of astronaut candidates, and the next year he reported for duty at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to begin his training. 4 years later, he is officially ready for takeoff, and the crew will be spending the next six months in space.

(Published on 8/26/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Growing up in Jacksonville, Daniel Dickinson (’16) came from a musical family. His father served as the orchestra conductor for his church, his mother played flute and his brothers played trombone and trumpet. He started playing clarinet at 10, then added saxophone and flute to his arsenal while attending The LaVilla School of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. When he learned there was a nationally recognized jazz program on the other side of town, it was a no-brainer. Learning under Bunky Green and Todd Delgiudice provided him a tremendous opportunity. Dickinson said, “The repertoire that we were able to play in Jazz Ensemble 1 has all the different styles to prepare me for the professional music scene.” His education and experience were put to the test performing with the Disneyland All-American College Band.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and music performance, he auditioned for schools in New York City and landed a spot at the Manhattan School of Music studying under Jim McNeely. “The City That Never Sleeps” is correct as he played a lot of reading bands, heard new compositions and through networking participated in workshops with Metropole Orkest, a Netherlands-based orchestra known as one of the best globally. After two years, he started freelancing, playing big bands and wedding gigs before the pandemic hit. As the world shut down, he decided to move down south and posted up in Savannah, where he played and arranged for The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Then, Dickinson saw an open position with Perishing’s Own.

The U.S. Army has two different bands: The United States Army Field Band travels throughout the country and internationally, while Perishing's Own serves as the resident band, focusing on stateside attention.

After spending a lot of time touring in New York, Dickinson found the consistency appealing as it allowed him to continue freelance work. Plus, he was used to working with a variety of musicians where you’re always adapting to their styles. Now, they all know the right style for the right composers and can blend their sounds together seamlessly.

Before joining Perishing’s Own, Dickinson worried that he was playing music to advance his career, more focused on his own goals and less on the audience. “That feeling sat with me a weird way,” he said.

Reminiscing on his time at Disneyland, he wanted to return to audience-centric performances. For the past three years, Dickinson has felt that sense of fulfillment and is looking to stick around as long as he can. If he does decide to retire when that government pension kicks in, he would still love to stay in the Washington D.C. area.

Outside of Perishing’s Own, he still books freelance gigs and spends time composing, playing a little piano on the side. He also loves classic films and live theatre, so Washington D.C. is a perfect city for him.

(Published on 7/3/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

It's once again #AwardsSeason at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ as we celebrate this year's Alumni Recognition Award recipients set to be recognized during Homecoming! The Young Alumni Award honors a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ graduate from the past decade who’s making waves professionally and giving back to the community. This year’s honoree is Carleigh Eagle (’21), a rising star in biomedical engineering.

As Lead Engineer at Mayo Clinic Florida, Eagle creates custom 3D-printed anatomical models and surgical guides, tools that directly impact patient care and medical education. She’s produced over 1,000 clinical-grade models, working closely with surgeons and radiologists to turn complex imaging into life-saving solutions. Eagle also co-founded Mayo Clinic’s Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Internship, mentoring students in hands-on medical modeling. Her earlier work in clinical research spans oncology, cardiology and COVID-19 trials.

A first-generation college student, Eagle dove into STEM at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, conducting research on superconducting nanowires, leading student organizations, tutoring peers, and helping launch Lend-A-Fit, a program that provides professional attire to students. Now pursuing her Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering at The Graduate School she’s committed to mentoring future Ospreys and giving back to the university that helped launch her journey.

(Published on 9/15/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

We love it when Osprey graduates follow their hearts, but Donovan Evans (’16) seems to have taken that both figuratively and literally. She currently serves as Vice President of Marketing Communications for the American Heart Association’s Southwest Region.

Evans arrived at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ with a love for creativity and design. Graphic design classes she enjoyed in high school led her to continue exploring those interests at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Communication, where she discovered a passion for combining creativity with strategy, storytelling and communications. As a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha, Greek life not only introduced her to lifelong friendships, but also unexpectedly helped shape her career path.

During her final semester, a sorority alumna connected her to an internship with the American Heart Association, which became the foundation for a career that has now spanned more than a decade. Through that experience, Donovan saw how the skills she developed at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ could be used to support a mission-driven organization. She stayed with the organization, growing from fundraising and communications roles into positions of increasing leadership.

While many people assume marketing and communications is all about content creation, Donovan says much of her work centers on relationships. Her days are spent collaborating with colleagues, partners and community stakeholders, bringing people together and ensuring communications remain clear, consistent and impactful. Public speaking, a skill she never imagined would play a significant role in her career, is now a regular part of her work.

Looking back, Donovan credits much of her growth to stepping outside her comfort zone. As a self-described introvert, she learned that applying for opportunities, networking and saying yes to new experiences often led to the greatest personal and professional growth. Her career may not have followed a path she carefully mapped out from the beginning, but by remaining open to opportunities and embracing new challenges, she found a calling dedicated to connecting people, telling meaningful stories and advancing a mission that improves lives.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/7/26)

Tonight is the Season Opener for Men's Soccer as they host South Carolina at Hodges Stadium. Following a 2-0 victory in Columbia last year, the Ospreys are looking to keep their winning streak going against a hungry Gamecocks squad looking to get their revenge. Fortunately for ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, they'll be supported by the thunderous Osprey crowd who helped them finish the 2025 season with an undefeated home record!

As they look to win the ASUN Conference for the third straight season, today's #OspreyShoutout goes to a 2-time champion, alumna Cierra Guerra ('25), who returns to the team in a new role as Director of Operations!

A Jacksonville-native, Guerra travelled out of state to start her collegiate career, but returned to Duval before her junior season. A sports management major, she knew the rate of success of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services' program and wanted to join the pipeline. "After my first week I fell in love and was greeted with so many opportunities in the sport world that made me extremely eager to continue my education," she said.

In addition to serving as a member of the Sport Management Club, she began an internship with new coach Jamie Davies and the Men's Soccer team. In her role, she did basically everything off the pitch, from organizing the uniforms, gear and equipment to ordering the team meals. In her first year with the team, she got to celebrate the Ospreys' first conference championship since 2015.

Skip ahead to year two, the pressure is on the reigning champion North Florida Ospreys. Not only is Guerra completing her bachelor's, but she's serving in an elevated role as Manager of Operations. The first home match ended in a 5-0 victory against #19 Florida Atlantic, and the successes continued as the Ospreys rattled off wins in 9 of their next 10 matches. Hosting the conference tournament at Hodges with the fans behind them, they pulled off 2 overtime victories to make their return to the NCAA Tournament. In Chapel Hill, the Ospreys fought hard and came just one penalty kick short of their first NCAA Tournament victory.

This year, the Ospreys have a handful of new players to join new head coach Marlon Montanella, but one consistency is having Guerra on the bench. She's excited about her new role providing more opportunity to change the lives of her student-athletes and interns, ensuring that their ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ experiences are just as unforgettable as hers.

As for the future, she's taking it one step at a time. She'd love to stay with the Men's Soccer team and continue to elevate this program, but for now, her sights are set on adding another trophy to the case!

(Published on 8/20/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Can you believe it’s been five years since our alumni had to virtually cross the stage to get their degrees? Well, while the Coronavirus pandemic made the world hit pause, healthcare workers were stuck on fast forward. In today’s #DonorDeepDive, we home in on Edward Jones (’94, ’99), who witnessed the effects of COVID-19 firsthand in his role as President and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI).

While others were stockpiling toilet paper, Jones and his wife, Sara Lynn (’95, ’99), responded by investing in the future frontline. They established the Edward and Sara Lynn Jones Endowed Scholarship for Nursing at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.

“We just thought it was really important to try and give something back in a difficult time, but more importantly to try and do a little bit to help people going into healthcare,” Jones said.

The decision to support nursing students at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health was a no-brainer, as both Edward and Sara are double Ospreys. Edward earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, while Sara graduated with her Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing.

“I would encourage those who have an interest in healthcare to strongly consider a career in nursing,” Jones said. “Think about it as a way of serving others, a way of serving the community.”

The scholarship is available for all nursing students, but a strong preference is given to students with a military or law-enforcement affiliation, in honor of both Edward’s father, a navy veteran, and Sara’s father, a former Police Officer.

When Simone Covington enrolled at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ to pursue a nursing degree, she had the passion, but like many students, she also faced financial uncertainty. That changed when she became the first recipient of the Edward and Sara Lynn Jones Endowed Scholarship for Nursing.

“Receiving the scholarship was incredibly empowering,” Covington said. “It gave me the encouragement to believe in myself, even during moments when I didn’t think I could succeed in such a rigorous program.

Knowing that someone saw my potential and was willing to invest in my future pushed me to do my best.”
That investment stretched far beyond tuition. Covington participated in an externship at Houston Methodist Hospital. That experience introduced her to new horizons in healthcare and ultimately opened the door to her current role as a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) nurse at the same hospital.

“Moving to Houston from Jacksonville by myself was a big step,” she said. “But that opportunity allowed me to see how advanced we are in healthcare and to grow in ways I never expected.”

