SPECIAL BUSINESSSOUTHEASTERN EDITION ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE WINTER 2017
ALSO FEATURING Michelle Trindade Andrew Ahlschwede Kirstin Czernek SERVANT LEADERSHIP Jeremy Dunn Michael Hanlin IN CORPORATE AMERICA Ruthie Tait SOUTHEASTERN 1 SOUTHEASTERN TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER 2017
FEATURES
27 Battlefield to Boardroom: SEU Alum Helps Veterans Andrew Ahlschwede ’07 works with the board of directors of Battlefield to Boardroom to help veterans transition to the workplace.
36 Michael Hanlin: Prepare, Invest, Believe With eight years of a successful career at Lockheed Martin, Michael Hanlin ’10 shares the keys to accomplishing his goals.
42 Creating The Balance Culture Kirstin (Koleniak) Czernek ’11, ’13 MSPC and Ruthie (Glover) Tait ’13 worked together to create The Balance Culture, a women’s fitness studio in Lakeland.
48 David Bishop Family Legacy David Bishop ’07, ’12 MED followed in the footsteps of his great- grandmother, grandparents, aunts and uncles when he chose to attend Southeastern to pursue an undergraduate degree in ministry.
2 SOUTHEASTERN 28 36
7 President Ingle Releases Third Book Dr. Kent Ingle shares the vision behind his new book Framework Leadership: Position Yourself for Transformational Change.
14 Teaching English to Offer Hope Four students, along with Dr. Annette Graves, volunteer their weekends to teach Syrian refugee families English.
39 Life.Money: Investing in the Future While taking an investment class, Jeremy Dunn ’06 realized the need for free literacy programs. He founded Life.Money, a company that provides financial literacy programs and trainings both nationally and internationally. 42
IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER Discover how an MBA degree focused on servant 20 ATHLETICS leadership from SEU helped establish principles that 54 FOCUS ON FACULTY would propel Michelle 59 CLASS NOTES Trindade ’08 into a vice president role in one of 67 PERSPECTIVE America’s fastest growing insurance companies.
SOUTHEASTERN 3 SOUTHEASTERN
PRESIDENT Dr. Kent Ingle
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF Dana Davis UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Ed Maner ’96, ’13 MBA
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14 PUBLIC RELATIONS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Austin; Victoria Bardega; Erik Berling; Reed Burr ’15; Pierre DuCharme/The Ledger; Ed Maner ’96, ’13 MBA; Courtney Reynolds; Cheryl Roth; Loree Rowland; Genesis Solis; Stephen Toney
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Bishop ’07, ’12 MED; Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14; Dana Davis; Ed Maner ’96, ’13 MBA; Anastasia Jones-Downing ’11, ’13 MBA; Annalee (Cole) Mutz ’12, ’14 MBA; Emma Schlake; Donnie Smith
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mabelle Ramírez-Ortíz
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 863.667.5400 SEU.edu [email protected]
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4 SOUTHEASTERN General Council 2017 SEU ALUMNI RECEPTION Anaheim, CA
All alumni are welcome to attend the free event.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9TH 9 pm - 11:30 pm
Marriott Hotel Marquis Ballroom Northeast 700 Convention Way Anaheim, CA 92802
All alumni will receive gifts for attending, and we will have a drawing for an opportunity to win: iPad Pro Apple Watch Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
(Must be present to win. Drawing will be held at 10:30 pm)
O2 PROGRAM HELP FUEL THE FIRE
Use this card to take advantage of numerous benefits, including an online discount program, discounts at Portico Coffeehouse, the bookstore and Fire Football games, including use of the library, weight room, and pool.
Your annual gift of $25 will help provide scholarship dollars for our students.
For more information, visit: alumni.seu.edu/O2benfits
SOUTHEASTERN 5 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
I trust you will enjoy the Winter 2017 In addition to SEU’s athletic issue of the Southeastern alumni magazine. accomplishments, this fall semester saw As an alum, you are part of the ongoing tremendous academic accolades as well. story of this Christ-centered institution. I SEU had the first four graduates in truly count it a privilege to be able to share kinesiology, as well as the first doctoral some highlights from this past year, as well conferral at our fall commencement. In as look ahead to the future for what God addition to our growth academically, SEU has for our community. God has truly been continues to hold a vibrant spiritual life at work in significant ways as we continue on campus. The fall semester saw over to fulfill our mission to equip students to 800 freshmen in more than 140 First Year discover and develop their divine design. Experience mentoring groups. These groups provide the opportunity for upper At the beginning of every new academic classmen to mentor freshmen through their year, I share one word with our faculty, transition and help them develop spiritual staff and students that I believe God has disciplines, such as Bible reading and prayer. given to me as a focus for that year. This year, the word was “Elevate.” I challenged Yet, the mission of Southeastern, at its our university community to elevate core, cannot be summed up simply with their personal discipline in order to bring tremendous statistics. Behind every number their best self to the community; elevate is a story and a name. At the heart of what their vision to see beyond where they are we do is serve our students as a Christ- now; and to elevate their personal and centered, student-focused institution. This organization systems to not only sustain commitment extends beyond the classroom, their growth, but propel them into new chapel services and athletic events to when seasons of innovation. This year, I have seen they become one of our esteemed alumni. our community flourish with the word of As an institution, I hope you know we the year in mind, breaking through to new take pride in you, as you make an impact levels of living and learning. in the world. My sincere prayer is that you would operate in your divine design, and We have many things to celebrate just look back on your time at Southeastern as a in this past semester. Early in the fall, we season of equipping, development, and the held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for cultivation of lifelong relationships. the brand-new Buena Vida building, our 140,000-square foot live/learn building. In this issue, you will read stories of students, This beautiful state-of-the-art facility faculty and alumni that have brought their enables us to provide students with best selves forward, living in discipline, exceptional living facilities as well as to accomplish all God has called them to additional top-tier academic space. In in the field of business. My prayer is that a historic moment, early in the spring you, too, would “Elevate” your personal semester, we unveiled the College of Arts & discipline, passion and vision to bring your Media Gallery, located within Buena Vida. best self to your community. In sports, Fire Football repeated as Sun Conference champs with a record of 5-0 in May God continue to bless you and open conference play and qualified for the NAIA doors as you continue to lead exactly where National Championship series for the first he has you. time in program history.
6 SOUTHEASTERN SEU President Publishes Third Book
Southeastern University’s president, - and others can’t - comes down to Dr. Kent Ingle, recently released his the ability to envision and foster a third book, Framework Leadership: framework: a contextual system for Position Yourself for Transformational bringing a vision into reality. I’ve Change. We recently had the discovered in my life, with the right opportunity to sit down with Ingle kind of framework in place, people to discuss his new book. and organizations not only survive disappointment and failure, they transform them into fuel for ultimate Tell us a little bit about your success. The proper framework new book. empowers people and groups to I have always believed amazing things advance their missional call, even don’t happen just because of a great while overcoming difficulty or idea. They happen because someone adapting to internal and external takes that great idea and inspires change. A framework makes all the others with it. Framework Leadership difference in the world. creates a framework of suggestions that provide clarity, direction, and purpose to transform your vision What are your frameworks for into reality. As you read this book leadership? and intentionally reflect on its One of the fundamental principles content, I believe you will discover of framework leadership for me is how to develop an awareness of to absolutely know the context in your driving passion, the discipline which I’m living and serving - you to see divine opportunities, and have to know where you are. You the courage to act. You’ve been have to be self-aware. You need to created for greatness - intended to know the people, the circumstances, do something significant, special, the resources, the challenges, the and meaningful. Throughout the limitations, the goals, the history, pages of Framework Leadership, you’ll the competition. You have to know find out how to share this vision everything you can about the with others and help them discover situation, and then you must have a the greatness within themselves! clear vision for where you want to go in order to go from “you are here” to “you are where God wants you to What was your vision behind be.” My frameworks will constantly writing this book? change based upon my personal My passionate drive in writing and leadership context, but what this book is to help you not only will be foundational is discipline, discover and develop your divine opportunity, and contextualization. design, but also to sensitize you to The foundation will build vision, the current context in which you create passion, and inspire action. are seeking to create meaningful change. I want to help you recognize the characteristics necessary for Framework Leadership is available both personal and organizational for sale on Amazon. Ingle has transformation. I really believe published two books previously, the reasons some leaders can including This Adventure Called Life: successfully communicate the vision Discovering Your Divine Design and in a way that motivates and inspires 9 Disciplines of Enduring Leadership.
SOUTHEASTERN 7 LETTER FROM ALUMNI DIRECTOR
RISE TO THE OCCASION
Sir Isaac Newton wrote the laws of and backs what we are doing. Recently, motion in which we can now better we have revamped and relaunched our understand relative motion in everything alumni web portal, which can be viewed from the way a car moves, a plane flies, at SEU.edu/alumni. This is a place for or the way a grain of sand is blown alumni to connect, engage, search for across the desert in a windstorm. other alumni, and find information about While understanding how the laws of events, etc. Our hope is that you can motion apply to physical properties, connect at a meaningful and higher level have we stopped to consider how these with the university and with the entire
ED MANER ’96, ’13 MBA laws might be applied to an individual network of alumni. or organization? Our alumni are giants. They are giants in In my role at the university, I have the their careers, giants in their cultures, and privilege of meeting hundreds, if not giants in the faith. It takes each of us, as “If I have seen thousands, of alumni each year. I could giants in our own right, to become the not achieve this without the use of shoulders on which the next generation further than modern modes of transportation. I have of giants can stand. Through pressures always been fascinated with the ingenuity in life and the resistance we have each others, it is by of humans to create modern marvels such faced, there comes a development of as barges built of steel, loaded with cargo, perseverance, fortitude, and the strength standing upon that can still stay afloat or how a plane to become the launching pad so that loaded with passengers and their luggage others can see further than we could, the shoulders can build enough momentum to lift off accomplish more than we did, and lead of a runway. better than we can. of giants.” It all comes down to a simplified version The pressures against this next generation —Sir Isaac Newton of the laws of motion: are like nothing we have seen in modern • An object that is not moving cannot times. But remember, if we help to start moving by itself launch them into motion, then we are • The harder something is pushed, the the catalyst for an even greater generation further and faster it will go as they rise to their challenge. • When pushed, there is always equal resistance coming from the opposite Will you rise to the occasion to help support direction our students through prayer and financial support of student scholarships? They are I am thankful that we have leadership at counting on each of us. our university that refuses to allow our great school to come to a standstill; rather, If you are already contributing, thank they back us with support and push us you. If not, please consider sending to become better than we are. The in a gift today to help in training leadership team at Southeastern values tomorrow’s leaders. and appreciates the alumni association
8 SOUTHEASTERN LETTER FROM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Fellow alumni and friends: So, as I reflect, looking both forward and backward, I can’t help but recommit to On behalf of the Alumni Association’s the idea of “mentorship” and “legacy.” I Board of Directors, I send you blessings on am committed to leaving a mark which a prosperous year! Having celebrated my can never be erased through investing in 50th birthday in 2016 and coupled with the lives of the next generation of leaders. the resolve of a new year, I am reminded of When a farmer looks to plant seed, he the words from my father. He said, “Frank, knows that the soil is just as important as the younger a person is, the more they the seed. Southeastern is great soil! With look forward in life, but the older a person a total enrollment approaching 6,000 gets the more they look backwards. There students, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to comes a time when you both look forward see that the grounds are blessed. and backwards, analyzing the things that you intended to do, but did not. Yet you This year our firm increased its annual look with expectation on the things that giving to the university by 40 percent, are left before you. As you age, legacy and we have committed to partnering becomes more and more important. You with the university by providing jobs, wonder what meaningful mark you have internship opportunities and scholarships left on generations to come. You wonder, to students. We also received $100,000 in did your life ever matter at all?” He said, commitments from subcontractors who “If our greatest accomplishment when we had the privilege of working on campus. As stand before the Father is that we made it many of you know, we’ve all experienced in, then our life was meaningless.” the anxiety at graduation as we look over the horizon to the unknown future. If each Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, of our alumni businesses and churches clearly demonstrated that none of us can partner with the university in ensuring 100 fully take credit for our successes in life and percent job placement for our graduates, that in fact each of us stands on the shoulders student enrollment will grow even greater of those who have helped pave the way than its current rate. In this new year, please for us. I heard a concept years ago that I join me in leaving a mark at SEU by giving adopted as a life strategy and that is the idea time, money, wisdom and knowledge to that every person needs a Paul, a Timothy our students. and a Barnabas in their life. Paul mentors us; Barnabas is a contemporary, providing Don’t forget to join the O2 program by many “iron sharpening moments”; and we visiting the alumni page of our website and mentor Timothy. Over the years, I have commit to stay connected as we do our tried to keep all three relationships active part in “paying it forward” for the kingdom and intact. This idea of transference reaffirms of God. the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:8 as he says, “Freely received, freely given.” Each of I pray God’s best blessings on you, your us has a responsibility to “pay it forward” in family, your business and ministry as God life and to become conduits through which does exceedingly abundantly above all that God can channel his blessings: Give and it we can ask or think! Go Fire! shall be given to you; what you sow you reap; blessed to be a blessing.
SOUTHEASTERN 9 10 SOUTHEASTERN CATALYST UNIVERSITY
In the fall semester, Southeastern launched a partnership with Catalyst Conferences to create Catalyst University. The new partnership offers Catalyst Conference attendees the opportunity to take accredited college courses at a discounted rate in order to become a Certified Catalyst Leader or continue on to receive a certificate in Organizational Leadership.
“We think that the learning modules that we have crafted with the Catalyst team are going to give Catalyst leaders the resources and the credibility to lead well in their context. We have designed three modules that focus on self-leadership, collaboration and innovation. I believe these three areas are key and crucial to leaders in the 21st century,” said Dr. Kent Ingle, president.
Catalyst and Southeastern saw the desire for attendees to continue learning and growing beyond the one or two day conferences, and partnered together to create a program flexible enough to fit current and aspiring leaders’ schedules. The vision of Catalyst University is to help leaders expand their potential by becoming Catalyst Certified or earning a complete certificate in Organizational Leadership. This provides Catalyst attendees with a way to continue learning and growing their leadership beyond the walls of the conference, as well as the opportunity to continue equipping the next generation of leaders so that they can go into the world as influential servants in their careers and their communities.
Alumni can become Certified Catalyst Leaders by completing the first class or continue on to become certified in Organizational Leadership after finishing all nine credits. For information about discounts, contact the Alumni office at [email protected] or call 863.667.5400.
REORGANIZATION OF DEPARTMENTS
The Jannetides College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership, previously known as the College of Business and Legal Studies, was recently reorganized. Two departments in the college were recently moved to different colleges. The history department was moved under the College of Arts & Media, and merged with the English and foreign language BOOKS ON FIRE BLOG department to form the department of humanities. The department of criminal justice transitioned into the College of Behavioral and The library has recently launched a new blog, Social Sciences. Books on Fire, catered to alumni, students and faculty. The new blog aims to inform alumni, as Since its inception, the criminal justice program has experienced well as the campus community, about library tremendous growth. The fall semester saw over 125 criminal justice majors. events, special projects, research the librarian faculty This number has steadily been rising since the launch of the program in members are working on, librarian bios/spotlights, 2005. “When the College of Business and Legal Studies reorganized, re- and highlighting student worker accomplishments. named, and re-focused, criminal justice was no longer a logical fit. Most You can check out the blog at library.seu.edu/blog. universities offer criminal justice in the social sciences. This seemed a Articles will be published at least once a week. logical time to put the department in a more traditional location,” said Dr. Linda Bowlin, chair of the department of criminal justice. The department welcomed a new professor and also added new courses to increase the elective offerings.