Throughout her journey, this scholarship meant so much to her, not just because it lightened a financial burden, but because it gave her the confidence and resources to pursue opportunities she hadn’t imagined possible.

“It’s motivating to know someone is in your corner,” she said. “Even now, on tough days, I remind myself that this path was made possible by people who believed in me. They wouldn’t have invested in me if I wasn’t capable.”

“To give a little bit of financial support, professional advice, open a few doors for somebody and watch them thrive in that environment is incredibly rewarding,” Jones said. “To watch her (Covington) come full circle and be at the same place where we’re working is kind of a cool.”

Jones went on to urge anyone to find ways to support their community. “I think everybody can figure out a way to give back…whether it’s with time, mentorship or helping someone out,” Jones said. “I think we all need to look and try and find a way that we can give back.”

Today, Covington encourages current nursing students completing clinicals on her unit to explore beyond their comfort zones and take full advantage of the opportunities available while still in school.
“I tell them to look outside of their immediate surroundings. To explore externships, travel and see what else is out there,” she said. “³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ gave me that vision. I want them to have that, too.”

Covington’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a single scholarship can have. From the classroom to the clinic, to an entirely new city and career. For her, it’s more than a financial gift; it’s a lifelong source of empowerment and purpose.

In recognition of his professional leadership and community impact, Jones was honored with the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022, the highest honor given to a graduate of the university.

(Published on 7/21/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

The youngest of three sisters, Jennifer Krupa (’94) had that musical itch for as long as she can remember, sneaking into her sisters’ rooms to play their instruments at an early age. In elementary school, every time the music teacher rolled in the cart of instruments, she knew that it was her time to shine. She heard the trombone for the first time at age 5, but was discouraged to play it since “the girls played the woodwinds.” But she fought her teacher, who relented and let her practice the trombone after school. She said, “Once I picked it up, that was it.”

Originally from Southern California, she auditioned for jazz programs in music conservatories across the country during her senior year of high school. Her band was performing at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago where she got to hear ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s newly formed Jazz program. “I could feel the beautiful spirit and camaraderie,” she said. The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ band director and euphonium connoisseur, Rich Matteson, then heard her band perform and encouraged her to audition. He even spent hours on the phone with Krupa’s mom ensuring that despite being on the other side of the country, she would be taken care of. She said, “the ‘displaced’ kids were treated like family and invited to a Sunday dinner every week.”

At ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, Krupa learned that music education went way beyond the practice room. She was fortunate to see many residencies at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, including the The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, which taught her the history of music, in addition to making connections with other musicians and having their wisdom passed down. “It’s an inclusive art,” she said, “and they all want to help the next generation.”

When talking with Bunky Green, famed saxophonist and ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ director of jazz studies, she mentioned wanting to move to New York City, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready. Green encouraged her to follow that ambition, and within the next six months she was living in the Big Apple.

She met up with a coterie of Ospreys in the city who helped her adjust, introducing her to other like-minded individuals and even getting her a few gigs, including performing with Wycliffe Gordon and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Soon after, she joined The Juilliard School as part of its inaugural jazz studies class.

Upon completion of the program in 2003, she auditioned for the U.S. Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble, hoping that would keep her busy for a few years. “I loved going on tours and travelling around the country,” she said. She was moved by the family members of those who served coming up to her after the show and seeing them overwhelmed with pride from listening to the military band perform. She contributed significantly to the ensemble’s national profile, collaborating with artists such as Jason Mraz, Melissa Aldana, Terrell Stafford, Sean Jones and James Taylor. After over two decades with the band holding key roles including music director, arranger, tour manager, operations and personnel manager, and of course, trombonist, she finally retired in 2024.

Nowadays, in addition to serving as the lead trombonist in the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, she has returned to The Julliard School to serve as an educator and mentor. She’s always had a passion for teaching, attributing a lot of her success to those who were willing to share their knowledge as she ascended in the industry, and is glad to return the favor for future generations. She also gets to watch her three sons grow up with music, as they just wrapped up a jazz kids summer camp run by fellow Osprey Tony Fidyk’s parents.

Outside of music, Krupa spends time outdoors running, hiking and biking with her family. But between all her endeavors and the kids’ soccer practice and music lessons, she keeps a pretty busy schedule.

(Published on 7/1/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

ICYMI: With the 7th pick in Round 2, the Detroit Pistons selected Chaz Lanier (‘24), who made history as the first Men's Basketball alumnus NBA draft pick!

After 3 seasons with the Ospreys, the Nashville native broke out during his senior campaign, leading the ASUN Conference in points per game as a First Team All-ASUN selection, becoming only the 2nd D1 Osprey to eclipse the 600pt mark.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, Lanier used his grad transfer to return closer to home to play for the University of Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. In his lone season, he averaged 18ppg and set the Tennessee single season record with 123 made 3-pointers.

Lanier joins Women's Basketball star Jazz Bond (‘22) as the second ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ basketball alum to be selected in the draft.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 6/27/25)

As a child, Katie Lewis (’25) wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a veterinarian. After her father experienced a health scare during her teen years, Lewis witnessed the attentive care he received from hospital nurses and decided she wanted to pursue a career in nursing.

In preparation for a nursing career, she obtained a CNA license through a course offered at Hilliard Middle Senior High School. When it came to deciding on college, Lewis picked the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health as her top choice due to its strong nursing program, proximity to home, and numerous high-ranking hospitals nearby. Getting the Presidential Gold Scholarship, in addition to having a Florida Prepaid Tuition Plan and Bright Futures, helped Lewis have peace of mind financially during college.

She had many of her initial courses and labs in the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ MedNexus Simulation Center, where they offered innovative technologies to help students feel as close as possible to working on real patients without being in an actual hospital. “The School of Nursing’s faculty are really good at instilling confidence and preparing you to become a registered nurse,” Lewis said.

“Katie’s inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge are qualities that will help her to be successful in the nursing field,” said Nursing Instructor Trina Taylor. “She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge while showing a desire to excel in the nursing profession and provide her patients with the best care possible.”

Since joining the Osprey community, Lewis juggled her course load while working full-time as a CNA, first at Ascension St. Vincent’s Jacksonville Riverside and then at UF Health Jacksonville, where after passing her NCLEX she’s she continued to work as a RN in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. She also picked up a second job at Nurse M’s Infusion Blends, LLC, a small business run by one of her former teachers, Cindy McClanathan, who helped her get her CNA license. Lewis was also elected secretary for the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ chapter of the nursing honors society, Sigma Theta Tau.

“I want to stay in Jacksonville and serve my community through helping them in their times of sickness,” said Lewis. “I am only able to do this because of the education I got here at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. I am so thankful that I chose to go here four years ago. It was always ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.”

(Published on 1/29/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Our women’s tennis team is off to an incredible start as the last unbeaten team in the nation with an 18-0 record. But for two Osprey alumnae, they’re putting the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵinished Business!

Anslee Long (‘24) and Isabel Oliveira (‘24) both joined the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Alumni Association after earning their undergraduate degrees — Long in Sport Management and Oliveira in Business Administration.

In 2023, North Florida Ospreys women’s tennis team entered the record books winning the ASUN Conference regular season and tournament. Last year, they had a strong season, finishing 2nd in the ASUN, but ultimately fell short of an NCAA berth in the conference semifinals. However, despite facing adversity and injuries, both our Ospreys stayed the course and returned for another season.

And we’re certainly glad they did. This season, Oliveira has gone 9-1 in the #2 singles and 10-1 in the #1 doubles spot, and Long has a 8-1 record in the 5/6 singles slot to go along with 5 doubles victories.

But they represent the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ equally well both on and off the court. They have a combined 9 ASUN Academic honor roll appearances as Long completes her MBA and Oliveira her MSBA. Both have been active with the Taylor Leadership Institute. Oliveira served as a GA for the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business economic department, a marketing intern for Suddath, and marketing chair with BRASA ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. Long was vice chair for ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ SAAC and interned with SportsMEDIA technology.

With 4 games left in the regular season, they host Austin Peay on Sunday for their final home game. Join us to support our alums as they look to remain undefeated!

(Published on 3/28/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

We hope you’re looking forward to cracking up, because it’s time to introduce you to Monique Madrid (’05), ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ College of Arts and Sciences alumna and the co-founder of LOL JAX Film Festival, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary!

Involved in INROADS, Inc. during high school, the program took Madrid to an overnight campus tour of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, and that seemed to seal the deal. In addition to completing her Sociology major (with a Criminal Justice minor), she was very sociable on campus. Despite being a commuter student, she worked at the bookstore, served as an English tutor, and was an active member of AASU, HACE and the treasurer of Golden Key.

Madrid also served as a writer and actress with the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Women’s Center Theatre Troupe, performing plays that created awareness for interpersonal violence. They packed out performances at the Robinson Center in addition to doing skits in the classrooms and for freshman orientations.

However, it was an internship with the Department of Homeland Security during her junior year that set her on her professional path. Upon graduation, she was offered a full-time role with the department, launching a 23-year career in federal civilian service. She continued her career at the Department of Labor and currently serves in the Department of Defense.