SOUTHEASTERN 11 BUENA VIDA – “THE GOOD LIFE”
Imagine being able to have your dorm room, classes and dining options all in one building. In the new Buena Vida buildings, stretching five stories high, this opportunity was made possible for Southeastern students. The top two floors of the new buildings consist of dorm rooms, men’s on the West side and the women’s on the East side. Large social rooms with spiral staircases and large windows showcase Lake Bonny. The East building’s third floor consists of large classrooms, some which hold up to 90 students, and the testing center for students. The second floor encompasses brand new offices for the Jannetides College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The West building houses an auditorium for lectures and classrooms on the first floor.
Southeastern opened this building in time for students to move into their dorm rooms on September 3, 2016. In January 2017, the College of Arts & Media debuted its visual arts gallery on the first floor of the East building. In March of 2017, Southeastern will cut the ribbon for a food court, with large glass windows overlooking the lake. Restaurant options in the West building include Einstein Bros. Bagels, Papa John’s Pizza, and Back Yard Burgers. Students are able to use their Fire Card money to eat at these restaurants. Although students and faculty members are enjoying the new facility, they have much to look forward to this upcoming spring. The facility is still under partial construction. Photo: Pierre DuCharme/The Ledger
Jonathan Simon, assistant professor of art, exhibiting some of his finest work at the CAM gallery.
GROWTH ON CAMPUS
Southeastern hit yet another enrollment record with a total of over 5,800 students. The enrollment numbers include traditional, online and extension site students. Southeastern’s enrollment in the previous academic year (2015-16) was 4,538 students. In the last 10 years, enrollment has increased by 95 percent.
Southeastern also introduced new programs for the 2016-17 academic year, including bachelor degrees in digital media & design and business analysis; a master’s degree in international community development; and a second doctoral degree, the Doctor of Ministry.
12 SOUTHEASTERN SEU HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS
For Southeastern students, hosting an participant partnered with an athlete SEU students who have signed up to be event on campus is another opportunity from Southeastern. The Southeastern volunteers. It was truly a blessing that the for them to volunteer in serving the local students from the sport management entire Southeastern community helped community of Lakeland, Fla. This past classes served as volunteers. More than 50 to make it happen,” said Dr. Kevin Weaver, fall, Southeastern had the opportunity students from Southeastern volunteered. assistant professor of education and to host the local Special Olympics at human performance. Victory Field, the football stadium. The “I enjoyed dancing and cheering with Olympic events took place in the morning the competitors. I also enjoyed seeing The opportunity to host the Special and early afternoon, and then were their enthusiasm for their sport and how Olympics at Southeastern came about followed by an award ceremony during the community came around them to after some Southeastern students the half-time show at Southeastern’s make each moment worthwhile. I loved volunteered with the Special Olympics. football game. seeing the SEU teams partner with the In the spring of 2016, the Southeastern Olympic athletes. I would most definitely Kappa Delta Pi chapter and Terri Paton, “Having the event at Southeastern brings volunteer again if the opportunity director of Pathways School of Excellence, it to another level in Polk County. This is presented itself,” said Amber Bruce. volunteered with the Special Olympics. very similar to our state level competition. Amber, a sport management major Through the volunteer opportunity, We look forward to future opportunities with a concentration in youth ministry, they were able to establish a working of hosting the games at Southeastern,” volunteered as the opening ceremony relationship and offer for Southeastern to said Glenn Fite, Jr., area sports director coordinator for the Special Olympics. host the local Special Olympics group. of Hillsborough and Polk Counties Special Olympics. “To host an event of this magnitude is such “The leadership team at Southeastern a blessing for the participating athletes, was excited to get the campus involved in Over 120 students competed in their families, and the Southeastern this. We would love to make it an annual powerlifting, softball, flag football, and community as a whole. I have been amazed event,” said Paton. cheerleading and gymnastics. Each at the outpouring of support from our
SOUTHEASTERN 13 Entering a foreign country for the first time can often be daunting: the thrill of new experiences intermingled with the unknown. A group of Syrian refugees might experience these same feelings as they enter a new country with no prior knowledge of the language. In order to help alleviate the challenges of a language barrier, a group of four English and Intercultural Studies (EIS) students at Southeastern, along with Dr. Annette Graves, associate professor of English, have volunteered to spend their Saturdays teaching English to groups of Syrian refugees.
“I have been able to watch [the refugees] grow and fall in love with this country and feel safe, which is something they didn’t have in Syria. Something that one of my students said to me very early on impacted me, ‘I feel like this is already my country. All I need is to know the language and it truly will be my home,’” said Mack Fowler, a senior and EIS student.
The opportunity to teach English to Syrian refugees came through a request from Matt Rhine, Director of Operations for Caleb’s Mission’s, a non-profit organization in Dover, Fla., whose every effort is designed to meet needs locally and build bridges to a global community. Prior to this, EIS students, under the supervision of Graves, had been experimenting with curriculum development at Southeastern’s main campus in FIRE English classes, a community outreach to adult English learners in the Lakeland area.
“The invitation to design, develop, and deliver English classes for Caleb’s Mission offered a timely opportunity to field test the approach being developed in FIRE English classes,” said Graves. “However, the texts we had been using on campus were inadequate or inappropriate for delivering English language instruction to Muslims.”
With inadequate curriculum, Graves decided to create curriculum that would cater to the refugees, with the help of the EIS students. The students helped develop the curriculum through providing feedback and suggestions. The curriculum follows a storyline based on the true story of a young Brethren/ Mennonite couple in the 1880s, who sell their lush farmland in Pennsylvania to move to western Kansas.
“The curriculum exceeded our expectations, not only with TEACHING language gains being demonstrated among the refugees but with the ways in which it has provided language and opportunity for the refugees to share their fears and hopes about their futures in ENGLISH TO the United States,” said Graves. Graves handpicked four students, Mack, Jessica, Kendall and OFFER HOPE Megan, to help teach the curriculum based on the following criteria: extensive teaching experience in FIRE English classes and overseas internships, extensive cross-cultural experience and recognized cross-cultural sensitivities, demonstrated character
14 SOUTHEASTERN and spiritual maturity within the welcomed into our students’ lives to felt comfortable greeting me as a friend SEU community, and a reputation for teach English and to spend time with and opening up their home, even going consistent and reliable performance in them,” said Kendall Nizza, a junior. as far as to have tea and cake prepared Southeastern’s classrooms. The students for us. That class, I couldn’t stop smiling,” committed to a six-week period to help After the six weeks were up, the refugee said Jessica. teach the refugees in Tampa. students requested in-home classes, which are still going on. The students are made “Our English classes have given us The first classroom they used was up of both females and males and range a bridge into the lives of those who provided by 1 Body Global, a house in various ages. When the SEU students have been hurt and misplaced. These church movement with a facility near started teaching the refugees, they barely relationships are the most rewarding and the refugee homes. Each class was could speak any English. After the time the biggest blessings to have experienced,” divided into two eighty-minute sessions they spent with them, they have been said MEGAN EVANS ’16. with a short break in between. Twenty- able to piece together words in order to two students from six refugee families read a book. They plan to expand to holding two attended their first class. Childcare classes, a Beginner 1 class for new refugee was provided by Caleb’s Mission. They JESSICA GRIFFITH ’16, a December families with no English proficiency and held classes every Saturday from 1 to graduate, found the most rewarding part a Beginner 2 class to continue to work 3 p.m., from September 24 through of the program was to see the progression with the families they are currently October 29, 2016. They averaged about of the students learning English. She has working with. Next summer they hope 15 to 20 students. also seen the opportunity to develop to take a small team of students to friendships with the refugees. “I had been replicate the six-week format of the class “It is incredible to think about the a consistent presence in their life for the with refugees in the Middle East. opportunity God has given us to be past month and a half, that they finally
SOUTHEASTERN 15 SEU PARTNERS WITH THE POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR SAFETY Photo: Pierre DuCharme/The Ledger AND SECURITY PROGRAM
Southeastern University and the Polk stop the bad guy,” said Polk County Sheriff to act in any law enforcement capacity County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) are Grady Judd. outside of an active assailant incident partnering together for the first Sentinel on campus. Program in the state of Florida, in order to According to the United States enhance safety for students, faculty, staff and Department of Justice, it only takes two The firearms and holsters will be guests of the campus. This one-of-a-kind to five minutes for an attack to be carried approved by the PCSO. The Southeastern program enables authorized and properly out in great length. The intention of the University Director of Safety and trained employees of the university to Sentinel Program is to combat attacks Security will retain the names of the carry concealed firearms on campus for through shortening the time of the attack participants, documentation of the weapon the purpose of rapidly responding to an with first respondents. and equipment inspections, as well as active assailant on campus. Otherwise, in the participants’ training certification, the state of Florida it is illegal to conceal The Office of the President selected inspection and qualification records. or open carry on college campuses. employees who volunteered for the program, and were later screened by In the event of an attack, the Sentinel “The safety of our students, faculty, and the PCSO staff, including criminal Program participants will be clearly visually staff is a paramount concern for us at background checks, drug testing, and a identified for the benefit of responding Southeastern University. We are excited psychological evaluation. law enforcement officers, faculty, staff, about this new program that will result in and students. Training for the participants well-trained staff being available on campus The participants will be given 100 hours began in January, and the program will be to rapidly respond to any active assailant of comprehensive firearm safety and implemented in the summer of 2017. threat. We are committed to providing the proficiency training for the purpose of safest learning environment possible for providing security on campus during an “The Sentinel Program further enhances our university community,” said Dr. Kent active assailant incident. The 100-hour the safety and security of our campus,” Ingle, president. block of firearms instruction is 25 percent said Ingle, who took steps in 2014 to more instruction than the standard that increase security on campus by creating “In addition to all the training, threat is required for certified law enforcement a partnership with the PCSO to provide assessments, individual intervention, and officers. In addition to the 100 hours, the law enforcement security management for technology we have invested into our Sentinels will also be required to complete the university. security programs, we know one more 32 hours of deadly force training. critical thing we can do to reduce the Under the partnership, the campus number of lives impacted in an active The participants will be appointed by the Director of Safety and Security is a sworn assailant incident is a shorter response Sheriff as volunteer “Special Deputies.” The law enforcement officer and dual reports time for the good guys to interrupt and Special Deputies will have no authority to the university and the PCSO.
16 SOUTHEASTERN 2015-16 FIRE HIGHLIGHTS
63 Academic All Conference Awards 46 All Conference Athletes 7 All Americans 6 Champions of Character 5 Players of the Year 4 Conference Champions 3 Conference Tournament Champions 3 Gold Gloves
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SOUTHEASTERN 17 Ron Clark
This year, instead of a one-day conference, The Forum for Business was also held in a national best-selling author. She is a the Forum was expanded to include four September of 2016, with guest speaker communications expert whose firm has separate events scattered throughout Jimmy Collins, the former president created thousands of presentations for the 2016-17 academic year. The events and COO of Chick-fil-A. Collins used the world’s top institutions, including include a Forum for Education, a Forum personal illustrations and stories to tell Apple, Facebook, Google, TED, and the for Business, a Forum for Business how he discovered and used his “Creative World Bank. Communication, and concludes with a Followership Principles,” for a successful Scholarship Gala. and satisfying thirty-two-year career of The Scholarship Gala will be held on service. Jimmy Collins shared his best March 10, 2017, with special guest The first Forum event of the year was the advice to be Proverbs 27:18, “The one speaker Edward Davis. As the former Forum for Education with guest speaker who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, Commissioner of the Boston Police Ron Clark in September of 2016. Clark is and whoever protects their master will be Department, Davis is a leading expert known to many as “America’s Educator,” honored” (NIV). in counterterrorism, cyber security, and the 2000 Disney American Teacher of modern policing. The recently released the Year, a two-time New York Times best- In February, Southeastern welcomed film Patriots Day is based on Davis’ selling author and founder of The Ron Nancy Duarte back to campus for the personal experiences during the 2013 Clark Academy. Forum for Business Communication. Boston Marathon bombings. Duarte is the CEO of Duarte, Inc., and
18 SOUTHEASTERN Ron Clark
Jimmy Collins
SOUTHEASTERN 19 Trae Miller broke the program’s 8K record with a 25:56 Julia Kaster had the top performance for the Fire at the and earned his second consecutive appearance at the NAIA Cross Country Nationals, posting a 18:42 in the 5,000 NAIA Cross Country Nationals. meter race and finishing 88th out of 334 participants. ATHLETICS UPDATE
Sun Conference Player of the Year Jarrell Reynolds rushed for 1,021 yards and scored 12 touchdowns this year to lead the Fire Jake Van Der Luit scored nine goals this season, to a 7-3 record, a Sun Conference Championship, and the first guiding men’s soccer to its fourth straight postseason berth in program history. conference postseason appearance.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY invitational title for the first time in FOOTBALL program history, claiming the top spot In 2016, the Fire matched their A win in the season opener at No. 19 at the Moc Invitational in September. 2015 second place finish at The Sun Faulkner set the stage for a special season. Additionally, junior Sydni Ogilvie Conference Championship and once With a 5-0 record in Sun Conference was first overall. Ogilvie broke the again sent an individual to the national play, the Fire won the league title for a school record during the Sand Shark championship. Junior Trae Miller second year in a row. The team capped Invitational in a time of 18:25 for the had a standout season, breaking the off conference play with a convincing 5K race. The Fire earned their first school record during the Sand Shark 24-0 win at Webber International, one NAIA Top 25 ranking in program Invitational and becoming the first of two shutout victories during the history, checking into the poll on Fire runner to break 26 minutes in year. With the conference title and a October 26th at No. 24. Ogilvie, along the 8K. Twice he was named The Sun Top 20 national ranking, Southeastern with classmate Megan Fitzgerald and Conference Runner of the Week. qualified for the NAIA Football sophomore Julia Kaster, all qualified Championship Series for the first time. for the NAIA National Championship WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Fire traveled to Georgia to take on following the team’s second place finish third-ranked Reinhardt in the national The women’s cross country team at the conference championship. tournament. SEU got as close as eight made history this season, winning an
20 SOUTHEASTERN Uchenna Kanu netted 13 goals this year to lead women’s soccer Kelsey Morton recorded 241 kills and for the second consecutive to a 17-1-1 season, its best win percentage in program history. season was named The Sun Conference Champion of Character.
in the third quarter, but ended up on WOMEN’S SOCCER VOLLEYBALL the losing end of a 52-22 contest. The women’s soccer team enjoyed Following a 4-1 start to the season, the unprecedented success in 2016, winning Fire went through a season of peaks and MEN’S SOCCER its first seven games of the season and valleys, finishing with a 14-12 overall Playing one of the most difficult allowing just one goal in that span. SEU record. Southeastern finished with a 7-7 schedules in the NAIA took a toll on finished with a 9-1 conference record, Sun Conference record, giving regular the Fire, finishing with a 9-9 record which was the most conference wins season and tournament champion after playing five ranked or receiving in a single season in program history. Webber International all it could handle votes teams, and five teams that made up The one loss was to No. 2 Keiser in in each meeting, winning three total the final 16 in the national tournament West Palm Beach by the score of 2-1. sets. The Fire won four of their last this year. For a second year in a row, An 8-0 win over Ave Maria in The Sun five matches, but came up just short the Fire was able to knock off Thomas, Conference Tournament quarterfinals of a return trip to The Sun Conference which was ranked fourth coming into was the first NAIA postseason victory Tournament. Six members of the the game this year. That slate did have in program history. Southeastern team earned Academic All-Sun its dividends as the Fire went 6-3 in Sun advanced to the championship game Conference honors. Conference play, but dropped its first against Keiser, taking the game into game in the conference tournament overtime, finishing in a 2-2 tie. at Keiser 1-0. Unfortunately, the Fire came up short in penalty kicks, ending the season 17-1-1.