Looking for an outlet for her creative side, she and her husband, Adam, created the LOL Jax Film Festival. Founded in 2017, their mission of “Loving Our Locals” while “Laughing Out Loud” emphasizes the need for a space in Duval for artists to gather, network, and most importantly, laugh. 10 years in, the festival is now a staple of Northeast Florida and just received a well-deserved proclamation from the City of Jacksonville!
“You don’t realize how much of an impact you have until you get recognized in that way,” she said. “It makes you stop and reflect on the work, and I feel nothing but honor to have a city I support shine light on the mission of my festival."

We congratulate our alumna on this merited achievement and admire her efforts going above and beyond to highlight our local creatives and celebrate the culture in Jacksonville!

(Published on 8/14/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ being the top retainer of talent in the Sunshine State is not just a metric; it’s a point of pride. We care about our community and love nothing more than using our education to help the next generation of Floridians. A shining example is alumna Denise Marzullo (’98), who was recently named CEO of Florida’s Coalition for Children. In her new role, Marzullo advocates on behalf of Florida’s abused, abandoned, neglected, and at-risk children, and supports the agencies and individuals who work on their behalf.

Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Marzullo had the goal of becoming a mental health therapist. She knows she’s been blessed with a wonderful family and support system and wanted to help those who didn’t. Non-profit work had always been a passion of hers because she knows she’s making a difference. After earning her bachelor’s in Psychology from Clemson University, she returned to Florida for her postgraduate studies.

“I looked at different programs, and I really liked ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School’s courses in the counseling psychology program,” she said.

Going through 2 years with her cohort of 11 students, they quickly formed bonds. She thought the classroom instruction was great and developed a mentee/mentor relationship with her professors. The experiential learning opportunities prepared her to enter the field, and as each member of the cohort entered different internships, they openly shared their experiences.

Immediately after graduation, she began working as a mental health therapist at a juvenile justice program, helping to evaluate, diagnose and treat youth that have engaged in delinquent behavior. She then spent a few years working as a school-based mental health therapist before entering an administration role. After serving as a Children’s Clinical Director for Northwest Behavioral Health Services, she landed the role of President and CEO of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting mental wellness, providing community education and connecting residents with care.

Despite her immense knowledge of psychology, she wanted to understand the business aspect a bit better, so she pursued an MBA from St. Leo University. She then held the role of President for Early Learning Coalition of Duval, before her family relocated to Bradenton and she got her first introduction into child welfare with the All Star Children's Foundation. At the start of 2026, she was offered her current position, where she continues advocating for child welfare at our state’s capital.

Florida’s Coalition for Children works with around 70 member organizations to care for over 50,000 children and families in crisis each year. This includes working in partnership with the FDCF on policy issues, resources and funding. As CEO, her job is to meet with these member organizations to understand how they connect with the kids they serve and advocate on their behalf and then work with our legislators to help them understand the system and the improvements needed.

As she’s risen up the ladder to CEO, her advice to our younger Ospreys is to “find what you care about.” She knows that since you’ll spend so much time at work, it’s important to make sure it’s meaningful. She also followed the example of her professors who guided her along this path and started adjunct teaching at Barry University. She and her husband have now been married for close to 20 years, and they love following their son around the state for his travel baseball games as he approaches that time to make his college decision.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 7/14/26)

Morgan McClure (’16) didn't come to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ planning a career in communications. In fact, she arrived interested in coastal biology and photography. But one conversation during a campus visit changed everything.

When Sarah McElrea (’13) graduated from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ with a degree in education, she never imagined she would one day be known around Jacksonville as “the salt lady.” But sometimes the most meaningful careers begin in the most unexpected ways.

Though she entered college undecided, a random introductory education course changed everything. “I instantly knew I’m good at this,” she said. Encouraged by a professor who saw her potential, McElrea joined ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services' then-new middle school math education program. She graduated in four years and went on to teach for seven.

Then came COVID-19... Like many educators during that time, McElrea made the difficult decision to step away from the classroom. What she didn’t know was that a small hobby she had started at home would grow into something much bigger.

From Backyard Basil to a Bustling Booth

During the pandemic, McElrea began experimenting in her kitchen, using herbs from her backyard garden and peppers grown by her husband. What started as small batches for friends quickly gained attention. “We take fresh herbs or peppers, grind them into the salt, and slow-dry them,” she explained. “It’s an old-school preservation method. There’s no secret. Just salt and herbs. No anti-caking agents, no sugars, no preservatives.” That simple, intentional process became the foundation of Summa Salts, her business built on flavor and community.

The name itself has a playful origin. Her husband used to call their daughter “sweet summa child,” a lighthearted nod to a quote from Game of Thrones. When McElrea was brainstorming names for her finishing salts, the phrase inspired a pun that stuck. What began as a creative outlet soon evolved into a mission-driven business. For McElrea, Summa Salts is not just about seasoning food. It is about strengthening Jacksonville’s local food system.

A Mission Bigger Than Salt

After leaving teaching, McElrea found herself without the tight-knit community she once had in schools. Farmers' markets became her new gathering place. Today, she is a full-time vendor at the Riverside Arts Market, where she was named Maker of the Year in 2025. She sets up her booth 52 weeks a year and considers the market both her home base and her grocery store.

Her passion for local food is deeply personal. While trying to source fresh, local ingredients for her family, she became increasingly aware of how difficult it can be to access locally grown products. “My mission is making sure every single person knows our farmers' markets exist,” she said. “It’s about keeping the whole system healthy. Farmers' markets do not work unless we have every kind of vendor and people supporting them.”

Summa Salts has grown in popularity, with bestsellers like “Vampire Killer” garlic salt, ranch blend, and a coffee-infused salt originally created for steak rubs that has since found a loyal following in cookies, brownies, and espresso martinis. Her pickle salt even went viral after a customer shared it in an online pickle-lover group. Still, growth for McElrea is measured differently.

“My North Stars are my family and spreading the good word of local food,” she said. “As long as those are in balance, I am open to whatever this business becomes.”

An Osprey at Heart

Though she no longer works in education, McElrea still feels a connection to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. She has returned to campus as a vendor for market days and occasionally drives through simply to reminisce. “It feels like this little island,” she said. “When you have spent so many hours there, it never really leaves you.”

From a first-year elective class that sparked a teaching career to a kitchen experiment that blossomed into a thriving local business, McElrea’s journey reflects the unexpected paths many alumni take. And whether she is grinding fresh herbs with salt, educating customers about local sourcing, or setting up her booth at RAM, one thing is clear. Her Osprey spirit, rooted in community and purpose, is still very much alive.

You can find Summa Salts at the Riverside Arts Market each Saturday or follow along as McElrea continues seasoning Jacksonville, one jar at a time.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 3/4/26)

After years of traveling, filming and surfing, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumna Nicole McNamara (’05) has earned an Emmy Award for the cinematic docuseries, 100 Foot Wave.

Highlighting the struggles and achievements of her husband, professional big wave surfer Garrett McNamara, the third season of this HBO series released earlier this year continued the story of riding the biggest and most intense waves on the planet.

The documentary began filming in 2019 and was meant to capture Garrett’s attempt to be the first to surf a 100 ft wave. In 2011, he set the world record by surfing a 78 ft wave in Nazaré, Portugal. As the series continues, Nicole and Garett are joined by fellow big wave surfers Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, CJ Macias, Justine Dupont and Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca as they chase waves along a trail of breathtaking locations, including Nazaré, O’ahu, Hawaii, Montaldo, Italy and Cortes Bank in the Pacific Ocean.

The documentary is known for its realness as the camera is invited into all moments. While many other films build surfers up as larger-than-life figures, 100 Foot Wave shows the vulnerability and emotions from these surfers, bridging the gap between surfing fans and casual viewers. “These are real experiences,” Nicole said. Even the birth of their third child was captured on camera.

The third season features the series’ signature intimate interviews, vérité photography, and dramatic visuals with stunning aerial and water footage, showcasing the death-defying beauty of big wave surfing. However, it’s possibly the most emotional yet. “We didn’t think it’d get better than season two, but it turned out phenomenal,” she said. “When we watched the first cuts, our minds were blown.” As Garrett starts to grapple with aging, the show takes a step back from the McNamaras and allows them to watch the next generation shine.

Nicole received a bachelor’s in health science from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health before earning a Master of Education in environmental science from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Fort Lauderdale area native where she served as a high school AP science teacher before meeting Garrett. The couple wed in Nazaré in 2012 and have three children, Barrel, Theia and Fe.

(Published on 10/22/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumna turns love of wildlife into career at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

From sun-soaked days on the St. Johns River to global conservation partnerships, Shannon McNeil’s journey began at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ and continues to make an impact far beyond campus. 

A 2023 graduate, McNeil credits ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ with helping her turn a lifelong love of Florida’s waterways and wildlife into a meaningful career. As a Coastal Environmental Science student, she found both academic challenge and a sense of belonging. 

“I wanted to go to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ because I love the nature preserve that was around it. Gorgeous trees, lakes and wildlife. It couldn’t get much better than that,” McNeil shared. “Aside from that, they had a great program, and I was incredibly happy with it the entire time.” 