SOUTHEASTERN 21 his issue of the magazine features alumni Tfrom the Jannetides College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership, which was
founded in 1999. In the next few pages, we will
share the stories of alumni who have pursued
careers in corporate America, leadership in
local and international businesses, and financial
literacy. You will read about the growing
business clubs on campus and some of the
accomplishments of our students.
HISTORY OF THE JANNETIDES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2005 2016 College of Marketing Management Finance Sport Criminal Justice College name Business Accounting Information Leadership Management Pre-Law changed to started Systems International Jannetides College Business Business of Business and Management MBA Entrepreneurial Leadership
22 SOUTHEASTERN DR. ED PLASTOW FOUNDING CHAIR
In 1999, Dr. Ed Plastow made a call to and will reach out to the students. We Southeastern College to see if he could are putting tools in people’s toolboxes take a Dakotas college team to play in and helping them become better Florida the next January. He was not thinkers, writers, and decision-makers,” anticipating what would happen next. said Plastow. He had been working as a basketball coach and business professor at Dakota In 2012, he returned to Dakota Wesleyan Wesleyan University. One phone call led University to serve as the dean of graduate to the next and eventually Southeastern’s studies, while continuing to teach online administration of Dr. Bill Hackett and classes at Southeastern. Three years later, former president, Dr. Mark Rutland, he returned to Southeastern full-time, invited him to visit Southeastern and as a professor and associate dean of the later asked him to help start the business College of Business and Legal Studies. program and coach men’s basketball. “I was delighted with the vision of the Since returning to Southeastern, Plastow college leadership,” said Plastow. has helped develop and grow the MBA program, along with Dr. Jennifer Stukey. When he first arrived at Southeastern, the In May of 2015, the program had 105 business program had seven students and students enrolled and in the fall of 2016 one faculty member. The initial program of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award they enrolled 192 students. The MBA available was in business management, at Southeastern in 2014 and currently program is offered as a hybrid – offering with marketing and accounting quickly works at Workiva as a solutions architect, classes both online and face to face. added thereafter. At the end of his second in Jacksonville. Sharla is currently working year of developing the program, there as the corporate controller for Checkers In the fall of 2016, under the leadership were 60 students enrolled in business. He & Rally Restaurants, headquartered in of Bowlin and Plastow, the College recalls that 2001 and 2002 were big years Tampa. Hahn’s daughter, SAMANTHA of Business welcomed more than 860 for the program, as Dr. Bill Hahn was AUDETTE ’09, worked for the students. The college has been noted as hired to start and grow the accounting business department while earning her the fastest growing and second largest program. Drs. Lyle and Linda Bowlin degree in English. She currently teaches college on campus, following the College followed in 2002. Dr. Lyle Bowlin led the in Polk County. Plastow served as both of Christian Ministries and Religion. finance program and served as the first men’s and women’s basketball coach, in dean of the college from 2004 to 2008. addition to starting the business program. Plastow lives by the mottos of “If you He returned as the dean again in 2015. His career head coaching record at SEU don’t have time to do it right, will you Dr. Joe Childs served as the dean from was 198-124, with six national have time to do it over?” and James 1:27, 2008 to 2015. Dr. Linda Bowlin started tournament appearances. “Religion that God our Father accepts the criminal justice program in 2005, as pure and faultless is this: to look after which was moved to the College of During his tenure at Southeastern from orphans and widows in their distress Behavioral and Social Sciences in 2016. 1999 to 2012, the college grew from and to keep oneself from being polluted seven to 500 students in 2012. Due to his by the world”(NIV). He and his wife, “When we came to Southeastern, hard work in starting and growing the Shannon, have implemented James 1:27 we invested our most valuable assets,” college and the efforts of many, he was into their own lives. Every summer they said Plastow. His daughter, SHARLA selected as the Outstanding Faculty of minister in the Alaskan Bush. In addition, (PLASTOW) COOK ’03, attended the Year in 2012. their ministry also extends to their family Southeastern and played basketball, of 10 children, 23 grandchildren, two along with the Bowlins’ daughter, AMY “We want our faculty to teach what great grandchildren, and two rescue BOWLIN ’05. Both were our top they have done in real life. Our faculty Golden Retrievers. accounting majors. Amy was the recipient members really care about the students
SOUTHEASTERN 23 SEU's ACCOUNTING PROGRAM Dr. Hahn (center) with faculty from the business college at his surprise party.
We all have those teachers who have percent rate for the Certified Management Fairchild has taught a variety of the impacted our lives and challenged us Accounting exam. This provides evidence accounting courses from Principles of to be the best that we can be. For the that our teaching approach adds value Financial Accounting to Federal Taxation. accounting students, one professor that to students’ preparation for workplace This spring he is teaching the capstone had a tremendous influence is Dr. Bill success,” said Hahn. class, Business Policies, for the first time. “I Hahn, professor of accounting. In April love being in the classroom and getting to of 2016, the SEU Accounting Club In his classroom Hahn uses the motto of know the students. I also love being with threw a surprise birthday party for Hahn. 6P-Principle: Proper Preparation Prevents my coworkers. The ‘accounting group’ as In order to honor him for his service at Pathetically Poor Performance. Hahn has well as the ‘business tribe’ are like families,” Southeastern, the students also dedicated had the privilege to work alongside two said Fairchild. one of the classrooms in the Buena Vida other professors in the field of accounting building to him, known as the William H. – Dr. Chris Fairchild and professor As a newer addition to the accounting Hahn Classroom. Natasha Ware. Fairchild was the first to team, Ware is currently in her fifth year join the accounting program with Hahn of teaching at Southeastern. “When I Hahn joined the College of Business team in 2006. He had previously worked as an first started here, I was told (jokingly) in 2001, and helped develop and grow the assistant controller in the business office by Drs. Hahn and Fairchild not to ‘mess accounting program. When he first started, at Southeastern. up’ our good students; I’ve succeeded in there were no more than eight students that role,” said Ware. Prior to working at enrolled in the accounting program. The “My role, as far as development, has been Southeastern, Ware worked at Ernst & program currently has 60 students. “The like a sixth man in basketball. Ed Plastow Young for three years. She also worked as accounting major prepares students for and Bill started the game and did the heavy an income tax senior for PODS Enterprise careers as CPAs in public accounting or in a lifting to create the program. I got called in Clearwater, Fla. At Southeastern, she variety of positions in private accounting,” in next and feel that I’ve been asked to teaches Principles of Financial Accounting, said Hahn. continue the tradition(s). I’ve also been Principles of Managerial Accounting, the one who gets to teach the teachers. Bill Tax I, Tax II, Auditing and Accounting Graduates from the program have had taught me his method and I have taught Information Systems. the opportunity to work for the Big 4 it to Brian Dowis, when he was here, and national firms (KPMG, Deloitte, EY and now Natasha Ware,” said Fairchild. “With teaching in general, I love the PwC), as well as at large regional firms ‘ah-ha’ moments - moments when I see like CliftonLarsonAllen and BDO. Other Fairchild’s role in the growth of the students connect the dots or find the graduates have worked at companies like program has been that of recruiting. “I missing piece to the puzzle and understand Lockheed Martin, banks and other retail actively talk to the students who show the picture. Those are good times,” said and service firms. “It has been fun to promise in the Principles classes. I want Ware. “While I hardly say it in class, I like watch the program grow, but the fulfilling to see if they’ve considered accounting as the phrase ‘Failing to prepare is preparing aspect of what we do in the accounting a major or if they might consider it at that to fail.’ I stress to students that this is their department is to see our graduates succeed point. This keeps our major growing with education and they need to be responsible in the workplace. As one example, our interested students who have the skills to for it,” said Ware. graduates pass the CPA exam at a 75 percent succeed,” said Fairchild. rate for first time test takers, and at a 100
24 SOUTHEASTERN FACULTY PUBLICATION RANKING CPA EXAM PASS RATES (UNDERGRADUATE) The accounting unit at Southeastern University The Accounting program at Southeastern University uses performance on the is ranked 54th in the U.S. for its contributions CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam as an important external assessment to published academic teaching and pedagogical measure that provides evidence of the quality of the accounting education research. This ranking, published by Brigham provided to accounting majors. Southeastern University obtains CPA pass Young University (BYU), is developed from rate statistics from a custom report prepared by the National Association of publications appearing in the top 12 peer State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). We used the first-time pass rate for reviewed accounting journals during the past six graduates of the most recent two years as our primary measure. The following years. table presents the Southeastern University CPA pass rate as compared with the national and Florida averages for the 2013 and 2014 testing years. Only The BYU ranking places SEU in the top two graduates with a baccalaureate degree are included in our statistics. percent of the 2,968 four-year colleges in the U.S., as well as in the top third of the 224 colleges CPA Exam Pass Rates for Southeastern University whose professors have published in one or more vs. National and Florida Averages 2013-2014 Events of the top accounting journals used for ranking purposes. Florida SEU National Public SEU’s high publication ranking, combined with Universities a 75 percent first-time pass rate on the CPA CPA Pass Rate 75% 54.8% 58.4% exam (top 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities) and a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Management We view our strong performance as evidence that we add significant value in Accountant exam, establishes the the process of educating our undergraduate students. This is attributable to the SEU accounting unit as one of the employment of an active learning classroom model, rigorous academic challenge top performers within higher education in the delivery of our courses, high levels of student-faculty interaction, the accounting programs in the United States. development of an academic work ethic, and faculty with workplace experience related to the courses they teach. The methods we employ are consistent with the Christian ethic of stewarding resources in a way that helps students to discover and develop their divine design to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning and leadership.
SOUTHEASTERN 25 BLOOMBERG
The hustle and bustle of Wall Street’s longer do we need to use outdated data analysis is coming to Southeastern. case studies to address real issues,” Soon, Southeastern students will be able said Dr. Lyle Bowlin, dean of the to experience Bloomberg for Education. Jannetides College of Business and Bloomberg is the global benchmark Entrepreneurial Leadership. for data and analysis, which, according to Bloomberg, will enable students Students will have the ability to analyze to “analyze financial markets, assess supply chains for over 15,000 firms. They economic scenarios and interpret the will also have access to daily newsletters on key news developments that impact the a variety of topics used by firms all over global economy.” the world. The analytics provide more than 15,000 indexes and 100 metrics, plus The Bloomberg Financial Market Lab coverage of more than 45,000 companies includes ten terminals and ten pairs of in 108 countries. dual monitors in a classroom. The lab is located in the Buena Vida East building. “Bloomberg has also created Excel A 26-foot digital ticker was also installed templates so students can easily download above the room in the hall and two information to facilitate analysis of firms 55-inch LED monitors in the classroom and industries. This allows students a carry financial streaming news competitive advantage in the career and headlines. marketplace when leaving Southeastern University and interviewing for jobs. These “Whether students are interested in students may well have more information finance, accounting, management, about a firm than the person interviewing marketing, or project management, them,” said Bowlin. Bloomberg helps students learn about real issues in real time. No
26 SOUTHEASTERN SEU GRAD HELPS VETERANS
“Southeastern connected me with were married, they worked on launching research, fundraising, relationships with lifelong friends and gave me an incredible Battlefield to Boardroom. military bases, and pairing veterans with support system. Launching a business or career coaches. He also follows up with new non-profit can be scary - it takes “Veteran unemployment rates are high, the veterans they help to make sure that a great network. I was amazed and and our research showed that veterans their transition is going well through humbled by the support Battlefield were often overlooked - though highly their first year of civilian work. to Boardroom received from friends I qualified - when seeking employment made while in college,” said ANDREW following military service,” said Andrew. Andrew’s passion for helping others AHLSCHWEDE ’07. “We saw a need to help our heroes get developed after graduating from the jobs they deserve, so we started a non- Southeastern. Soon after graduating, In 2015, Andrew took a break from profit to provide free career coaching and Andrew took a job at GEICO as a claims working in order to be a stay-at-home resume development for veterans leaving adjuster for seven years. He also worked father to his son, Pierce, and to help the military.” on the side as consultant for small his wife, Susannah, build Battlefield businesses and start-up companies. to Boardroom in Dearborn, Mich. Battlefield to Boardroom helps veterans A national non-profit organization, who seek private-sector employment. “At that point in my life, I worked so I Battlefield to Boardroom transpired from Veterans often face the challenge of could have adventures – during that time an encounter Susannah had in 2012 with translating their skills, experience and I had the opportunity to go to Costa a childhood friend who was a veteran leadership into civilian-friendly language. Rica, the UK, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico looking for help with his resume. He The goal of Battlefield to Boardroom and many places across the U.S. For the was a decorated veteran who had served is to make the transition easier through most part, I hadn’t yet found my passion two tours of duty, but he was not sure providing career coaches for free. The and while I was enjoying my life, I felt a how to communicate his military service career coaches help veterans build their little lost,” said Andrew. and accomplishments. She helped him resume, prepare them for interviews and translate his experience, and he got a job. develop personalized networking plans. Andrew found himself helping friends They have helped veterans transition with their businesses. This inspired At the time, Susannah and Andrew across the United States, including him to pursue his master of business were best friends, so she reached out to in Florida, Texas, Alaska and many administration at Rollins College in Andrew to see if he could help. Together, other states. Orlando, Fla., where he developed a they researched veteran unemployment passion for business consulting. “All rates and dug deeper into the gap in Andrew was appointed executive director of these skills and adventures helped preparation for transitioning to civilian of the non-profit in early 2016. In this prepare me for my role with Battlefield work. It was clear there was a need, and role, he works with the board of directors to Boardroom,” said Andrew. Andrew helped her build a business plan to manage all aspects of the organization for the non-profit. Years later, after they from veteran relationship management,
SOUTHEASTERN 27 SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN CORPORATE AMERICA
28 SOUTHEASTERN While sitting in a Sunday morning she was looking for in a program and the relationship with him, and a few weeks church service in 2007 at Family Worship type of leader she wanted to become, and prior to starting her career at GEICO, Center in Lakeland, Fla., MICHELLE Southeastern offered that to her. Michelle gave her heart completely to (HILLRIEGEL) TRINDADE ’08 the Lord. listened to the guest speaker. Already Getting to that point in life was not enrolled into an MBA program, she easy. While living in Lakeland, Michelle Michelle started her career in an entry- would hear Southeastern University’s had experienced the end of an abusive level sales position at GEICO; she was former president, Dr. Mark Rutland, marriage and emerged a single mother soon promoted to supervisor and led speak words that would change the course with few places to turn. However, teams in both sales and customer service of her education and forever impact her Lakeland is where she had the support departments. She became a manager in career. “Southeastern University is about of both her natural family, as well as 2001 and a director in 2004. Early into developing servant leaders to become her spiritual family at Family Worship her leadership at GEICO, she learned a world changers and our MBA is about a Center – the church Michelle’s parents valuable life lesson that God does not higher level of serving,” he said, and with introduced her to. always call the qualified; rather, God that phrase Michelle had clear direction qualifies those he calls. The book Jesus on what she was to do next. “I grew up in a Christian home but did CEO left a tremendous imprint on not have a personal relationship with her life. “I discovered that God is not Soon after, Michelle completed a course Christ even though both my grandfather expecting you to be a phenomenal leader she had started at another local college and and great-grandfather were ministers,” when you start a new role. God does immediately transferred to Southeastern, said Michelle. In April of 1997, Michelle expect you to grow into a phenomenal where she would earn a master’s degree in discovered the difference between leader through him,” she said. business administration. She knew what knowing of Christ and having a personal
SOUTHEASTERN 29 Michelle, who didn’t always feel career, and deciding to go back to course, the final class in Southeastern’s qualified as a leader, found comfort school were definitely going to test her MBA program. Michelle remembers, “I in the realization that “God will help organizational abilities. was able to take the structure and approach and equip you to grow into your new being taught, and apply it to the next job, leadership capacity.” Michelle would Michelle holds strongly to the fact that which included process improvement and need that valuable lesson as her growth because she went to school while in the strategic financial planning.” in the company would continue to midst of her leadership roles at GEICO, expand. With a desire to better herself it not only affected her positively in the The timing for Michelle could not have for a long-term career, Michelle decided classroom but also at work. “Working on been more seamless as she found herself it was time to further her education in my MBA while in my career differentiated transitioning from a regional director role 2007, eventually finding herself enrolled me as an active leader within the team after a few years into more of a corporate in Southeastern’s MBA program. and resulted in my being better equipped role and moved to the Washington, in my style, approach and ultimately my D.C., area for a position that had a “It wasn’t until my MBA program at deliverables,” she said. much broader scope across the larger Southeastern that I looked at the Bible as organization. This was a great fit for her the source of my leadership inspiration,” In 2007, Michelle would find herself as she showed a strong interest and passion said Michelle. “I read the Bible and transitioning yet again. What she for the areas of process improvement aligned what I read to my daily life, and discovered was that the timing of this and innovation. Earning her master’s this shift in my approach helped me to transition aligned perfectly with her degree shortly after relocating to D.C., become a stronger leader.” Being a single coursework as she was in the completion she would complete GEICO’s executive mom at this time, managing a blossoming phases and working on her Capstone development program, which led to her
30 SOUTHEASTERN selection as the assistant vice president of priority to block it on my calendar and underwriting in Fredericksburg, Va. told my team that I’m a mom and I’m going to these games. I never missed Over the course of her career at GEICO, one.” Kaitlyn shares, “My mom has Michelle finds joy in mentoring people always been someone who pushed me to across multiple platforms within the never do things halfway. She makes what company and beyond. “GEICO has a she does seem easy and I still haven’t unique culture and many of the leaders come to understand just exactly how she who are long tenured in their careers does it.” Continuing, she remembers, have been more than willing to bring “Every morning, she’s up at the crack me alongside and mentor me through of dawn and when she comes home in the ranks.” the evening she’s somehow still smiling and ready to hear about our day. I mean Michelle says, “None of this would it when I say; she is truly the most selfless have ever happened had I not gone to woman I know.” SEU to continue my education and been presented with opportunities Now with a family in place, Michelle that I worked hard to achieve. God notes that there are different seasons showed tremendous favor in my career of life. “Whenever I accept a new and I obeyed him by relocating to position within the company there is a D.C.” Michelle’s obedience in allowing definite learning curve that naturally the Lord to guide her career steps came happens. Hours are typically longer, but with an unexpected surprise. it is a general understanding that it will group is responsible for developing and take six months to a year before a natural While attending a New Year’s Eve service implementing business transformation balance and normalcy return,” said at Summit Church in the D.C. area, efforts. Michelle. Manny, quickly adds, “You’re Michelle took notice of a gentleman, not going to balance work and home life Manny. Although they had served God has shown tremendous favor to well if you are not selfless.” together on the worship team, they Michelle because of her talent, dedication, didn’t take notice of one another until and trust in the Lord. When asked about Michelle’s successes in both home and the 2008 New Year’s Eve Service. One balancing life while being an executive in work come from a motto that she carries year later, on New Year’s Day 2009, they a Fortune 500 company, she states, “My with her daily and is found in Psalm were married. work can be 24/7 mentally so learning the 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and he art of compartmentalization is critical. I will give you the desires of your heart” Manny recalls one of the many reasons use my commute home to decompress (NIV). Michelle stresses that in her life it he chose to marry Michelle so quickly my day.” She also admits that as soon is not her desires that she is after; rather, and without hesitation was from as she walks in the front door that she her prayer is that God’s desires for her watching her daughter, Kaitlyn, who he is no longer a corporate executive. First will become her desires. adopted as his own after a few months of she is a “wife,” and secondly, she is a marriage. “In watching her interactions “mom.” “My marriage is a priority in Michelle has the opportunity to invest with us and with other individuals,” he my life,” she said. “While my mom has into many young people starting their explained, “I observed how incredibly set the bar for success in our family by careers, whether with GEICO or another well mannered she was. I knew that no means does she take credit for her company. She often hears that professors was a taught behavior and she had abilities and talents. She has always given are teaching the importance of changing to have learned that from someone - God the glory first. God has directed jobs every five years at a minimum in order obviously her mother. Looking back, not only her steps, but our steps as a to climb the corporate ladder. “The best I like to say that Kaitlyn was Michelle’s family - we have always been a team,” advice I can offer is to find a company character reference.” says Kaitlyn. where the values Southeastern has helped to grow in you match up with the values After several years of dedicated work, Michelle showed dedication to her of that company,” Michelle adds. “Attach Michelle was extended the position of the daughter, which was evident while yourself to a growth-oriented company vice president of GEICO’s competitive Kaitlyn played volleyball. Michelle where you can invest in the values, advantage leadership group in 2014. The remembers, “I made it a significant purpose and mission of the company.”
SOUTHEASTERN 31 “PERSEVERANCE is required to be SUCCESSFUL.”
In the 20 years Michelle has worked empty or half full, she is worried about 3:5-6, which states, “Trust in the Lord for GEICO, she sees the significance of ‘how do I fill it.’” with all your heart, and lean not on your commitment and the ability to persevere own understanding; in all your ways through the difficult times. She One thing Michelle has learned in acknowledge him, and he shall direct understood early on that enduring business is that you must remain at the your paths” (NKJV). the tough times is what develops the top of your game. Not having a degree character of an individual. in information technologies does not For Michelle, the fountain on campus mean you will never have to deal with, of Jesus washing Peter’s feet is symbolic “Find a company you can influence; a or even lead, a group overseeing that of her style of leadership in the company with a purpose you can believe type of area. Michelle encourages young workplace. Seeing that statue upon in, invest your best asset of yourself, and graduates and mentees around her to her first visit to campus was additional stick with it when times get tough. The continually learn things that will make confirmation that she was right where most important investment you have them better. she needed to be. is yourself. If, in your most formative work years, you invest your most valuable Michelle is always reading four to five Coming full circle now, Kaitlyn is enrolled investment (yourself), that company will books at a time. “I focus my reading at Southeastern and is learning from invest back into you. Don’t leave! Stay on what makes me a better leader,” many of the same faculty who taught with it,” she said. says Michelle. “Every year I read Dale her mom the qualities that have allowed Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends Michelle to have a successful career. “My Michelle attributes part of her success and Influence People and recommend it mom is my inspiration, the person who I to the belief she has an uncommon to all I mentor. With the rise in social esteem. Her work ethic and motivation combination of God-given empathy - media, our younger audiences do not to always improve herself as an individual a “heart to coach and mentor people” - tend to prioritize emotional intelligence pushes me every day to be the best coupled with a genuine love of math in communication. version of myself I can be. Following in and sciences. her footsteps at Southeastern, I’ve come “Additional books that I’d recommend to realize I have big shoes to fill. My “Being a female in STEM classes for new leaders are: The Score Takes Care goal here at Southeastern is to reflect and growing up wasn’t popular at the time,” of Itself; 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership; establish what my mom already started she said, “but I stuck with it because I and Turn the Ship Around.” Michelle for me. I now have the chance to be did math for fun. I also enjoyed solving continued, “Ironically, if people better successful here at SEU and in life because problems in science fair projects. When understood the principles taught in of the sacrifices my mom made in her things get hard is when we, as leaders, two of Gary Chapman’s books, The own life.” Kaitlyn will graduate in 2020 should push harder. We have all been Five Love Languages and Five Languages and hopes to grow in the areas of business called to a greater purpose than just our of Apology - which were not written and communications as she figures out daily occupation. As leaders, we have as management books - it would help what God has planned next for her. influence no matter what company we them to build strong, more unified teams work for,” she said. within the workplace.” Michelle proudly exclaims, “For all those years when it was just me and my “My wife,” said Manny, “really embodies Michelle has seen tremendous daughter, Kaitlyn, I trusted God’s word the ‘grass is greener where you water it success through some challenging that promised he would never leave us mentality.’ She is too busy watering the and difficult circumstances because or forsake us—he never did. I carry grass where she is, to be concerned or of her determination. She reminds this with me daily on a ring I wear as a worried about watering it on the other us, “Perseverance is required to be reminder, that no matter where I am in side of the fence. While others are successful.” Finding leadership principles life, he is always there with me.” worried about whether a glass is half in scripture brought Michelle to Proverbs
32 SOUTHEASTERN JANNETIDES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS CLUBS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL
Circle K International, the student version of Kiwanis, is a club on campus hosted under the College of Business. It has been on campus for more than six years. The student-led club meets bi-weekly and has around 14 members. Throughout the year, the club works on projects to help the community of Lakeland. Some of their projects include helping VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly), making cards for veterans and packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
During the club’s Trick-or-Treat for VISTE event, they donated 30 bags of non-perishable food items that they collected from the homes around Lake Hollingsworth for the elderly. On Veteran’s Day, they had a member step up and set up a card distribution service event, in which they made about twenty cards to send to the Lakeland VFW for Veteran’s Day. Another service event they participated in was highway trash pickup.
ACCOUNTING CLUB
Although not an official club on campus, the Accounting Club meets several times a year to help prepare students for the workplace. The club provides opportunities for students to learn from employers who present on topics such as workplace expectations, résumé writing and mock interviews, and preparation for the CPA exam. The club has 25 members.
In April of 2016, the Accounting Club members (pictured left) presented Dr. Hahn with a certificate dedicating a classroom in his honor.
SOUTHEASTERN 33 Enactus is an international community the past 10 years. At the national annually in Lakeland and has expanded of student, academic, and business competitions, universities from across the to work with three businesses in 2016. leaders committed to using the power of country present on the projects they are It seeks to help business owners and entrepreneurial action to enable human implementing. The presentations are a entrepreneurs set goals and make them progress (enactus.org). They believe precise and memorized 17 minutes by a happen. Junior Alex Duncan leads the that ENtrepreneurial ACTion creates a team of six students, along with a slideshow now two-year partnership with Graceful better world for US all. Eleven years ago, and question and answer time. Executives Grains, a local award-winning bakery a group of passionate students, backed from Enactus partner companies, many in Lakeland. The team has been able by Dr. Timothy Welch, professor of legal of them Fortune 500 organizations, to increase profit, grow the business’ studies, as their advisor, brought Enactus judge the teams based on factors such clientele, and help the owner uncover her which was formely known as SIFE to as sustainability, entrepreneurial thought, potential. A Kind Place, which is a store Southeastern University’s campus. SEU and collaboration. In May of 2016, in Lakeland that sells fair trade items as Enactus has had multiple entrepreneurial SEU Enactus advanced from Enactus well as local artists’ work, is a new partner initiatives over the years and currently Regionals to Nationals, placing in the to CCG. Alex and his team are working runs six projects that serve both local and top 60 out of more than 400 United with them to market their company and international communities. States teams. increase revenue. Engineering for Kids is another addition to CCG. Junior Sennua SEU Enactus has competed in the There are over 500 companies, Lawson leads the team working with this Enactus National Competitions for organizations, and individuals that partner franchise. They are helping the business with Enactus globally. SEU Enactus’s owner expand the program, which Business Advisory Board consists of exposes youth to science and math in an employees from Unilever, GEICO, W.S. engaging manner. Badcock, Bimbo, CHEP, Chick-fil-A, GTE Financial, YLakeland, Lockheed ASPiRE is a three-year-old project Martin, Northwestern Mutual, Allen that has undergone a few pivots, but Investments, Polk Sheriff’s Department, currently partners with a local Lakeland Walmart, The Home Depot, PepsiCo, organization, The New Life Center Coca-Cola, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens. for Family Preservation. Senior Alyssa Individuals from these companies meet Ferreone leads Southeastern students in with the team on a monthly basis to equipping previously homeless pregnant support projects through providing women at the center with the confidence experienced input and financial and and skills needed to acquire and maintain material support. a job to support themselves and their family. Caliber Consulting Group (CCG) is a three-year-old project. It initially Kool 2 B Kind is an anti-bullying partnered with a single small business campaign birthed out of the tragic
34 SOUTHEASTERN March 2016 Honduras trip - built a chicken coop for a local farmer and worked First Regional Championship team with trophy with local high school students
Created a book on recycling and Nationals 2013 - Top 60 in the country read it to local school children
suicide of a Lakeland student. For the by Christ. They rescued young girls middle and high school students in past five years this project has utilized from abusive situations and detainment. starting their own businesses. This is the collegiate athletes to positively impact “Spring break this year [2017] will only second year the Polk County branch has students’ lives by promoting kindness be my third trip to Honduras, but even been active, and SEU Enactus students and decreasing the amount of bullying in that short time it has been beautiful to have partnered with YEA! and the in schools. There have been a resounding have built relationships with the girls and Chamber of Commerce to mentor these 3,000 plus pledges not to bully since see how they have grown and matured,” students weekly and provide feedback the program was born, and it continues says current SEU Enactus president, on business plans, presentations, and to have positive effects on local school Rachel Hoover. SEU Enactus has also more. This year there are 16 students in systems. This project is currently led by started two branches of the local high the program. junior Grace Grevengoed, who played school entrepreneurial club, My City softball for the SEU Fire. Movement. Last year they built a chicken On both local and international levels, coop for a local family to increase Enactus is creating change. Students Nuevo Camino is a project based out of household income and sustainability. The involved are learning to work together Choloma, Honduras. SEU Enactus has team plans to take their annual spring as a team in a way that benefits not just collectively made 10 trips to Choloma break trip again this year. themselves, but an entire community. over the past four years. Their first initiative there partnered with a nonprofit Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) based out of Lake Wales, Compelled is a national organization that supports
SOUTHEASTERN 35 MICHAEL HANLIN: PREPARE, INVEST, BELIEVE
In a technology-driven world, we often The whiteboard method was key to successfully resolved a major system issue. neglect the educational significance of helping Michael build his personal brand The problem had been ongoing for two a simple marker and whiteboard. For at Lockheed Martin (LM), a global years prior to his arrival, reached the MICHAEL HANLIN ’10, the use of security and aerospace company that CFO briefing level, and was continuing a whiteboard teaching method, over employs approximately 98,000 people. to get worse at a rapid pace. Since others PowerPoint charts, was one of the biggest His first realization of its professional were not willing to fix the problem, differentiators in the success of his career. significance was during a daunting Michael decided to take on the challenge. project he led in support of a massive “It [whiteboard instruction] forces the system implementation. “I was given a team of four and after professors to make certain they know an entire year of incredibly hard and the material as they are performing a live “During my interview, they asked challenging work, we completely exercise versus simply pre-completed me specifically how I would handle a resolved the problem. I would not have charts they haven’t thought about in over certain type of challenging accounting been able to successfully complete that two years,” he said. issue – and told me to walk them through project without the technical accounting it on – you guessed it – a whiteboard,” knowledge I gained from SEU or the Although, he admits that the use of he said. organizational leadership I developed multiple colors to break down the through Enactus,” he said. learning process might sound elementary, This happened early in Michael’s this method has proven to give him a career at LM. Through the continued While a student at Southeastern, competitive advantage in his career. use of whiteboards and other tools, he Michael was highly involved in Enactus