That environment shaped her experience inside and outside the classroom. Growing up in Florida, McNeil knew she wanted to study the water that surrounds the state. What she did not know was how clearly ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ would show her the path toward protecting it. 

Mentorship played a defining role in her journey. Faculty members like Dr. Quincy Gibson, associate professor of biology at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, helped guide her academic growth while offering insight into future careers. Their classrooms emphasized hands-on learning and real-world applications. 

Experiential learning was central to McNeil’s ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ experience. Through summer field courses, McNeil tracked alligators and studied bottlenose dolphins in the St. Johns River. These immersive opportunities confirmed her passion and strengthened the skills she would later bring into her career. 

McNeil discovered the conservation field through ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Environmental Leadership Program, which exposed her to career possibilities she had not previously considered. That program also connected her with the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where she completed a student project focused on invasive species. After graduation, that connection led to a full-time role in the zoo’s conservation department. 

Dr. Gibson recalls McNeil’s impact clearly. 

“She was an extremely bright and highly motivated student,” Gibson said. “She is clearly passionate about animal conservation and willing to work hard to make a difference. The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is very lucky to have her on its team.” 

Today, McNeil works with more than 45 conservation partners locally and globally. She collaborates with education teams, supports conservation initiatives, and helps staff turn ideas into action. She is also mentoring a current ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ student through the same leadership program that helped launch her own career. 

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 5/6/26)

We say that once you earn your degree from ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, you become part of our family for life. For Bobbie Jo Mentz (’00, ‘02), her Osprey family and her biological family are one and the same. As we celebrate MothersDay, this month’s AlumniSpotlight proves that the nestling doesn’t fall far from The Nest!

With an associate’s degree under her belt, Mentz attended the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health to earn her bachelor’s in Sports Medicine, while working full time at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Student Union Bookstore. After completing her program, she returned to The Graduate School to earn her Master of Physical Therapy. She’s now the COO at Jacksonville’s River Garden Senior Services, and serves on BCH’s Center for Aging and Research Advisory Board.

Mentz’s older sister, Maria Knapp (’96), helped pave the way. She earned her bachelor’s in business management from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business while also working at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Bookstore. She was also a founding member of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Students in Free Enterprise, now ranked among the best in the nation. She’s now the president of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.

When Bobbie Jo gave birth to her daughter Alexis, she grew up visiting the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Nature preserve, attending preschool at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Development Center and competing in North Florida Ospreys sports camps during the summers. When it came time to pick a college, there wasn’t a doubt. Alexis Schad (’17) earned her bachelor’s in political science. She was a sister of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and inducted into the Order of Omega. She also founded the Domestic Violence Awareness Club. After graduating, she earned her JD from the University of Miami and now serves as an associate for Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.

However, we’ve still yet to reach the start! Bobbie Jo and Maria’s first cousin, Mollie Bergeron (’90), was the first of the family to attend ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, earning her bachelor’s of arts in sociology and criminal justice. While looking for opportunities to pay her way through school, she saw a job posting at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Bookstore, which then opened the door for the rest of the family. On campus, Mollie met William Bergeron (’90) who was pursuing a psychology degree. William is a retired US Army Colonel and spent nearly 18 years working for CSX. The two quickly fell in love and soon after gave birth to their daughter, Bailey Rivera (’21) who earned her bachelor’s in health administration and now works at MD Anderson.

As you can see, while most Ospreys stay connected with our University, some family trees dug their roots a little deeper.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 5/7/26)

This month’s alumni spotlight takes us from the football field to the classroom as we highlight Melissa Metz (’04, ’10), two-time Silverfield alumna, former captain of The ROAR and current principal of the Coppergate School of the Arts.

X’s and O’s

Metz originally planned to attend FSU, but after talking with Dr. John Kemppainen during a SCOEHS Open House, she learned about ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s high pass rates on the state board exam. “That conversation ultimately shifted my decision — I was confident that ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s COEHS offered a stronger and more supportive program,” she said.

Meanwhile, Metz had tried out for The ROAR during her senior year of at Terry Parker high school, and although she advanced to the last day, she didn’t make the final cut. The same thing happened the following year. But the third time proved to be the charm. “I was determined,” she said. “I kept practicing, improving my dance technique and focusing on my overall fitness.” She officially joined the team in 2003.

Metz graduated from ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ in December 2004, and by January 2005, her teaching career began at Ed White High School, teaching math for the World of Work, Career and Job Preparation and Intensive Reading. In 2007, after marrying her husband, John, she transferred to Loretto Elementary to be closer to home.

School of Hard Flocks

After cheering on the Jaguars for six incredible seasons, she retired her pom poms to focus on obtaining a master’s degree. When it came to deciding on a program, returning to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School was a natural decision. She started at Loretto as a teacher but over time transitioned into their middle school literacy specialist. Working at the district level helped her grow professionally, which paved the way for her next role as assistant principal. Three years later, she became the principal at Chimney Lakes Elementary.

During her tenure, Chimney Lakes was recognized as an A-rated Title I school and received national recognition from Magnet Schools of America as a School of Distinction their Multicultural Magnet Program. After 15 years in the Duval County Public School system, the pandemic shutdown gave way to a moment of reflection and transition, as her current role became open. “It was not an easy decision to leave DCPS after so many years,” she said, “but I couldn’t pass up the chance to lead an arts-integrated school.” Coppergate felt like a full-circle moment where she could reconnect with the creative roots that helped shape her. She also had an opportunity to join Project PREP and pursue a doctorate, so she decided to return to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. She’s looking forward to joining the alumni association for the third time in 2027.

ROAR Galore

When she’s not running the school or working on her own studies, she’s still able to connect with The ROAR as president of The ROAR Alumni Association. “Being part of the team was never just about performing,” Metz said. “It was about representing something greater than ourselves.” The culture of service and connection drew her into the program, and now she and her fellow alumnae help carry that legacy forward, ensuring they remain connected to each other, the organization and their mission. She creates opportunities for them to give back, whether it’s organizing charitable events, supporting causes or mentoring current team members.

“Caring for each other, our community, and our kids isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mindset we lived then and one we carry with us for life,” she said, “and I’m so proud to still be part of that.”

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 6/3/25)

You know the motto: The Osprey doesn’t fall far from The Nest. But as we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, there are a couple more Mottos you should know about.

An alumnus of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business, Greg Motto (’97) serves as the EVP, CFO and Assistant Treasurer of NASCAR. A life rooted in faith as a community leader and devoted husband and father, he watched with pride as his son Noah (’20, ‘24) crossed the same graduation stage with his accounting degree and MBA.

Originally from Orange Park, Greg didn’t have a clear path for what to do with his life, besides surfing and skating. He earned his AA at the Florida State College at Jacksonville but then transferred to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ to elevate his prospects through the business school – while still being close to ride the waves between classes. “The experience I gained helped prepare professional growth for me,” he said. “I learned not just to complete the projects, but how to communicate the purpose, my approach, the results and most importantly what I learned and what I would do differently – this style provided leadership development that differentiated me throughout my career.”

After graduation, he was accepted to the GE Financial Management Program and served as a Financial Analyst for GE Capital. He then joined the International Speedway Corporation in 2000, serving in a handful of positions including Financial Analyst, Assistant Controller and Director of Strategic Planning and Controller. He rose all the way to EVP, CFO and Treasurer for ISC, where he led all financial matters leading to the ISC/NASCAR merger in 2019.

Motto brings over 26 years of experience overseeing capital allocation, shareholder relations and financial planning to his current role, ensuring long-term financial stability and strength for the company and prudent strategic investment for growth. He has assembled a team to lead compliance over financial reporting, internal controls, tax, accounting, and integrated financial planning. “My goal is to ensure capital availability and financial discipline to fund strategic investments that will grow the business, this is enhanced by structuring a talented team that is balanced with technical financial expertise and the desire to advance aided by new technology.”

“I believe in sharing my experiences and talents by serving the community,” he said. He serves on the Coggin College of Business Advisory Council, finance and investment committees at Halifax Health and as an Elder and Board member at Salty Church. He currently lives in Ormond Beach with his wife, Michelle, where they raised their sons Noah and Mason.

Growing up watching his father build a career in finance played a big role in shaping Noah’s interests. He started college at FIU as a member of their football team, but stepped away to enroll in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s accounting program, balancing classes with work to better fit his long-term goals.

“I commuted from Ormond Beach and worked full-time throughout my undergraduate degree,” Noah said. “The flexibility of the program made a huge difference.”

Smaller class sizes and a focus on real-world application gave him fundamentals he could build on, starting on his first day on the job. He landed an internship with James Moore & Co. during his senior year which turned into a full-time accountant role after graduation.

“The pace picks up quickly in public accounting, but the preparation I got from ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ gave me the confidence to adapt early on.”

Noah wanted a broader understanding of how businesses operate beyond accounting, so he rejoined ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School. Enrolling in a couple classes per semester, he was able to apply his teachings directly to his work. He also pursued his CPA license and passed all four parts of the exam within six months.