36 SOUTHEASTERN (previously known as SIFE), a global non- developing organizational leadership, to The three one-year rotations included profit that consists of university students providing competitive public speaking Michael supporting accounts payable from all over the world that create opportunities, there is no better in Lakeland, international accounting change through positive, entrepreneurial investment made in one’s career while at in Orlando and international financial action. He was a part of the founding Southeastern. Nearly all of my full-time planning and analysis in Washington, D.C. of Enactus and led the student team to job interview question answers revolved While working the rotations, Michael Southeastern’s first national competition around my Enactus and LM internship also became licensed as a Certified Public three years later. During his freshman experiences,” said Michael. Accountant and completed his MBA at year, he took a public speaking class the University of Florida. that he felt contributed to his success Michael started as an intern at LM in the in Enactus. cash management solutions organization Michael recently moved out of the during his junior year at Southeastern. finance world and currently serves as a “The teaching was phenomenal as Upon graduation, he began working full LM F-16 program manager covering it forced us to watch recordings of time for LM and a year later was accepted multiple countries in the Middle East. ourselves and learn from them through into its Finance Leadership Development The transition all started three years ago giving ourselves a mock grade. That class Program (FLDP). Michael is approaching when he met Robert Harward, a retired gave me the confidence to try out for the his eighth year of working for LM. Vice Admiral Navy SEAL, who had just competitive Enactus presentation team started working for LM. After seeing just six months later. Public speaking “FLDP is designed to prepare high Michael present some finance-related has been the single largest differentiator potential employees for positions in material, he challenged him to a workout. in my career, without question,” leadership. The structured program “I had no idea what I was in for, but I said said Michael. combines on-the-job experience (three yes – I couldn’t move for three days after, one-year rotations), cross-functional but I kept coming back,” he said. “I cannot say enough positive things conferences, and formal classroom about Enactus. From demanding training,” said Michael. Michael’s determination made an effective time management, to impression on Harward. A year after
SOUTHEASTERN 37 Vice Admiral Robert S. Harward and Hanlin meeting, Michael continued to develop Michael further encourages people that relationship through working out to believe in themselves. “If you don’t with him and supporting him in special believe in yourself, no one else will. LM projects. When he graduated from No matter what challenge I have taken LM’s FLDP, Harward asked him to come in life, at some point, I was incredibly work for him as a strategic planner in the intimidated, but that ensured me it was United Arab Emirates (UAE). worthwhile. Each time, I had to realize that the alternative of not trying at all was Michael spent the next two years worse than failing and that I could always working in that position, where he do it again,” said Michael. personally presented the UAE strategy they developed to the CEO of LM, His final piece of advice is to take that Marilyn Hewson. After volunteering first step towards achieving their goals. assistance wherever possible and fostering “A quote by Winston Churchill has key relationships, he was asked to take the positively haunted me for years…” program management role for the F-16 Robert S. Harward, Vice Admiral USN (ret) SEAL program in Oman. ‘To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on “Working for the admiral and living in potential in both breadth and depth,” the shoulder and offered the chance to do a the UAE has provided me with more said Michael. very special thing, unique to them and fitted opportunities and life experiences than I to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment would have ever imagined,” he said. He further encourages young alumni finds them unprepared or unqualified for that to leverage their SEU predecessors, to which could have been their finest hour.’ One unique personal opportunity believe in themselves, and to take the first Michael pursued was taking and passing step towards accomplishing their goals. Michael continues, “One of my major all of the testing required for candidates Michael shares how one Southeastern career goals was to work overseas. planning to enlist in the Navy to qualify senior recently reached out to him about In order to accomplish this, I made for the Navy SEAL training called his career. He admires how she was the sure I interviewed with international Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL one to take the first step in setting up a companies and got my passport as I (BUD/S). “While I chose not to pursue it time to speak to him, asked him specific unfortunately did not leave the country further, the months of training and actual questions about his career and expressed before graduation. Two full years after testing was one of the more fulfilling her gratefulness for his advice. getting my passport, I was given my first experiences of my life,” said Michael. international professional opportunity “In the nearly seven years since graduating, in Hong Kong—with only a one-week Three career differentiators that Michael I’ve at most had three students reach out notice. Without that passport ready to believes remain constant regardless of job to me for any sort of advice or guidance. go on a moment’s notice, the majority title, tenure, or technology are attitude, What a missed opportunity! Why would of the subsequent opportunities I’ve work ethic, and leadership. “If you can anyone trying to get their first start turn had over the last five years would never find ways to invest in developing your down the opportunity for free advice have happened.” leadership skills while mastering whatever from someone who has gone through it technical skills you have, or desire to have, and is willing to share?” he said. you will greatly increase your career
38 SOUTHEASTERN LIFE.MONEY: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Photos by: Stephen Toney Photography
Change often takes more than one focus is on his business, Life.Money, few days later, he started Life.Money. generation to make an impression. For a company that provides financial literacy From 2010 to 2011, Jeremy worked on JEREMY DUNN ’06, change in terms programs and trainings both nationally getting his master’s in accounting and of financial literacy takes educating a and internationally. The idea for researching financial literacy in his home generation in order to transform the Life.Money emerged while Jeremy was state of Ohio. financial future for generations to come. taking a class on investment as a student at Southeastern. “I trusted God enough to take all of the Jeremy is an adjunct faculty member at risks – built some really good relationships. Southeastern who teaches introduction “The catalyst for Life.Money was that I married up – there are many things to accounting and finance online in no one should have to pay for this I would have not accomplished without the Jannetides College of Business and information,” said Jeremy. my wife. The person you marry will have Entrepreneurial Leadership. He is also a great impact on your future success. I a founding board member of Marion Right out of college, Jeremy started find peace in my home,” said Jeremy. Direct – a non-profit organization,which working for JP Morgan in Florida and provides sober living facilities to help later relocated to Ohio. He worked there His wife, BRITTANI (DAWSON) people with drug addictions. In July of for four years before taking a leap of faith ’06, helped him create the model and 2015, Jeremy was named to the Marion to pursue his passion for financial literacy. outline for the training materials. Brittani Community Foundation Board in “I saw a significant lapse in relevant graduated with a degree in elementary Marion, Ohio. financial literacy material,” he said. education and works as an educational consultant in Ohio. Together, they have Although Jeremy is highly involved in On October 29, 2010, Jeremy left JP two children: Sophia, 5, and Anchor, various areas of his career, his primary Morgan to pursue his dreams. Just a 10 months.
SOUTHEASTERN 39 In 2012, Jeremy published Life.Money: House Bill 1. In the curriculum, he materials for people in Zambia and found Student Guide to Financial Literacy. The included real-life experiences that he Life.Money’s curriculum. After several handbook includes videos and written has seen work in people’s lives. They months of conversations back and forth, lessons, illustrations of each lesson, have also partnered with non-profits Jeremy took a trip to Zambia in 2015 engagement activities pertaining to the that mentor people who struggle with to get a feel for a future partnership. On lesson and discussion questions. Each poverty. Additionally, Jeremy teaches his second trip to Zambia, they set up section also ends with a vision sheet, eight-week classes on financial literacy Life.Money and submitted a proposal to which includes questions discussing the in his home state. the government of Zambia. chapter and how to incorporate what the student has learned into his or her life. Jeremy has also pursued both national Their motto is to “Engage every legislators and some international. His student in Zambia with financial “Our vision is to see all students become first international opportunity to share literacy through classroom materials and financially literate. We believe financially financial literacy was in Bulgaria at an relational instruction, while building literate students will lead to better international American school. He taught healthy financial behaviors.” They plan financial decisions that grow wealth the students and staff of the school. to implement their program with the instead of growing poverty. As students support of the Ministry of Education become adults, we believe they will “It was the most diverse classroom that in Zambia. shift the volatility within our economy. I had taught in my life. It was very eye Financially literate students will make opening to see kids from around the entire Although they are in the waiting process, sound financial decisions that create an world. I learned from that experience the materials that Jeremy created are still economy absent of the risk of a recession,” that engagement and illustration are the being used in schools around the country. said Jeremy. most powerful educational resources. The program also includes several online What we learn as children never leaves lessons that are free for schools. The Life.Money curriculum has been us,” said Jeremy. implemented in more than 40 schools “It’s important to Zambia – it is individual around Ohio. Life.Money worked The opportunity to get involved control and power in life. The most closely with the Ohio Department overseas also presented itself to Jeremy powerful thing is when a family becomes of Education to communicate their when someone in Zambia contacted financially strong,” said Jeremy. curriculum effectively, which is him about his program. The person had outlined in the Senate Bill 311 and searched the Internet for appropriate
40 SOUTHEASTERN He urges that financial literacy is the key While on his first trip to Zambia, Senator Although the future of Life.Money to change. If an individual consumer has Sherrod Brown of Ohio invited Jeremy includes waiting on national and more resources in local banks through to meet with staff members of the U.S. international governments, Jeremy is checking and savings accounts, it will Senate Banking and Finance Committee excited to see dreams he had as a student increase their control of the monetary to discuss financial literacy among middle start to unfold. Life.Money is currently policy. This, in return, can boost an school and high school students. The staff working on expanding their program economy and wages. shared their concern for the recent rise to Ethiopia with a partnership with the in consumer debt in the last five years Ethiopia Central Bank. “During the Great Depression, people and the role of the Consumer Financial lost sight of their own personal wealth Protection Bureau (CFPB). “Be faithful and be led and walk through creation, taking on debt and relying too the door God opens next. The only plans much on the market performance. It In April of 2016, Jeremy met with the I have are whatever doors God opens for crippled our economy,” said Jeremy. CFPB and pitched an idea for a statewide me. A lot of people get to a certain point financial literacy program. He was able and have too much security with their Personal financial management education to discuss how legislation in support of current income. Very few people have can bring changes for generations to a nationwide financial literacy program that willingness beyond normal sacrifice come. Jeremy suggests that within two could have sustainable funding through or commitment,” said Jeremy. or three generations, it could change the CFPB. The support of the effort would the platform. This impacts the power an also need to include the Department of He also credits what he has been doing individual has on the monetary policy. Education to help provide accountability since graduation to the professors and with implementation of the program. relationships he built while a student. “It’s more about doing one small thing “The best thing I did was to build a over and over again,” said Jeremy. “The road to financial literacy is relationship with Dr. Bowlin and Dr. frustrating. Nothing changes in education Hahn and that has continued through Life.Money is currently partnering with without legislation, which is true in many my professional career. My experience the YMCA in Zambia in order to provide places and countries. Unfortunately we would never have been what it is without financial literacy materials in schools. The live in an age where when I present an my relationships with my professors. It is YMCA in Zambia is a socially involved idea like mine, it becomes an uphill battle. important to find mentors that are better program that helps make people aware What we do takes time to be measurable than you to help you navigate your of social issues, including AIDS or and there is a lot of work ahead,” career,” said Jeremy. teen pregnancy. said Jeremy.
SOUTHEASTERN 41 CREATING THE BALANCE CULTURE Left to right: Ruthie (Glover) Tait '13 and Kirstin (Koleniak) Czernek '11, '13 MSPC
In early 2014, Southeastern released Kirstin graduated from Southeastern with encouraged her to start a business that a commercial that highlighted her undergraduate degree in psychology fit this framework. Through this alumna KIRSTIN (KOLENIAK) and later earned her master’s in support, Kirstin began to develop her CZERNEK’S ’11, ’13 MSPC journey professional counseling. business strategy. as an online student turned health and wellness business owner. Little did Kirstin During her master’s program, Kirstin The initial business concept started know that her feature in a Southeastern also worked as a therapist while gaining with Kirstin meeting individually with commercial would foreshadow a thriving an interest in fitness and nutrition. She clients and providing counseling, fitness business venture that has greatly impacted began to develop a deeper understanding and nutritional services. Southeastern’s the Lakeland community. of holistic counseling and the connection Enrollment Marketing department found between mind and body. out about Kirstin’s developing business While filming this scripted commercial, idea and pitched it as a story concept for Kirstin had minimal intention of “Working with my clients on their their first full-length commercial. starting a fitness studio. This commercial emotional needs didn’t feel like enough,” highlighted Kirstin as she worked said Kirstin. “I wanted to take a more The pressure was on for Kirstin. part time at Southeastern’s Portico holistic approach.” Coffeehouse while earning her business With the commercial slated to air in degree online to ultimately opening a She began to search for businesses in early 2015, Kirstin began preparation yoga studio. Central Florida that took this approach by developing a business strategy that to counseling and came up short. While involved increasing her online presence. This was a slightly fictional story. communicating her desire to see more holistic counseling in the area, her husband
42 SOUTHEASTERN “I wanted there to be a way confidence in her people skills that if people ever looked to better foster a welcoming me up from watching the environment in the studio. commercial, I would have a She also credits her web presence,” she said. involvement in sports and being the captain From there, her business of the Southeastern Fire name was developed: The Volleyball team as pivotal Balance Culture. She wanted leadership roles that have a central website that provided taught her how to lead her nutrition practice and a team. thebalanceculture.com became that hub. Kirstin While working on her also started a personal blog master’s degree, Kirstin also that helped drive a lot of worked alongside professor online traffic to The Balance CHRISTINA GARD Culture website. ’14 MAML to develop and implement Connect Groups, Through her increased online a discipleship program that presence, more people began difference in the world is that the allows students to gather weekly in small to reach out to Kirstin about meeting instructors and the interns care about groups with faculty and staff. for individual, holistic health coaching. their role in The Balance Culture,” Business grew rapidly, and a need for an she said. “Having that opportunity, to start office space became inevitable. So Kirstin something from scratch, gave me the began the search for a small business What makes The Balance Culture stand confidence to do it all over again,” office which she would quickly outgrow; out from other fitness studios is all in said Kirstin. The Balance Culture transformed from a the name. small office into a studio space. This past September, The Balance Culture “The culture of The Balance Culture is celebrated its one-year anniversary. Kirstin’s best friend, RUTHIE the foundation of who we are, and we In over one year, the studio has nearly (GLOVER) TAIT ’13, shared similar want people to feel that when they come doubled in its attendance and instructors. health and wellness passions and reached through the doors,” said Kirstin. “Coming out to Kirstin about her interest in being to the studio is more than coming to “Classes have more attendees now than involved with the business. As co-owners, a fitness class...we want people to have when we started,” said Ruthie. they both worked together to continue an experience.” to expand The Balance Culture’s reach. The Balance Culture has recently In the summer of 2015, The Balance Careful thought and intention has undergone an extensive expansion, Culture started to host free pop-up been put toward fostering a healthy adding two additional studio rooms classes in its studio space. environment at The Balance Culture. and a personal training space. This For plenty of people, fitness studios can summer they are looking to add cycle “The community really came behind us,” appear intimidating from the outside. classes as they continue to diversify their said Kirstin. The Balance Culture has worked toward class offerings. fostering “a safe place to work out,” A few months later, The Balance Culture said Kirstin. A long-term goal for The Balance officially opened its doors as a fully- Culture team is to grow their nutrition operating business. All classes offered Ruthie and Kirstin have both been able to practice by adding health coaches to during their grand opening day were look back on their time at Southeastern make The Balance Culture a full-service packed out. Kirstin and Ruthie were and see how it has greatly influenced wellness center. in awe that hundreds of women came their success in creating this environment through the studio that day alone. and in their business endeavor. “With every decision we make, we look for ways to continue to help clients find “This past year has been a learning “Making people comfortable when they community, make them feel empowered process,” said Ruthie. Kirstin and Ruthie come into the studio is really important to and the best version of themselves,” both credit a lot of their success to us,” said Ruthie. Ruthie’s time as a social said Ruthie. their core team. “What makes all the work major at Southeastern gave her the
SOUTHEASTERN 43 ALUMNI NEWS
HOMECOMING 2016
Over 100 alumni came from various states across the nation to celebrate Homecoming 2016 on Southeastern’s campus. The theme for this year’s Homecoming event was Sun, Sand & SEU. Alumni gathered in the new Student Activities Center for the Alumni Legacy dinner on Friday, October 21, where they heard the vision of Southeastern’s president and leadership team members. On Saturday, October 22, the classes of 1965 and 1991 celebrated their 25th and 50th anniversaries at a luncheon held in the campus restaurant, Tuscana Ristorante. Prior to the football game, SEU alumni enjoyed tailgating together in a beach-themed area complete with sand. Alumni cheered on the Fire as they won against Point University (45-0).
Mark your calendars now for Homecoming 2017 on October 20 & 21 for a Hawaiian Luau.
44 SOUTHEASTERN ALUMNI & FRIENDS TRIP
Have you ever wanted to visit the places you have read about in the Bible? If so, make sure to check out this opportunity to travel with fellow SEU alumni. The trip will be led by Dr. Joe Davis, professor of religion.
MAY 9 - 18, 2017
Visit the birthplace of Jesus See the Garden Tomb Walk the Palm Sunday Path See the remains of King David’s Palace Be baptized in the Jordan River
For more information, please visit TheIsraelAdventure.com or contact Dr. Joe Davis at [email protected].
SOUTHEASTERN 45 (
70s Class Reunion
ALUMNI REUNIONS
If there’s one thing that can be said for fall – and they most certainly will find time Campbell era in the late 70s and 80s. Dr. Southeastern alumni, it’s that they love during Homecoming weekend for the (Coach) Campbell, who currently serves spending time with friends from college 70s alumni to eat bar-b-que and sing on the faculty at Vanguard University in days! Over the past several months, there together again! California, was in Florida for a few days, have been a number of these mini-reunions so FRANK LOPEZ ’84 organized a and regional alumni events in addition Another reunion, of sorts, happened in dinner reunion with former teammates and to October’s Homecoming weekend in September when retired faculty and staff coaches who could make it to Lakeland on Lakeland. Fortunately, the Alumni Office members were invited to come to campus December 3. The evening was filled with has been on hand at several of these to tour some of the new academic buildings stories about team bus trips, player pranks, reunions with camera in hand. and have lunch together. Many of these the basketball skills of certain players, a Dallas former professors and retired staff members Mavericks game, and even institutions still Montgomery, Ala., was the center of had not toured the campus since new dealing with segregation into the late 70s. activity last July when approximately 60 academic buildings were completed, so After several hours of storytelling, it was alumni from the 70s got together to share they were able to see Suzie, the mastodon, decided that they shouldn’t wait 30 years stories, laugh, sing, eat and pray together. in the College of Natural and Health before getting together again! These alumni have come together as a Sciences; tour the nursing simulation group several times over the past few lab; and visit classrooms, offices and the The Alumni Office also hosted or attended years, and they share a special closeness common area in the new Buena Vida live/ events in Texas, North Carolina and New that is unique among college classmates. learn building before enjoying lunch in the York, and plans on hosting more regional That closeness was especially evident as campus restaurant. alumni reunions in 2017. Be looking for they prayed for each other and for their information about upcoming events in children, grandchildren, and friends. December brought together several your area. The 70s group plans on holding future members of the championship men’s reunions at SEU’s Homecoming each basketball team from the Coach Dale
46 SOUTHEASTERN SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
On December 2, Southeastern hosted the a great job of instilling knowledge in us working as a primary teacher at Magnolia Science Symposium, with nursing student for our future plans. They were very loving, Montessori Academy in Lakeland, Fla. presentations and senior capstones. Some but also provided realistic expectations. Prior to working as a Montessori primary of Southeastern’s science alumni returned I have learned that with God, hard work teacher, Christine worked as a certified to campus to help judge the competition. and diligence, you can do anything you set middle school science teacher in Polk your mind to,” said Becki. County. For six years, she was a stay-at- One of the participating judges was DR. home mom to her daughters Elea Jane, REBECCA “BECKI” DICKERSON In 2015, Becki graduated from the Lake 8, and Sara Grace, 7. Christine’s husband, ’10. Becki is currently working as a Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine DR. PAUL CORRIGAN ’07, is a registered pharmacist for Publix in Central School of Pharmacy, with her doctoral professor at Southeastern. Florida. She works as the assistant manager degree in pharmacy. She has been in a pharmacy of the grocery chain. Her practicing for one year. During her fourth Currently, Christine is working on job entails filling over 300 prescriptions year of pharmacy school, she did rotations in getting her Early Childhood Certification a day, monitoring for drug interactions, acute care, emergency medicine, oncology, from Palm Harbor Montessori Teacher providing immunizations to patients, anticoagulation, and diabetes management Education Center (PHMTEC). In a performing blood sugar and cholesterol in both the hospital and outpatient settings. Montessori classroom setting, students are screenings, leading her team of pharmacy Her final rotation was with Publix. able to choose their own lessons based on technicians, and managing the business their interests and plane of development, aspects of the pharmacy. Becki also gives Becki’s advice for students hoping to and Christine guides the students as a comprehensive medication reviews pursue a similar career is to get involved classroom directress. Both of her daughters (CMRs) to her patients, where she goes early and to have an overall understanding are attending a Montessori school. over the medications being prescribed, and of the healthcare system. “Get out and any issues or concerns that may arise with volunteer as much as you can. Familiarize Christine credits her practical experience as the medications. Another aspect of her job yourself with all aspects of the healthcare a student to have helped her in her teaching is advising other healthcare professionals field and understand how the healthcare career and as a parent. As an undergrad on the safe and effective use of medications. team functions collectively,” said Becki. student, she was the vice president for the As an expert in the field of medicine, she Student Body Leadership Council (SBLC). might recommend a different medication, Becki is married to CODY TESSLER She also worked as publications manager dose, duration or instruction to physicians. ’12, instructor of mathematics and as a yearbook editor for three years. at Southeastern. Christine advises students to “Get involved. While a student at Southeastern, Becki Your practical experience will go hand in worked as the lab manager and was a CHRISTINE (VILLAVICENCIO) hand with your academic experience. Go teaching assistant in the College of Natural CORRIGAN ’05, ’12 MEd also assisted after activities for practical experience.” and Health Sciences. “All the professors did with judging the symposium. Christine is
SOUTHEASTERN 47 Family Legacy: DAVID BISHOP FAMILY
Marlene and David Bishop
With a heart for the unreached, DAVID she might be able to counsel those in need side of the field as part of an evangelization BISHOP ’07, ’12 MED followed in of solace and wisdom. His uncle, CARL effort. David, having been a pastor’s kid and the footsteps of family members before WISE ’92, became a math teacher and an SEU student, listened carefully to see him through attending Southeastern to then software developer for the blind in St. what she would say. Only afterward did he pursue a degree in ministry. “When I came Petersburg, Fla. He also serves as a Sunday share with her that he had been called to to Southeastern in the fall of 2003, I was school teacher at Glad Tidings AG in serve in Eurasia. She had also felt God’s call confused and hurting. It provided a safe St. Petersburg. to serve unreached people groups as a place for me to become the man that God teenager and five weeks after their meeting called me to be,” said David. Soon after starting his bachelor’s degree, they were engaged. David joined the safety and security team David’s great-grandmother, ONEIDA as a student worker in 2004, and later At the time that they met, Marlene was (GRAHAM) BRENGLE ’59, was the worked full time with the team until 2013. working on a master’s degree in reading first of his family members to graduate from “In the decade that I spent learning and education at USF and David was working Southeastern. His grandparents, JACK ’59 working at the school, God used many of on a similar degree at Southeastern. The and MARY (BRENGLE) WISE ’59 my friends, professors and co-workers to two would graduate a day apart from met at the school and eventually retired speak into my life,” said David. each other. from the pastoral staff at Victory Church in Lakeland, Fla. His aunt, CINDY (WISE) David met his future wife, Marlene, at a “She was sweet, cute, enjoyed soccer, and PENDARVIS ’89, who became blind at pickup soccer game in south Lakeland. loved Jesus with all of her heart. She was four years old, graduated from Southeastern Not realizing he was a Christian, she exactly what I was looking for in a wife. and later earned a master’s degree so that invited him to listen to a devotional on the Asking her to marry me was easier than I
48 SOUTHEASTERN ( (
Oneida (Graham) Brengle Mary (Brengle) Wise Jack Wise
( (
Mary and Jack Wise Sophia and Chane Eplin
ever imagined it would be. I know and Assembly of God under Pastor BOBBY walk with Jesus. As we learn and grow and see every day that she is a godsend,” said HENIGSMITH ’84 in Auburndale, Fla., spend time with Jesus, we realize that he David. They were married November of since the summer of 2014. In the spring is enough and that the things we thought the same year of meeting. of 2015, David and Marlene applied to were vitally important when we were go on a two-year trip to serve in Eurasia young may not have been so important Although Marlene did not attend and were approved in December of that after all. Walking with Jesus instead of Southeastern, she had two family year. They have done very well with seeking perfection is the way to overcome members that did attend. Marlene’s itineration while continuing as youth depression and anxiety. Making the father, CHANE EPLIN ’82, attended pastors. They are quickly approaching choice to chase perfection is choosing to Southeastern and he is currently the their goal of serving together with give Satan a foothold in your life because bureau chief of ESOL (English for unreached peoples in Eurasia. They plan you are seeking something God is not Speakers of Other Languages) for the state to leave for Eurasia during the summer offering. The call of God is a journey - of Florida. Marlene’s sister, SOPHIA of 2017. not a destination or a single action. Let EPLIN ’14, attended Southeastern and Jesus be enough in times of action, inaction, currently works at the Florida Baptist When asked what advice he would give happiness, sadness, disillusionment, and Children’s Homes in their emergency to future Southeastern alumni, David anger. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, will shelter as a caretaker. said, “Love Jesus and plan for the long walk you through all of this as you follow game. I am already fulfilling the call of him, and the hope and joy that he offers David and Marlene are both licensed God on my life even though I have not is priceless.” Assemblies of God ministers and have yet arrived to Eurasia. God has not called served as the co-youth pastors at Gateway us to perfection now. He has called us to
SOUTHEASTERN 49 SO THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO by Cheryl Roth, Director of Annual and Planned Giving
As a member of Southeastern’s and individuals to thank them for their These students are why we all do Advancement team, I am often asked, gifts. Yes, it involves a lot of traveling. what we do. “What exactly does the Advancement Yes, I actually do like driving and Office do?” or “What is the Annual meeting new people who have a Each year, we hear from hundreds Fund?” Sometimes the question is, connection with Southeastern University. of students who write letters to our “Do you really like traveling so much?” And yes, our alumni are some of the best donors to say “thank you.” Many of Others on the Advancement team are people around! these students come straight out of high often asked these same questions. “Office school; some visited campus with their of University Advancement,” unlike As to why we do what we do, the answer church youth group. Others may be Office of Admission, Student Financial goes much deeper and is about a lot parents or adults who are going back to Services, or Athletics, is a rather vague more than hosting events or visiting school to fulfill a dream or a passion that title that doesn’t really tell you what we alumni and friends of the school. In they’ve put on hold for years. Some are do at Southeastern. 2016-17, Southeastern University will international students hoping to get an award scholarships or other institutional education in the United States so they The answer to the first question is that aid to 93 percent of our students, can return to their home as doctors or Advancement’s responsibilities include with an average financial aid award teachers. But these thank you letters all raising scholarship and program funds, of $10,400. Just in our College of have one thing in common. All of these connecting with alumni and planning Christian Ministries and Religion alone, scholarship recipients are grateful to those alumni events, applying for foundation $9.6 million in financial aid will be who gave to help them complete their and corporate grants, hosting fundraising awarded this year to 1,656 students with education, and they all recognize the gift events, as well as public relations and a ministry major or minor. as an answer to prayer. visits to supporting churches, pastors
50 SOUTHEASTERN Here are just a few of these letters from scholarship recipients:
Thank you so much for the After a sleepless night, wondering I am an MK (Missionary Kid) $600 scholarship I was if I was going to graduate, I whose parents and family given! I have been working received a phone call that turned live in Tanzania, East Africa. very hard to pay for my everything around. Because We rely on support from college tuition in order to of your donation, I am able to America to run our clinic and graduate with as little debt graduate this semester! After do the work that God has as possible, and it was such hanging up the phone, all I was called us to do. And now, an encouragement to me. I able to do was cry and praise God scholarships, such as yours, will continue to work hard for bringing me through a tough, are what makes it possible for (academically and at my job yet incredible, four years! I am me to attend Southeastern in order to pay for school). one of seven siblings. We have University. I am excited to be Words cannot express faced poverty my entire life after able to return to school this how grateful I am for this my mother had a brain aneurysm fall as a junior and continue scholarship. May God bless when I was seven. We have been in to grow towards my B.A. in you for the endowment real financial hardships to the point Multi-Disciplinary Studies! that you invested in to help that my family was homeless in my students like me. sophomore year at Southeastern. I am the first of my family to attend college and your donation has helped me so much. Thank you for investing in me. Thank you so much So THIS for blessing me with a scholarship! I work at (a local restaurant) and lose is why count of the hours that I pour into my job to pay I am a single mother of two and for college tuition. I have also a domestic violence survivor. we do been praying for a miracle I don’t think a letter could express to happen to help me in the gratitude I feel from your this journey of college! I generosity. Four and a half years WHAT praise God for placing it ago, I embarked on a new journey. I on your heart to bless a packed up my little ones and drove WE DO! student like me. cross country. I took hold of God’s promise of a new beginning, and God has always been faithful. He has (given) me a good job that provides for my family, and has given me This summer, I felt God was leading me across country to work in a summer support through the Body of Christ. camp, but I hesitated because I would not make enough money to pay for God opened the door for me to start my tuition. God reassured me that finances would never be an issue when I this year at SEU and I was not sure if am pursuing Him. Upon arrival at camp, I received an email that I had been I was able to handle it financially. But awarded an endowed scholarship! God is so good! I felt so much weight God continues to amaze me! Thank come off my shoulders! I can’t thank you enough for investing in my dreams. you for being a big part of making I have no one helping me with school, so I am working two jobs and going it possible for me to continue to school. But I am determined to keep pursuing the dreams God has put on my education. my heart. Words will never explain how thankful I am to you!
SOUTHEASTERN 51 COMMENCEMENT Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2016!
Congratulations to the fall graduating class of 2016! A total of 269 students participated in the ceremony, with one doctorate, 76 graduate, 184 undergraduate students, and seven associates. Students were represented from 30 different states and four countries, including Kenya and India.