As his career progressed, he moved from staff accountant to senior, and then into leadership roles as a tax supervisor and tax manager. He believes there’s no secret to success, just consistency. “I’ve always tried to take on responsibility early, produce high-quality work, and build strong relationships with both clients and coworkers,” he said.

After nearly six years with James Moore, he joined Solutions Group Accounting Firm, Inc., which has allowed him to grow both his technical and leadership skills, advancing from Tax Manager to Tax Director, and now, Partner. His responsibilities go beyond just technical tax work and include managing client relationships, mentoring and developing his team, and helping shape the overall direction of the firm.

Looking ahead, both Mottos are prioritizing growth and leadership. Noah is developing his team while expanding his client base and building stronger relationships, while Greg’s priorities lie in supporting the growth of NASCAR. He also has another venture on the horizon as he anticipates opening LINE-X North America of Daytona Beach in 2027. However, like father, like son, both continue to stay active and enjoy activities outside of work.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 6/20/26)

You already know a bit about Niko Negron (’16) from this year’s Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 selection, but now it’s time to discover the man behind the myth.

He didn't set out to build a career in business strategy and logistics, and as a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business student, he envisioned a future in the advertising world. But as he looks back, the foundation for his eventual career was already taking shape through experiences both in and outside the classroom.

While earning his bachelor’s degree, he joined PRI Productions as an asset manager. This student job introduced him to the complex operational side of the event industry and revealed a passion he hadn't anticipated. After graduation, he returned to PRI as an event producer, where he developed client relationships, built business opportunities and gained firsthand experience in strategy, sales and event execution. Over the next 15 years, he continued to grow alongside the company, taking on increasingly complex roles and responsibilities that eventually led to his current position as Vice President of Business Strategy and Logistics.

Early in his career, Negron was entrusted with leading the grand opening celebration for Rivertown in St. Johns County, a large-scale event with a six-figure budget and thousands of attendees. While excited by the opportunity, he also felt the weight of the responsibility. This experience challenged him to navigate unexpected obstacles, trust his instincts and lead through uncertainty. In the end, the event's success opened the door to additional opportunities.

Negron jokes that event professionals are "professional firefighters," constantly solving problems and adapting to changing circumstances. Over the years, he has learned that success isn't about creating the perfect plan…It's about remaining calm when things don't go according to plan.

Outside work, he’s become deeply involved in the Jacksonville community and was accepted into the JAX Chamber's Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellowship. Surrounded by accomplished business and civic leaders, he found a network of people who shared his passion for service and community impact. The experience ultimately led to an invitation to serve on the organization's board and later to become its incoming board chair.

Today, Niko credits much of his success to the lessons he learned while balancing work, school and personal growth during his time at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. The degree gave him more than business knowledge. It taught him perseverance, resilience and the confidence to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn't entirely clear. Those lessons continue to shape his career, his leadership and the impact he makes throughout the Jacksonville community. 

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/8/26)

Our women’s tennis team is off to an incredible start as the last unbeaten team in the nation with an 18-0 record. But for two Osprey alumnae, they’re putting the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵinished Business!

Anslee Long (‘24) and Isabel Oliveira (‘24) both joined the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Alumni Association after earning their undergraduate degrees — Long in Sport Management and Oliveira in Business Administration.

In 2023, North Florida Ospreys women’s tennis team entered the record books winning the ASUN Conference regular season and tournament. Last year, they had a strong season, finishing 2nd in the ASUN, but ultimately fell short of an NCAA berth in the conference semifinals. However, despite facing adversity and injuries, both our Ospreys stayed the course and returned for another season.

And we’re certainly glad they did. This season, Oliveira has gone 9-1 in the #2 singles and 10-1 in the #1 doubles spot, and Long has a 8-1 record in the 5/6 singles slot to go along with 5 doubles victories.

But they represent the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ equally well both on and off the court. They have a combined 9 ASUN Academic honor roll appearances as Long completes her MBA and Oliveira her MSBA.

Both have been active with the Taylor Leadership Institute. Oliveira served as a GA for the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business economic department, a marketing intern for Suddath, and marketing chair with BRASA ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. Long was vice chair for ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ SAAC and interned with SportsMEDIA technology.

With 4 games left in the regular season, they host Austin Peay on Sunday for their final home game. Join us to support our alums as they look to remain undefeated!

(Published on 3/28/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

You know how the saying goes: “New Year, New Me.” Well, Ozzie understood the assignment. As we continue to celebrate the Jaguars’ divisional title, this month’s #AlumniSpotlight shines on Will Pease (’20), the Manager of Digital Media for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the mastermind behind our Osprey’s bold new look.

Pease’s connection to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ started long before college. Growing up in Jacksonville, he often ran on campus during high school and admired its beauty. When it came time to choose a university, the affordability and opportunity provided by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ made it the clear choice.

As a marketing major in the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business, Pease discovered his passion for creativity. “Coggin was great because they were starting to offer classes focused on social media and digital marketing,” he said. Professors and local business connections left a lasting impression and helped him build a foundation for his career.

Pease’s professional journey began with part-time work for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Jax Pack program, followed by hands-on internships in digital marketing. After graduating in 2020, his plans for a New York internship were disrupted due to the pandemic, but Pease pivoted and landed a role with the Jaguars’ digital team. “I started in October 2020 and have been here ever since,” he said. Today, he manages their digital platforms like the team website, app and YouTube channel.

Although his degree focused on marketing strategy, Pease always loved drawing. He taught himself digital illustration using Procreate and spent years refining his skills. “I started posting my art on Instagram and people loved it,” he recalled. That set the stage for an unexpected opportunity.

When the North Florida Ospreys sought a fresh mascot design, Pease’s work caught their attention. After meeting with the team, he delivered a design that balanced tradition and personality. “It was important that the mascot looked like an osprey and aligned with ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s athletic branding,” he said. The final product included two versions: a fierce Ozzie for athletics and a friendlier one for family and community engagement.

For Pease, creating the new Ozzie was about more than design. “I just want ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ students, alumni and fans to think it’s cool and feel proud of it,” he said. Judging by the buzz on campus and social media, he accomplished exactly that.

(Published on 1/6/26. Written by Maranda Leone.)

While all Ospreys will one day leave The Nest after crossing that graduation stage, many hover within SWOOPING distance, ready to return to the flock. This month’s #AlumniSpotlight shines on one of our nearby neighbors, Rich Phelan (’01), who serves as a financial consultant with Florida Financial Advisors.

Phelan first enrolled at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business when after serving in the U.S. Navy, he was determined to build a life for his kids in Jacksonville. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ gave him the path he needed: an accounting and finance degree, a life-launching job referral from Dr. Gary Fane, and a community that embraced his family. His kids grew up going to North Florida Ospreys camps, learning from coaches, and even hanging out in his classes.

Fast-forward through the years…all it took was one invitation to a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ event to bring him right back into the fold. Since then, he's become one of the most involved alumni around, attending Third Thursdays, cheering loudly at basketball games, hitting the gym, and stepping up as chair of the new Osprey Alumni Advisors Network.

And now in 2026, his lifelong connection has come full circle. He was recently voted in as a new member of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Alumni Association Board of Directors, starting his term this Summer. Serving as a representative of over 110,000 ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumni, his role not only recognizes his dedication to the university, but also the countless ways he continues to advocate for and give back to the Osprey community.

Ask him why he loves ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ and he’ll tell you. It’s a lifestyle, not a place you leave behind. It’s where he ends tough days with a workout, meets friendly faces who know him by name, and feels genuinely wanted by a community that reaches out, not just for donations, but for connection.

You may have even spoken with him earlier this month as he completed the Swoop the Loop 5K, with his eldest daughter by his side and a flock of grandkids cheering them on as they crossed the finish line. Three generations of Ospreys all tied to a campus that doesn’t just feel like home; it is home.

(Published on 2/18/26. Written by Maranda Leone.)

The Alumni Service Award honors ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ graduates who exemplify integrity and make a lasting impact through volunteer service. The Fall 2026 award goes to Malinda “Lindy” Prudencio (’02), Vice President of Risk Control and Chief Risk Officer at The Energy Authority (TEA).

After joining TEA’s front office in 1998, Prudencio helped develop its first regulatory compliance program and continues to play an integral role in the implementation of strategies and policies to monitor market, credit, and operational risk for TEA and its clients.

Throughout her career, she has helped cultivate transformative partnerships between ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ and the business community. She played an instrumental role in strengthening TEA’s relationship with the University, resulting in support for the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business, and helped facilitate the relationship with NLP Logix, which contributed to the success of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's innovative AI for Work and Life Certificate Program.

Prudencio currently serves on the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Foundation Board as Chair of the Development Committee, helping guide philanthropic strategies that strengthen the university's future. She previously served on the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Alumni Association Board of Directors, including a term as president, where she championed alumni engagement and helped foster lifelong connections between graduates and their alma mater.

Beyond campus, Prudencio is a respected civic and business leader throughout Northeast Florida. She serves as Board Chair of Community First Credit Union of Florida and has dedicated years of service to advancing financial well-being and community development. Her community involvement has included leadership roles with professional organizations, government advisory boards, and educational initiatives, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to strengthening the Jacksonville community.