The commencement speaker was Brian Kilmeade, a television personality. Kilmeade joined Fox News in 1997 and was soon named co-host of Fox & Friends, where he still works along with Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt. He also hosts his own nationally syndicated radio show, “Kilmeade and Friends” on Fox News Talk.
The student speaker was Amanda Glenn. Amanda plans to pursue her master’s degree in social work from USF next year. She is interested in working with teen mothers and individuals in the juvenile justice system.
The commencement class also included the first doctoral student to graduate and successfully defend her dissertation in Southeastern history. Commencement videos are available online at SEU.edu/academics/graduation/videos/.
52 SOUTHEASTERN FIRST SEU DOCTORAL STUDENT GRADUATES
“The doctoral program has been a labor for learning. I hope to be an example of love from the faculty in the College of to others.” Education for years, and to see a student navigate the program successfully shows While completing her doctorate, Candi the faculty that their hard work has juggled the responsibility of a family, as been worthwhile,” said Dr. Amy Bratten, well as two jobs. For the last ten years, dean of the College of Education. “It’s she has served as a teacher in Polk a tangible feeling of satisfaction and County. Candi also serves as an adjunct excitement. We are proud of Dr. Candi professor in the English department at Ring’s accomplishment, and we know Southeastern. She hopes to one day be she will represent Southeastern well as she able to use her doctoral degree to teach positively impacts the field of education.” full time at the collegiate level.
Candi successfully defended her “The most rewarding part of this dissertation on November 9, 2016. experience has been the knowledge I Her dissertation was on administrator have gained that I have been able to apply perception of classroom and behavior in the classroom. The relationships I have management, comparing traditionally developed with the faculty at SEU, as CANDI RING ’16 EdD has the honor and alternatively certified teachers. well as members of my cohort, have also to be the first student to graduate from proved invaluable. The doctoral degree Southeastern University with a doctoral “I am the third in my family to graduate will enhance my role an educator, as I degree. Candi received her doctorate high school and the only to go to college,” will be more adequately prepared to meet of education during the December said Candi. “As a child, I was homeless, the needs of my students,” said Candi. ceremony. The doctoral program, which and my parents struggled to make ends was launched in the fall of 2014, currently meet. Education wasn’t something that has 140 students. was emphasized, but I had a passion
A DISNEY DREAM
Some dreams take years to come true, Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Curtis but for JOSHUA WADDY ’16, his Chapman and many more. dream came true soon after graduating from Southeastern. Growing up with a While singing for Disney, Joshua has musical family, Joshua always dreamed of had the opportunity to perform in front being a part of the Voices of Liberty, an of the CEO of Disney, as well as top eight-piece a capella group. Following executives for the company. Inside the his graduation, Joshua auditioned for the Magic broadcasted the show online with group in August of 2016 and found out an audience of over 70,000 people. The in mid-September he had been chosen rehearsals for the show take place over to be a part of the group as a tenor. night. Joshua spent countless hours at The Voices of Liberty perform in the Disney rehearsing from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney He then performed three nights a week, Joshua Waddy on the far left in red World Resort in Orlando, Fla. three times a night. Photo by: Courtney Reynolds “This is a dream come true. I always “When you want something, go for it 100 importance of auditioning in order to wanted to be in the group so it is mind percent. You will hear a lot of noes, but all get where he wanted to be. “Anyone that blowing,” said Joshua. The Candlelight you need is one yes, ” said Joshua.While at wants to pursue a similar career should Processional tells the biblical Christmas Southeastern, Joshua was highly involved be proactive in auditioning because the story of the birth of Jesus with a celebrity in extra curricular activities, including environment and atmosphere prepares narrator. The show this year featured SEU Worship, musical productions and you,” said Joshua. celebrity narrators including Neil Patrick the Jazz Ensemble. Joshua learned the
SOUTHEASTERN 53 FOCUS on FACULTY
1 DR. PETER ALTHOUSE, quintet), Black Racer (percussion professor of religion and theology, quartet), and Songs of Eden had an article, “The Prophetic Cry (collection of five marimba/ for Justice: A Pentecostal Response to vibraphone duets). He composed the Racism of Mass Incarceration,” a drumset solo for the Percussive published in Ecumenical Trends in Arts Society’s publication Rhythm! August of 2016. He published “Women Scene in June of 2016, entitled Praying for Women: The Gendered “Beat Back.” He published 1 2 Embodiment of Charismatic Healing an article/interview about the Prayer” in Women in Pentecostal and Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps Charismatic Ministry: Informing an in Rhythm! Scene in August of Ongoing Gender-Focused Dialogue on 2016, entitled “Bluecoats 2016: the Faith Contributions of Women; “Jesus, Turning Drum Corps Down Side Empire and Christian Ethics: Moral Up.” He also contributed three articles Critique of Mass Incarceration in the to The Percussion Compendium, Vol. 1, United States” in Christian Morality: an educator’s resource published by the An Interdisciplinary Framework for Percussive Arts Society. 3 4 Thinking about Contemporary Moral Issues; and “Betwixt and Between the 4 DR. AMY BRATTEN, dean Cross and the Eschaton: Pentecostal of the College of Education, was Worship in the Context of Liturgical appointed chair of the site review Play” in Toward a Pentecostal Theology team for UCF’s five-year site visit in of Worship. January. As chair, she will coordinate the off-site review process and the on- 2 DR. KENNETH ARCHER, site review visit. Bratten will facilitate professor of theology and Pentecostal all steps of the process with the 5 6 studies, was invited to teach a course institution and collaborate with Florida on “Pentecostal Theology and Department of Education during the Holistic Mission” at the Seminario process, and ultimately, submit the Biblico Pentecostal Centroamericano team’s findings and suggestions to (SEBIPCA) in Quetzaltenango, Florida’s Chancellor of Education. Guatemala, in June of 2016. He was also invited to Brazil, where he 5 DEBBIE BROWN, assistant presented a paper titled “A Global professor of English, will be Pentecostal Theological Methodology: presenting a paper titled “Increasing Worship, Witness, and Work” to the III Writing Competence through Seminário Internacional “Pentecostais, Pedagogically Based Instructor- Teologia e Ciências da Religião” Student Conferences” at the Northeast at the Methodist University of São MLA conference in Baltimore, Md., Paulo, Brazil. Archer had his essay, in March. “Listen Carefully! You Might Learn Something,” published in JEPTA: 6 CHRIS CLARK, associate Journal of the European Pentecostal professor of film production, was the Theological Association. guest presenter at Creative Studies in September at the Just Dance Studio 3 BRIAN BLUME, assistant in Lakeland, Fla., on the topic, “Why professor of percussion, recorded do movies move us? Because the and published three new compositions production of a movie begins with a for percussion through Tapspace good story.” Publications: Persistence (percussion
54 SOUTHEASTERN 7 DR. PAUL CORRIGAN Forces Surrounding the Disappearance ’07, associate professor of of Aimee Semple McPherson,” was English, had five of his poems accepted by the Canadian Journal of accepted for publication in Saint Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity for Katherine Review. publication in the 2016 edition.
8 DR. PAM CRISS, professor 13 DR. STEVEN FETTKE, of social work, and professor of religion, had his article, 7 8 “What Makes an Excellent Teacher?” 9 DR. MARLEEN MILNER, chair of the department of social published in The Pentecostal Educator. work, were the recipients of a grant in collaboration with Heartland for 14 CHRISTINA GARD ’14 Children in 2015-16. The grant was MAML, assistant professor of human awarded by the Florida Institute for services, spoke in Portland, Ore., at Child Welfare for a project entitled the annual Flourish Conference. She “Preparing Teens and Protecting also was the keynote speaker at the Futures.” The project addressed teen 9 10 Puyallup Foursquare Church Ladies pregnancy among youth in residential Conference in Puyallup, Wash., with treatment by implementing Wyman’s over 1,000 women in attendance. Teen Outreach Program (TOP) at Additionally, she contributed to an eight group homes for youth in Polk, article for Lifezette, an online magazine. Highlands, and Hardee counties, and The article focused on healthy addressing the needs of pregnant and dating relationships. parent teens in care through the Child and Family Service Review Process. 15 DR. LEONARD GIAMMETTEO, 11 12 professor of sport management, 10 LINDSEY (BASHAM) was appointed by the CEO of CROSTON ’03, ’15 MA, lecturer of the Lakeland Family YMCA as theology and biblical studies, presented an advisory board member of the a paper on “Shekinah Presence and First Tee and the Par 3 golf course Sustained Discipleship: A Practical of Lakeland. Theology of Glory for Clergy and Lay Leadership” at the Exploring the Glory 16 DR. ROSALIND GOODRICH, Conference at Durham University associate professor within the Counselor 13 14 (St. Johns College) in Durham, Education Graduate Program, spoke at UK during July. Morningstar Community Church in Salem, Ore., on “Depression: How to 11 DR. JEREMY CUMMINGS, Prevent, Cope, Treat, and Heal.” This assistant professor of psychology, community outreach event provided planned and co-facilitated the annual mental health education to the church meeting of the Spiritual and Religious community and addressed topics Issues Special Interest Group of such as the clinical indicators of ABCT, Association for Behavioral and depression, evidence-based treatments 15 16 Cognitive Therapies. Cummings also for depression, special topics such as moderated a panel discussion titled depression and grief, depression and “Spirituality and Religion in CBT.” anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The presentation was followed 12 DR. MARGARET ENGLISH by a panel including pastoral staff and community mental health practitioners, DE ALMINANA, associate professor and provided information regarding of historical theology and women’s local resources for participants. studies, was a panel speaker at the Association of Youth Ministry Educators Annual Conference Orlando. Her article, “Scandal and Censure: A Reinvestigation of the Socio-Political
SOUTHEASTERN 55 17 DR. DAVID GRANT, associate 22 ROBERT KING, lecturer in professor of education, has been the department of entrepreneurial asked to serve on two committees leadership, was the recipient for updating the Florida Teacher of the Kiwanian of the Year Certificate Examinations for the award for 2015-16. The award reads, Exceptional Student Education Subject “In Recognition of Exemplary Area Examination. Service and Dedication.” This award followed the President’s 17 18 18 DR. WILLIAM HACKETT, Club Award for 2014-15 for the provost, presented at two workshops same involvement. at the PenFlorida District Council of the Assemblies of God Experience 23 DR. PATTY LEBLANC, Conference. The workshops were professor of education, had her essay entitled, “Marriage Secrets for the on an influential teacher in her life Long Haul” and “The Church and published on the Kappa Delta Pi blog. the LGBT+ Issue – How Should LeBlanc is a member of SEU’s Alpha the Church Respond?” He is on Beta Mu chapter of Kappa Delta 19 20 the advisory board for the student Pi, an international honor society academic programs commission for in education. the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities. In September, he was 24 DR. BRUCE LILYEA, adjunct on a program review team to evaluate professor of business, was promoted the Los Angeles Film Studies Center from the position of reviewer to where many of Southeastern’s film assistant editor for The Qualitative majors study for a semester in their Report, which is a peer-reviewed, online film program. 21 22 monthly journal. Additionally, he is the lead author for a journal article 19 DR. RICHARD HARRIS, entitled “Conducting a Systematic associate professor of communication, Literature Review on Water-related was recently a guest on Real Talk Attitudes, Behaviors, and Stakeholder with Dr. David Anderson on 105.1 FM Engagement Approaches in Florida: WAVA in Washington, D.C. The topic Strategies and Tools,” published in was on “Race Relations in America: December in the International Journal Where Do We Go from Here?” Harris of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: is the author of One Nation Under Annual Review. 23 24 Curse and is known for his work in the area of building bridges between 25 DR. ADRIAN MANLEY, races and moving beyond diversity associate professor of human services/ to “conversity.” administration, spoke to student affairs professionals at Valencia College in 20 DR. LARRY HAZELBAKER Orlando in their Hacking Higher Ed ’76, professor of psychology, spoke on series about the importance of values in the topic “The Dynamic of Group: The building a career in higher education. 25 26 Psychology of Being in One Accord” to a group attending the PenFlorida 26 DR. CAMERON MCNABB, District Council of the Assemblies assistant professor of English, had of God Experience Conference in her blog article, “The Mysterious September of 2016. History of the Ellipsis, From Medieval Subpuncting to Irrational Numbers,” 21 DR. TAE EUN KIM, associate published in Slate in August of 2016. professor of mathematics, presented a talk on the topic of “Measuring 27 JASON OLD, professor of 27 the Intensity of Tornados” at the Spanish and Latin American studies, was joint meetings of the Mathematics a part of the Cuba Panel in November Association of America at Saint Leo for the Global Studies Committee at University, in St. Leo, Fla. USF Manatee-Sarasota. Old is taking students to Nicaragua as part of
56 SOUTHEASTERN the 2017 Nicaragua Study Abroad Member of the Year, for her work with Program. It is his fifth consecutive year the SEU FPRA student chapter. as the director, guide and professor of this program. He is also working on his 32 DR. ALAN SNYDER, professor Ph.D. at USF. of history, had his book, America Discovers C.S. Lewis: His Profound 28 JAMES PATON ’84, chair of the Impact, released by Wipf and Stock. Last department of psychology, presented July, he presented a paper on Lewis at 28 29 to the faculty of The Learning Center the C.S. Lewis Foundation’s summer (K-12) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, conference at the University of in August. He spoke about child Amherst in Massachusetts. In and adolescent development as it September, he was interviewed on applies to both academic growth and a Christian radio network in New building interpersonal relationships Zealand about the book. The interview between students and teachers. He was broadcast throughout that country. also presented a cognitive strategy that In October, he spoke about his book incorporates the fruit of the Spirit to the New York C.S. Lewis Society 30 31 in interpersonal relationships at Life in Manhattan. This society was the Church in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in first in America dedicated to the study summer 2016. of Lewis, having been inaugurated in 1969. 29 DR. ANDREW PERMENTER, vice president of institutional research 33 DR. KENNETH STEPHENS, and extended education, led a workshop chair of the department of human at the Southern Association of Colleges services, was the key presenter at a and Schools Commission on Colleges men’s conference in Leesburg, Fla. The 32 33 at their annual meeting. He presented theme was from a workbook created on the topic “Academic Program by Stephens entitled “‘Man in the Review from Critical Processes Mirror’ What Does My Reflection Say to Implementation.” About Me and My Walk with Christ?”
30 DR. ERICA SIRRINE, dean 34 DR. ZACHARY TACKETT, of the College of Behavioral and chair of undergraduate studies in Social Sciences, served as master of the College of Christian Ministries ceremonies at the Good Shepherd and Religion, had his article, 34 Hospice’s luncheon, Seasons of Service: “Mama Smith’s Studio: Reflections A Conversation with Wise Women, in on the Study of Piano as a Matrix September. An article she co-authored for Teaching Historical Theology,” in 2009 was recently featured in the published in The Pentecostal Educator. virtual issue of “Child and Adolescent His article, “Callings, Giftings, and Social Work Journal.” She also presented Empowerment: Preaching Women and at the 70th Annual Conference of the American Pentecostalism in Historical Florida Association of School Social and Theological Perspective,” was Workers in October. Her presentation published in the volume, Women in was entitled “Working with Resistant Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministry. He or Mandated Children and Parents.” also had a paper entitled “As Citizens She also had the opportunity to present of Heaven: Perspectives on Peace, War at an event hosted by Career Services at and Patriotism among Pentecostals in Polk State College. Her presentation the United States during World War was entitled “Finding Your Career Path I” published in American Churches in Social Work.” and the First World War. In March of 2017, he will present on the topic of 31 SHEILA SKIPPER, assistant “Conscientious Scruples: Approaches professor of public relations, was toward War and Peacemaking within awarded the Polk County Florida the United Pentecostal Church and Public Relations Association (FPRA) the Assemblies of God during the Member of the Year, also known as Cold War Era” at the Society for the 2016 Bob Gernert, APR, CPRC Pentecostal Studies.