In addition, Prudencio is a proud ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ parent: her daughter Sophia is expected to graduate this Fall with her bachelor’s in communications. Prudencio continues to invest personally in the student experience to ensure future Ospreys benefit from the same opportunities that helped shape her own success.
Whether through volunteer service, philanthropy, corporate partnership development, mentorship, or advocacy, Prudencio has continuously opened doors for the University and inspired others to become engaged supporters.

Join us as we honor her with this year’s Alumni Service Award on Nov. 12 during the Alumni Recognition Awards ceremony.

(Published on 9/8/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of the University. To be nominated for this award, a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ graduate must have made significant contributions to his or her profession, community and/or society, and have consistently maintained the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.

The Fall 2025 awardee is Anthony Pugliese, President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the internal audit profession’s most widely recognized advocate, educator and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications. Over a career span of more than 35 years, Pugliese has been a strategic, hands-on leader who has directed expansions into major global markets, pioneered innovative educational initiatives aimed at enhancing members’ professional growth, and overseen the internal audit function of a major organization.

As CEO of The IIA, he drives the vision and management of a global professional association that represents more than 265,000 members, nearly 150 chapters, and 117 affiliates in more than 170 countries and territories. His focus is on enhancing membership services, creating new approaches to learning and competency development programs, global advocacy, and enhancing the value of internal audit, particularly in its role of addressing organizational risks and opportunities. He is helping both The IIA and the internal audit profession evolve for the future through projects to modernize professional standards and certifications. He spearheaded the groundbreaking Internal Audit: Vision 2035 - Creating Our Future Together project, which serves as a global call to action to reimagine the future of internal auditing. He also directed the first comprehensive overhaul in more than a decade of the Global Internal Audit Standards, a multi-year effort involving thousands of stakeholders worldwide that went into effect earlier this year.

Pugliese was previously President and CEO of the California Society of CPAs, the largest state CPA organization in the United States, with almost 50,000 members. From 1997 through 2018, he served in key leadership positions at what is now the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s largest accounting professional organization. His roles included Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he oversaw the AICPA’s $50 million relocation to North Carolina; and Vice President of Business Reporting and Member Innovation.

A seasoned executive and skilled association strategist with a passion for innovation and technological advancement, Pugliese advocates a culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, empowerment, diversity and achievement. He has cultivated a reputation as a change agent and coalition builder, working across sectors to develop partnerships that support the profession and public interest. He is very active in the community, with a passion for mentoring students and leading business partnerships, such as chambers of commerce. After receiving his bachelor's degree in accounting from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business, he credits the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ with laying the foundation for his leadership philosophy and his commitment to advancing the profession for further generations.

(Published on 9/18/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Catherine (Cavallo) Ritter (’20) graduated summa cum laude from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ School of Communication, earning her degree in multimedia journalism with double minors in sport management and leadership, but her journey with the Jacksonville Sharks started in high school taking photos at the games. As a Multimedia Intern, she got to be a part of the team when the Sharks were named “NAL’s Best Media Department.”

In 2022, she was able to return to the Sharks in her current role, Director of Multimedia, coming full circle as she led her team to be once again named “NAL’s Best Media Department.”

“The Best Media honor means everything to me,” she said. “It solidified that I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

As multimedia director, her role consists of managing a team of interns, creating press releases, running the website and social accounts, doing community outreach, and fulfilling sponsor contracts and gameday advertising. Ritter focuses on content interaction to stand out, which includes creating a humorous admin persona and integrating new video features.

Since then, there’s been quite a few changes. The Sharks won’t win any more NAL awards since they joined the Indoor Football League (IFL), but in addition to adapting to differences in game rules and league requirements, she’s figured out how to deliver an even better fan experience in this new league. There’s also been a change in last name, as she and her new husband tied the know this past December!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 4/27/26)

Taylor Roberts (’01) has earned a reputation as one of the Southeast’s top calls for Jazz Guitar. Years of intensive study with world-renowned educators such as Barry Greene, Keith Javors, and Bunky Green have proven to continually pay off as his career expands. Multiple appearances at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, an international tour with the Christian Tamburr Quintet, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Jazz today have put him on the map as one of the great rising stars in the Jazz guitar world.

Since switching to 7-string, he has become a favorite among local and regional vocalists for duo work. A staple at the Blue Jay Listening Room, Roberts can be seen frequently playing solo guitar at events in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. While his playing style and heart are firmly steeped in tradition, he feels it’s just as important to remain relevant with his repertoire, always learning new material that will become the standards of today.

After watching many of his heroes play the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall stage, Roberts is finally ready to join them. For those of you headed to the concert, be sure to cheer on our Osprey extra loud!

(Published on 1/28/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

This Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars look to keep their streak alive as they host the Seattle Seahawks. However, before they kick off, they’re calling on alumnus Andrew Sapin (’14) to set the tone and get the fans excited with the pregame show at Daily's Place.

A Jacksonville native, Sapin grew up playing sport after sport but never imagined one day becoming a musician. He stayed local to attend the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ where he was on the basketball scout team before later landing a role with the North Florida Ospreys Communications department. “I found myself learning how to live input stats, write player bios, craft weekly stories, do post-game recaps, edit videos and even manage the interns,” he said. While he was working on his business management degree, he taught himself how to play the guitar and slowly built up the confidence to perform and sing in front of people. One of his first gigs was made up almost entirely of Ospreys coaches, staffers and student-athletes in the crowd.

After talking with a friend who was a full-time musician, he realized he had a chance to turn his passion into a career. Once he graduated, he decided to go all in pursuing music. “No backup plan, no other job, just fully betting on myself,” he said. Fast-forward to 2023, Sapin is performing for a near sold out Wembley Stadium connected by EE before the Jaguars UK host the Falcons in London. “There’s something really special about how music brings people together,” he said as he connected with people from all over the world. While that show was a dream come true, he says it doesn’t matter if there are tens of thousands in the stadium or one guy at a bar, he’s always going to give everything he’s got. “The real highlight is simply performing for anyone willing to take time out of their day to listen to me play.”

Sapin has grown as a businessman as he grew as a musician, figuring out how to pitch himself to venues, negotiate contracts, design flyers and run his social media. He said his experience at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business helped guide him in the right direction.

“I was my own marketing team, HR department, legal advisor and graphic designer,” Sapin said. He credits his amazing support system of friends and family, who helped wherever they could, saying he’s forever grateful for everyone who’s been on this journey with him.

Sports meant everything to Sapin growing up, so he feels like he’s come full circle. While the original dream may have been to play in stadiums as an athlete, playing as a musician is just as special. In addition to Jaguars games, he’s also performed at THE PLAYERS Championship, NASCAR and All Elite Wrestling.

As he continues to perform live shows throughout the state, he is currently working on an album he plans to record and release in 2026. Afterward, he plans to hit the road for a tour, so take advantage of this opportunity to see him perform while you can!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/10/25)

As we continue down the "Road to Osperity" we check in with Ryan Schmitt (’93, ’98), CEO of Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., to learn more about his path and share some advice!

Growing up in Orange Park, Schmitt (’93, ’98) wanted to be a Gator. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do, but he figured "Future Ryan" could figure that out. He pursued a criminal justice degree at UF with a plan to attend law school afterwards. However, once he graduated, he realized he did not want to go to law school. While he was in college, his family moved up North, another place he didn’t want to go. So, he was determined to find a way to make it on his own.

One of Schmitt's fraternity brothers transferred from UF to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ College of Computing, Engineering and Construction - CCEC Construction Management program while working part-time for a local heavy civil contractor. After graduating and accepting a job with a larger construction company, he left behind an opening at that firm. Schmitt jumped at the opportunity. Earning $7.50 an hour, he discovered a passion for the construction industry and soon enrolled in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's Construction Management program as well, working full-time while taking night classes and learning under the mentorship of one of the company's senior vice presidents.

“It was an institution that greatly impacted the development of me as a man and as a businessperson, and truly put academics to work for me,” Schmitt said.

After earning his bachelor’s at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, he started to get a few more offers with pay bumps, but the senior VP told him how valuable he’s been to the company and convinced him to stay on in a managerial role. He spent 17 years with the company, earned an MBA at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School, and rose to General Manager and the second-in-command, but after a while, he wanted to try something different.

Through NUCA: National Utility Contractors Association, he had become close with an industry colleague, Elaine Jones, who owned Petticoat Contracting. After Jones was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she and Schmitt worked together on a transition strategy that would allow him to gradually acquire the company's assets while honoring the legacy she built. He kept the Petticoat name, and Petticoat-Schmitt began operating in October 2007.

They quickly ramped up their projects, doing public works infrastructure projects including underground utilities, road work, and storm drain work for the City of Jacksonville, Florida - Government, U.S. Department of Transportation, JEA etc. The small team gradually got bigger until they outgrew Petticoat’s offices and purchased their own office off Phillips Highway. By 2024 they had outgrown that location as well and moved into their current headquarters in Deerwood Center; the Philips site now serves as their fleet and warehouse facility. Continued growth also highlighted the need for a hands-on training facility, leading them to purchase and build out “Forge”, on Jacksonville’s Westside. As the industry recovered from the Great Recession, Petticoat-Schmitt expanded into private work including subdivisions, commercial developments and industrial projects. In 2014, Lauren Atwell joined the company and helped introduce Petticoat-Schmitt to the water and wastewater treatment plant market. He now serves as company president.

“We’re a people-first company,” said Schmitt. When thinking about his long-term plan, he didn’t want to sell the company to someone without making sure his employees were taken care of. In 2024, he created an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), selling 30% of the company to its employees to help secure the future of the business and reward the people who helped build it.

Schmitt is heavily involved with the University, serving on the construction advisory council and the dean’s leadership council, in addition to speaking at classes. Petticoat-Schmitt is also a corporate partner of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.

“If you work hard, not only in the walls of the university but also outside, and interact with the business and the construction community, you graduate way ahead of the curve,” he said.

(Published on 8/27/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

It’s once again awards season at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ as we proudly celebrate this year's Alumni Recognition Award recipients, whose extraordinary achievements, leadership, and service will be honored during Homecoming!

The Young Alumni Award honors a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ graduate from the past decade who’s making an impact professionally and giving back to the community. The Fall 2026 award goes to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Brooks College of Health alumna, Jessie Sejour (’24).

Her commitment to service is evident throughout both her professional and volunteer endeavors. A healthcare professional at Baptist Health, Vice Chairman of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Black Alumni Association, mentor, and advocate, she has quickly established herself as a rising leader dedicated to creating opportunities for others.

Sejour is currently celebrating her fourth year with Baptist Health, where she began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and steadily advanced while completing her degree. Today, she serves as the Director's Assistant for Adult Nursing Administration. Along the way, Sejour developed a passion for mentoring students interested in healthcare careers. She regularly helps students explore different areas of the hospital, connects them with learning opportunities, and provides guidance tailored to their individual interests and career aspirations. Her dedication to compassionate care and service earned her Baptist Health's prestigious Lotus Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify extraordinary care and support for patients, families, and colleagues.

Throughout her collegiate and professional experiences, Sejour has demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Since joining the Black Alumni Association in 2024 and stepping into the Vice Chairman role in April 2026, she has wholeheartedly invested herself in advancing the organization's mission and strengthening connections between alumni and students. During a period of leadership transition, Jessie played an instrumental role in helping shape the future of the organization.
As a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ student, she served as Vice President of Operations for Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and later for the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Multicultural Greek Council.

Since graduating, she has returned to serve on ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ's Homecoming Committee, where she advocates for alumni engagement and helps ensure alumni voices are represented in the planning of one of the University's signature traditions.

Sejour has long been committed to helping others navigate their educational and professional journeys, whether it’s connecting a student with an internship opportunity, helping them understand a process, encouraging them to believe in their potential, or in the case of her younger brother, preparing them for a transition to college life.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for her, but until then, join us as we honor her with this year’s Young Alumni Achievement Award on Nov. 12 during the Alumni Recognition Awards ceremony.

(Published on 9/7/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

This Osprey is “goal-oriented” in more ways than one. Our next #AlumniSpotlight takes us to the pitch as we highlight Zara Siassi (’25), defender for the newly formed Sporting JAX soccer team.

The Lake Worth native, Siassi joined the North Florida Ospreys women’s soccer team in 2020. After talking with Eric Faulconer and the coaching staff, she realized that not only did they care about her success on and off the field, but they truly believed she could grow the program and leave her legacy. “I felt like I was joining an environment where I was going to be valued as a person and a player,” she said.

She made the most of her opportunity, starting all 82 matches of her ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ career to set a D1 program record. The five-year veteran ended her career as a three-time All-ASUN honoree, including a pair of selections to the first team, to go with an ASUN All-Freshman recognition in the spring of 2021. She completed an illustrious collegiate career as a three-time ASUN Defensive Player of the Week recipient helping secure six clean sheets this past season, scoring her final goal of her career off a penalty kick on Senior Day.

Off the pitch, Siassi excelled in the classroom as a biomedical sciences major. She was twice named to the ASUN Conference All-Academic Team and to the CSC Academic All-District Team, and was a four-time ASUN Academic Honor Roll recipient. It was challenging trying to balance classes with trainings, lifts and extracurriculars, but she said, “I think it fostered skills like time management, communication and discipline that will serve me well for the rest of my life.”

Besides academics and athletics, Siassi also loves to bake. After sharing her culinary creations with her teammates, there was such a high demand that she opened up Rize and Grind for Ospreys to purchase her baked goods. She said, “It’s been a super fun side quest that I enjoy doing during my time off the field.” She’s also recently taken up golf as an outlet to stay active outdoors.

This summer, Siassi was signed by Sporting Club Jacksonville, joining alumnae Carmel Oliveira, Thais Reiss and Karina Bermudez as ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ players currently on the professional circuit. “I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to live my dream of playing professional soccer,” she said. “The fact that my career can begin here in Jacksonville is icing on the cake.”

After being awarded a franchise in 2022, Sporting Cub Jacksonville joined the MLS NEXT Pro’s Jacksonville Armada FC to grow soccer in Duval, with their men’s and women’s teams playing in the USL Championship and Super League respectively. Their inaugural season is now underway following an exhilarating match last month at Hodges Stadium.

With over 7,000 minutes played in Hodges, Sporting JAX hopes Siassi will bring a young defensive energy to protect her home field. “The coaches and support staff at Sporting Jax have been exceptional…and it is a great environment to be a part of.” She described the chance to begin her professional journey on the same field as "a little surreal" and said she hoped to represent the Jacksonville community with pride. “There has been so much buzz and excitement about this team, and I’m looking forward to being a part of all we accomplish as the club continues to grow.”

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/10/25)

The Alumni-Owned Business Award honors a ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumni-owned business whose commitment to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ and the community reflects outstanding service, leadership and impact. This year’s award goes to Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery: Jacksonville, owned by alumni Stacie (’99) and Brian Smith (’97, ’99).

Stacie double-majored in management and marketing at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business. She worked in human resources for companies including Merrill Lynch, Zurich Insurance Services, and Florida Coastal School of Law, before founding SPS Coaching to provide executive, business development and personal leadership consulting. Meanwhile, her husband Brian earned his bachelor’s in accounting before returning to the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Graduate School to earn his master’s.

In 2020, they wanted to do something more for the Jacksonville community, so the Smiths opened Smallcakes at a time when Duval County was itching to get out of the house. Their in-house delicacies give customers many options to choose from depending on their sweet tooth, in addition to custom orders for celebrations.

The Smiths have been dedicated supporters of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. Recently, Smallcakes has generously partnered with the university on Giving Day initiatives and alumni engagement events, consistently demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ community.

Stacie is also very active in the larger Jacksonville community. She has served as a volunteer fundraiser for the Big Life Foundation, a Committee Member for Corks & Forks at St. Vincent's HealthCare Foundation, and a Charity Event Volunteer Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association. She also serves as the leader for “Spreading Joy” luncheons and event, where she brings women together to support local Jacksonville causes and foster kindness, connection, and encouragement throughout the community. What began as a simple act of service has grown into a meaningful network of individuals committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Smiths ability to bring people together is a testament to their authentic leadership and genuine care for others. Join us as we honor Stacie and Brian with this year’s Alumni-Owned Business Service Award on Nov. 12 during the Alumni Recognition Awards ceremony.

(Published on 9/9/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

Hope you’re ready for some Friday Night Frights! As we prepare for #FridayThe13th, posters for the Jacksonville Horror Film Festival have appeared across ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s campus, sparking excitement about 68 films from six countries, 13 hours of screenings, and awards for categories like creature design and best of the fest.

At the center of it all was ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumna and Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree Samantha Spaniak (’10). When Sam graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in art history, her education shaped her creative foundation. She studied ancient Greek and Gothic architecture and even created mosaics that still decorate the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Student Union. Her love for art eventually led her to a career in architecture. She later earned her master’s degree from UF and became a licensed architect, and has since contributed to major projects throughout Jacksonville. Her work includes the Auld & White Constructors, LLC headquarters, the Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, and the relocation of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Her connection to filmmaking began unexpectedly during the production of The Hellgate, where she worked as the Architectural Cave Set Builder and Designer. While collaborating with filmmaker DJ Remark, she discovered a shared passion for Jacksonville’s creative community. When DJ suggested creating a horror festival, she immediately joined him. Together, they formed the Jacksonville Horror Film Festival and began planning in July 2025.

Now they’re ready to celebrate their inaugural festival on March 13 & 14, 2026, with a celebration titled First Blood. Sam is most excited to watch filmmakers see their work on the big screen for the first time. She also loves that the festival brings artists together and helps place Jacksonville on the cultural map. She hopes the energy surrounding the event will inspire more film activity in North Florida.

(Published on 3/12/26. Published by Maranda Leone.)

Former Osprey defender and current Senior Manager at Corporate Traffic Logistics, Sly Szczesniewicz (’17), will show us what life looks like after the whistle blows.

A standout high school soccer player from Naples, Sly was recruited by the North Florida Ospreys and developed a connection with Derek Marinatos and the coaching staff. He played 58 games as an Osprey bolstering the backline and helped lead the team to their first ASUN Conference Championship in 2015.

Sly was equally successful off the pitch, earning 3 ASUN Academic Honor Rolls while pursuing his bachelor’s in economics from the Coggin College of Business. “Looking back, the structure and accountability provided by my teachers and coaches closely mirrored what I've experienced with managers and leadership in the workplace,” he said.

As Sly approached the end of his collegiate career, fellow ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Soccer alumnus Mark Cagnassola (’95, ’97) served as a mentor for him and helped connect him with several firms across Jacksonville. “From my very first interview with Corporate Traffic, the company felt like home,” said Szczesniewicz. While logistics wasn’t initially on his radar, it turned out to be an excellent fit, and after starting as a logistics sales specialist, he now serves as Senior Manager of Operations and Logistics Solutions and is approaching nine years with the company.

“Every day brings new challenges, and the fast-paced, high-energy environment keeps you on your toes,” he said. “The competitive nature and intensity of the role reminds me a lot of being on the soccer field.”

Sly currently manages 4 full-time employees and 3 interns (one of whom is current Osprey midfielder Mark Romano). Since freight never stops moving, his mornings begin by reviewing the night shift and ensuring the day’s shipments are on schedule. His role is reliant on proactivity, anticipation and preparation. “Many of the routine operational tasks are delegated to my team, allowing me to focus on planning for upcoming days, developing business and solving larger operational challenges.”

Corporate Traffic’s motto #NeverSettle resonates strongly with Sly. “It reflects my drive to continuously improve, stay engaged and always look for the next opportunity to grow.” He’s not the only Osprey soccer alum in the office though, as he’s joined by Cormac Begley (’20), Bayley Cashion (’18), Juan Fajardo (’17), Padraic Gilley (’21, ’22), Kyle Nasta (’16) and Micah Smoak (’18). “We’ve practically got a full 7v7 squad in the office!” joked Sly. “The competition in the office is just as healthy as it was on the field. We push each other to perform, celebrate each other's wins, and keep one another motivated.”

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 7/23/26)

As we continue our Reunion spotlight series, it’s time to shine a light on the Class of 2006. Kara Wade Tucker ('06) has spent her career removing barriers for others as Jacksonville's Chief of Disabled Services, but long before that, she was a first-generation student at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ, learning what it meant to serve a community.

When Kara arrived at The Nest, she was looking for an education close to home. What she found was a place that helped her discover who she wanted to become. Through her sociology studies, she developed a deeper understanding of advocacy, inclusion, and the systems that shape people's lives. Just as importantly, she found mentors who saw potential in her before she fully saw it in herself.

Outside the classroom, Kara embraced campus life. She spent time with friends, got involved in organizations, and enjoyed the natural beauty that continues to define the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ experience.

While she always knew she wanted a career centered around helping others, Kara did not envision the exact path her life would take. Working with students with disabilities, serving on the City of Neptune Beach - Government City Council, and finding new ways to advocate for her community, each opportunity led to another. Along the way, she discovered that her personal experiences could become one of her greatest strengths.

Living with cerebral palsy, Kara has experienced both barriers and opportunities firsthand. That perspective now comes to use in her current role, where she advocates for accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Whether improving ADA compliance, building community partnerships, or creating programs like the Disability and Adaptive Recreation Expo, her goal is simple: make Jacksonville a place where everyone can thrive.

Kara credits much of her philosophy to lessons she learned at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. As a student, she believed leadership was tied to titles. Today, she understands it more as serving others, building relationships, and helping people succeed.

That commitment to service is why twenty years after graduating, Kara remains involved with ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. For her, creating positive change has never been about a single job title or accomplishment; it's about leaving every community she touches better than she found it.

(Published on 8/25/26. Written by Maranda Leone.)

It’s TPC Week in Jacksonville, and while everybody is talking about “birdies” and “eagles”, we remain focused on Ospreys. Before our ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ alumni team takes over the course on Saturday, we wanted to highlight one of our own who focuses on the sport year-round.

As a Jacksonville native, Danielle Young (’15) chose ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ for its strong nursing program. However, life had other plans. After she wasn’t accepted into the program, she took a few ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services sport management classes for fun while waiting to reapply. After building relationships with professors Kristi Sweeney and Jason Lee, who thoroughly pushed her to build connections and prepare for a future career, she quickly realized the sports industry was where she belonged and switched her major. “My graduating class was remarkably close-knit, and I stay in touch with several classmates to this day.”

During her junior year, she interned with the PGA TOUR in the ticketing department, where shortly after she was offered an administrative position working directly for the Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship. After a couple years, she then accepted a position with the Sponsor Relations team and has been moving up the ladder ever since. After over a decade with the organization, she was promoted to Director of Sponsor Relations earlier this month!

In her current role, she manages a portfolio of Official Marketing Partners of the PGA TOUR. This requires day-to-day communication, future strategy, relationship-building, and working alongside incredible brands to achieve their respective goals within the golf landscape. She says what makes the job special is the PGA TOUR team and their partners. “I’m fortunate to work with incredible people who encourage me, challenge me, and help me grow,” she said.

Outside of work, she and her husband have two young boys, so whether it’s spending time at the beach or at home, she cherishes every moment spent together!
Her advice for current students or young alumni looking to break into the field is to network with intention, and once you identify an organization that aligns with your values and career goals, work hard to get your foot in the door.

(Published on 3/11/26. Written by Alex Achorn.)

With the Midsummer Classic on the horizon, it’s time to select one of our All Stars in the MLB, Kevin Wilson (’21), to get his recognition.

Wilson’s journey is unconventional to say the least. He tried the college experience at first, but didn’t think it was for him, so he ended up becoming a youth pastor. After he got married, he started taking life a little more seriously. He would always tell his students to chase their passions, and he finally listened to his own advice. He enrolled at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ as a religious studies major but reflected about the impact he wanted to make. “I was living with the idea that I only have one shot at a career,” he said, “I need to make the most of it.” He realized that a big part of his life was experienced through sport, so he transitioned into sports management.

At this point, things got even more unorthodox as the pandemic hit, and it was hard to get “real-world experience” when most sports teams were in a state of limbo. He credits ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services’ Dr. Kristi Sweeney and ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Career Services' Patti Palmer for helping him succeed while the practicum and internships were seemingly in flux. While many others might’ve viewed the pandemic as a limitation, they viewed it as an opportunity. They were able to schedule virtual meetings and internships with industry veterans across the nation who normally would’ve been unapproachable. Wilson said he was inspired by “how much the faculty poured into their students to set them up for success.” They helped him prepare his application and his resume, and then it was Kevin’s turn to make it happen.

For his internship, he applied for a highly coveted position with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. There were over 1,000 applicants for 11 positions, but he said he wouldn’t let that deter him. He applied for their youth and education internship and interviewed with human resources, where he advanced to the next round. He then had a group interview where he emphasized the importance of sport in the community and how his work with nonprofits and youth in a church setting gave him unparalleled experience. He advanced to the final interview where he got to meet with the hiring managers, and after talking with Jerry Csaki, the director of youth and education, he felt like the perfect candidate for this role.

Throughout the internship with the Hall of Fame, he learned a lot about the industry and a lot about himself. He knew he wanted to stay in sports, but his mentors kept suggesting he might be great in a sales position. As the internship was wrapping up, Wilson started interviewing with other organizations, but one conversation was unique. While Wilson worked in Canton, he lived in a dorm at the nearby Malone University, which also happened to be the exact same dorm that Haydon Dotson, the inside sales manager for the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, had spent his college years in. The more they talked, the more it sounded like Dotson valued Wilson as a person rather than just a professional. He convinced his wife to move to the Motor City and he started in inside sales for both the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. He became a leader on the staff and was quickly promoted to executive. “I may not be the best seller,” he said, “but no one is going to outwork me.” He moved into B2B sales and became a top seller, leading the team in deposits. He then became a premium seller and was among the Tigers’ leaders in suite leases.

While he enjoyed sales, a piece was missing. He still loved to teach, and soon after, got the opportunity. The LEAD Program, an opportunity for young professionals to hit their goals to find out if leadership is right for them, needed a mentor, and Wilson was able to step in to work with the entry level members of his team, helping them through their journey just like he was helped a few years prior. His leadership skills were put on display, and by 2024, he became the inside sales manager, leading 12 individuals on his team.

His team is consistently hitting their metrics, but his favorite part of the job is the recruiting aspect, finding and equipping the future sales rockstars. “It’s incredibly rewarding, seeing their growth,” he said. The trust he’s gotten from his team is a huge part of why he’s stayed with the organization.

Between baseball and hockey, there’s not really an offseason, but he just bought a new smoker, so he’s trying to spend some quality time in the backyard with the family and his goldendoodle Groot, introducing the locals to some Southern cooking. He feels like he’s where he needs to be at this point in his life, but their whole family is in Florida, so he isn’t ruling out a move one day.

(Published on 7/10/25. Written by Alex Achorn.)