SOUTHEASTERN 57 35 DR. LEROY VANWHY ’10 Journal of the Society for Pentecostal MBA, assistant professor of business Studies. The articles published were and leadership, presented at the “The Promises and Perils of the International Leadership Association Azusa Street Myth,” “The Expansion (ILA) conference in Atlanta, Ga. of Pentecostal Scholarship,” “The He presented his dissertation Pentecostals and Their Scriptures,” findings for “Development of the and “New Charismatic Networks and 35 36 Authentic Followership Profile (AFP) Other Theological Matters.” Waddell Test Instrument.” It is the first-of- also is presenting on “Saints vs. Heroes: a-kind, empirically validated test The Triumph of Spectacle in American instrument to measure the construct of Culture and Film,” at the Society for Authentic Followership. Pentecostal Studies in St. Louis, Mo., in March of 2017. 36 DR. ROBBY WADDELL, professor of New Testament and early Christian literature, co-authored four articles with DR. PETER ALTHOUSE, professor of theology, that were published in Pneuma: The
SEU Faculty Members Published in Scholarly Volume on Women’s Ministry
Professors from the College of Christian University, as co-editor. Both editors Ministries and Religion contributed to a contributed chapters to the book in scholarly volume published on the study addition to editing. of women in Pentecostal and Charismatic ministry. The volume, entitled Women in “My dissertation was written on Women in Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministry, was Pentecostal Leadership, A Biographical Survey published by Brill and is an addition to of 20th Century Female Pentecostal Leadership the series Global Pentecostal and Charismatic and An Incipient Egalitarian Struggle, as well Studies by William K. Kay (Glyndŵr) as my undergraduate thesis, Patriarchy and Mark J. Cartledge (Regent). The or Shared Leadership? As a Pentecostal volume centered on the question, “How woman who was called but struggled have Pentecostal Charismatic women of for affirmation and opportunity, I am faith responded to a religious context committed to helping other women that often has limited their voices and become all that God called them to be,” perspectives while, at the same time, said de Alminana. depended upon their many gifts?” The volume includes articles from three “Importantly, the book has offered other Southeastern professors, Dr. Melissa a female perspective to an oft-heard Archer, associate professor of biblical Pentecostal narrative that has generally said Dr. Margaret English de Alminana, studies; Dr. Zachary Tackett, chair of the been framed by men and not women. associate professor of historical theology undergraduate studies in the College It attempts to present the ‘standpoint’ of and women’s studies at Southeastern. of Christian Ministries and Religion; women Pentecostals, theologically and and Dr. Peter Althouse, professor of historically speaking, and to give a voice De Alminana was approached by the theology. The volume is available at Brill to Pentecostal and Charismatic women. series editor, and she recommended and Amazon. Presenting this ‘standpoint’ as such is new,” Dr. Lois Olena, a professor at Evangel
58 SOUTHEASTERN BRIANNA KUCK ❘ ’14 IN THE LIVES OF SEU ALUMNI LAWRENCE PITTMAN ❘ ’16
AMANDA (GOODSON) HAHN ❘ ’09 JUDY (BARTEL) GRANER ❘ ’66
SOUTHEASTERN 59 NANCY (KEITH) BUXTON ❘ ’61 FAHED ABUAKEL ❘ ’70 DANIEL HUDSON ❘ ’79 DAVID STRICKLAND ❘ ’80
1957 of Life Church in Rainbow City, available in English, Spanish, Chinese ______Ala. Gerald and Shirley also have five and other languages. grandchildren. BERNARD and DESSIE
______1970 (BROWN) BROWNE ’55 1965 retired after nearly ______50 years of pastoring. They FAHED ABUAKEL received have two daughters (Becky Thomas JIMMIE POLK celebrated 51 a master of divinity at Columbia and Ginger Peddicord), four years of being a pastor in August of Theological Seminary in Decatur, CONTACTgrandchildren INFORMATION and five great 2016. He also received his 50-year Ga., after graduating with his 2774grandchildren. Jasmine TheyCt NE live in certificate of ordination from the undergraduate degree from Atlanta,Beachton, Ga.GA 30345 General Council of the Assemblies Southeastern. He earned a doctorate of [email protected] of God at the Mississippi District ministry at McCormick Theological Council in May 2016. Jimmie pastors Seminary in Chicago, Ill., and was the www.pmrs.ps1961 ______a small group that meets in his home missions pastor at First Presbyterian in 404-441-2702 and cares for his wife of 51 years, Atlanta, Ga. In 1978, he founded the PERSONALNANCY (KEITH) BUXTON BETTY, who was diagnosed with Atlanta Ministry with International •retiredBorn in 2016 April from 13, Cleveland 1944, Kuffer-Yassif,City Alzheimer’s Galilee, 18 Palestyears ago.ine He credits Students, Inc. He was the director •SchoolsSon inof Cleveland,Christian Tenn.Palestinian-Arab Her his Parents- four years their at Southeastern Orthodox for church the buildingof Christmas 800 years International old House, •husband,Married: Robert, Mary retired fromZumot, Church August 30,stability 1980 and guidance he needed for overseeing 30 cities in 2000. After •of GodCitizen Pentecostal of the Seminary United as CFOStates of America,his 51 years March of full-time 10, 1981ministry. retiring in 2012, he is now a caregiver in 2016. They have been married for his wife, Mary, a retired Mercer Education:for 53 years and have two children • 1966 University professor. and Doctornine grandchildren. of Ministry They - McCormick are Theological______Seminary, Chicago, IL • Master of Divinity - Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA members of North Cleveland Church CHARLES WALKER is a graduate • JUDY (BARTEL) GRANER is an of God.Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL (One Year) of the Assemblies of God Theological Assemblies of God missionary and • Bachelor of Arts - Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL Seminary in Springfield, Mo., with teacher throughout Spanish-speaking Professional: 1962 a master of divinity. He pastored ______Latin America and the Caribbean. • churches and is a retired Lieutenant Founder and past Executive DirectorHer ofhusband, ,Atlanta Steve, Min passedistry away with in International Students, Inc • Colonel U.S. Army Chaplain. GERALDPast Director FRIX and hisof wife,the Shirley,National Christmas2011 from Internation pancreatical cancer.House She Program in 40 cities •celebratedMission 58 yearsStaff of at marriage First Presbyterian on earned Church a Ph.D. of inAtlan interculturalta, 1980 studies - 2001
•AugustOrdained 10, 2016. TheyMinister have two in Israelsons, Septemberin 2000. 10, She 1963 is a teacher, writer and ______1976 •PhillipOrdained and Keith. Minister Phillip is a ofregional the Presbyteriantranslator Church for Faith (USA), & Action 1978 Series in •representativeRetired Memberfor Edward at Jones Large in of the PresbyteryLatin America. of Faith Greate & Actionr Atlanta Series GERALD and ESTHER Smithfield, Va. Keith is the pastor • Interdenominational Theological Center,are pastoral Past study Adjunc bookst Facultythat are of World(LEVECK) Religions CARR pastored two
60 SOUTHEASTERN churches in North Carolina, then daughters: Joy, Carla and Leah. He is the returned to Jacksonville, Fla., to be director of first year experience and a full employed as funeral directors and professor of sociology at East Georgia embalmers. They retired in 2011. Esther State College in Swainsboro, Ga. He has is still currently employed as an insurance published two textbooks, Sociology and agent. They have two grown children, College Success: A Concise Practical Guide. Jonathan and Erica.
______1984
______1978 TIM SHIELDS retired from a 32- ALBERT and REBECCA year career of teaching and coaching TIM SHIELDS ❘ ’84 (KIRKLAND) VEALEY are pastoring in Lakeland, Fla. He has been married at Mt. Calvary Christian Fellowship, to his wife, Jan, for 33 years. They plan an Assemblies of God church, in to travel and split their time between Murphy, N.C. their Lakeland home and their condo in southwest Florida.
______1979
______1986 DANIEL HUDSON and his wife, Rosemary, have five children and live in ALAN DALE and his wife, Renee, Michigan. Dan is the owner and operator have been married for 27 years. They of Mission Home Improvement, which have a 23-year-old son, Jeremy, and a MARISOL HERNANDEZ ’87 ❘ is in its thirtieth year of business. It is a 17-year-old daughter, Chelsey. Alan construction company building homes, currently serves as the assistant missions remodeling, and using profits to support pastor at Springhouse Worship and and go on missions volunteer projects. Arts Center in Smyrna, Tenn. He also Rosemary founded, runs, and teaches at founded and oversees Coffee Cup Veritas Academy, which features project- Ministries, which serves single parent based and multi-age learning for its 50 families, widows, a biker ministry, and students from K-12. includes men’s discipleship.
1980 ______1987
JAN (CRUCE) DEKLAUON earned MARISOL HERNANDEZ has a JEFFREY BROOKS ❘ ’89 a master of arts in theological studies ministry, Shalom Shalom, with her from the Southern Baptist Theological husband where they broadcast five Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in 2006, and television programs around the world in retired from teaching in the Clarksville, English, Spanish and Arabic. They reside Ind., school district in 2008. She is in Los Angeles, Calif. currently mentoring college women at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky. Jan ______1989 and and her husband, Dave, do not have children but are spiritual parents to the JEFFREY BROOKS retired from students at Boyce, where Dave is a New the U.S. army chaplaincy in 2013 after Testament professor. twenty-two years of active military service. He now resides in Riverview, DAVID STRICKLAND married his Fla., where he just finished his first book, wife, Carol, in 2004. They have three JOE FIORENTINO ❘ ’94 Resting in God’s Shadow: Encouragement
SOUTHEASTERN 61 SHEREE (STEBBINS) RAMON and ANDI (O’CONNOR) KEVIN WHIDDEN ❘ ’96 PAYNE ❘ ’97 BASSETTV ❘ ’95, ’98 TRAVIS MINNICH ❘ ’04
for Military Boot Camp, that will be 1996 1998 published by Deep River Books in the ______spring of 2017. JOSEPH LAMB is the founder and RAMON and ANDI (O’CONNOR) DAVID HOWELLS and his wife, CEO of Qsource Networks. Qsource BASSETT ’95 recently relocated Toni, reside in Beaver Falls, Pa. David is a managed network services to the Chicago area where Ramon earned a master’s degree in theology company based in Atlanta, Ga., is a partner and vice president of from Southern Bible Institute and founded in 1999. Qsource was named sales for Pure Water Systems of Seminary in Thomson, Ga. Since one of the top 250 small business IT Chicagoland. Ramon was previously 2004, he has been the senior pastor at service providers in the United States in Raleigh, N.C., and Seattle, Wash., Church of the Living Christ in West in 2016. at similar positions honing his skills Bridgewater, Pa. David and Toni have in anticipation of being part-owner four children: Jed, Maranda, Reese, and KEVIN WHIDDEN was elected of a company himself. They have five Vincent, and one grandchild. Their as the new lead pastor at Rowan children: a 2016 high school graduate, son Jed and his wife, Celeste, have a Christian Assembly in Salisbury, N.C., Daniel; a 16-year-old football player, son, Judah. on July 10, 2016. His first Sunday was Josiah; a 15-year-old soccer player and August 14, 2016. artist, Zoe; a 13-year-old basketball player, Ezra; and another basketball ______1990 ______1997 player, 10-year-old, Gabriel. Andi spends her day feeding, driving and TERESA (BULLARD) SWANN helping the crew with everything, TIMOTHY HASS is in his sixth year is the children’s outreach pastor at and her favorite is watching their Victory Church in Lakeland, Fla. She of pastoring Cornerstone Assembly in Williston, Fla. He and his wife have a sports games and volunteering at their became involved in Kids Club in 1992 schools and church. as a volunteer and started working full son in college, a daughter in middle time at Victory in 2000. Kids Club school, and a son in K4. He finished his 2004 ministers to 300 to 500 children a bachelor of arts in Christian education ______week. She and her husband, Sam, have at Patriot University in Del Norte, been married for seven and a half years. Colo., in 2014, and was ordained in TRAVIS MINNICH and his wife, May of 2014. Sunshine, serve at First Assembly in 1994 Youngsville, La., as the students’ pastors ______SHEREE (STEBBINS) PAYNE over children and youth. On August works as a crime and intelligence 23rd, they welcomed their sixth child. JOE FIORENTINO married Lori analyst with the Melbourne Police Flynn of Toronto, Ontario, on July Department. Sheree lives in West CHRISTINA (VINCENT) 9, 2016, at Trinity College Chapel Melbourne, Fla., with her husband, OLDACRE and her husband, Adam, in Toronto. Jeremy, and two-year-old son, Eli. live in New Orleans, La. She has been
62 SOUTHEASTERN CHRISTINA (VINCENT) MATTHEW AND ASHLEIGH (JONES) OLDACRE ❘ ’04 DEBRA KELLY ❘ ’05 CAVE ❘ ’07, ’08 KATHRYN KIMBALL ❘ ’08
married to Adam for a year and a adjuster at USAA Insurance in 2009 half. Christina helped with a church Tampa and Matt is working as a ______plant and works for a non-profit college placement advisor at Calvary organization called Next Generation. Christian High School in Clearwater. AMANDA (GOODSON) HAHN They go into public middle and high and her husband, Jerry, are serving as schools to help facilitate character youth pastors at Oxford Assembly of ______2008 education clubs. They are currently God in Oxford, Fla. They have been in 49 schools and meet with 4,000 there for five years. KATHRYN KIMBALL made students a week. They discuss history as the University of Florida’s topics such as dealing with anger, NATHAN PEARCE is an first alumnus to be named to a United friendships, and human trafficking, elementary theatre teacher States Supreme Court clerkship. and they present a biblical perspective in Fayetteville, N.C. He During the 2018 term, she will of dealing with the issues. married Elizabeth Mangum clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas. on October 29, 2016. Nathan has She currently works as a criminal 2005 also been in several productions at ______prosecutor in the Tax Division at local theaters. the U.S. Department of Justice in DEBRA KELLY obtained her Florida Washington, D.C. LINDA (ST. CYR) RIVERA and Teacher Certification after graduating her husband, Angel, have started a from Southeastern. Over the past 10 IVELISSE SANTIAGO is a small church. They have three children years, she has taught in multiple grades compliance specialist for the Polk and one grandchild. at Oscar Pope Elementary School County Tax Collector. and South McKeel Academy. In MELODY (KAUFFMAN) November of 2016, she began NATALIE (BROACH) SOWDEN married her husband, working as the director of children’s UPRICHARD went on the Troy, on November 13, 2009. They ministries for Lakeside Baptist Church mission field to Belfast, Ireland, after are the lead pastors of CityChurch of in Lakeland, Fla. graduating from Southeastern. Olive Branch in Olive Branch, Miss. She met her husband, Andy, there, They have two children, Judah (two who was a youth pastor. Andy is ______2007 years) and Alexa (six months). principal and vice president at Children’s Educational Services, MATTHEW and ASHLEIGH 2010 Inc., in Jacksonville, Fla., and Natalie ______(JONES) ’08 CAVE welcomed is a professional photographer. their twins Henry and Eleanor “Ella” Her younger sister, Lydia, is a BRENT and ANGELA on December 15, 2016. They are sophomore this year and will be (WAGNER) CARVER ’98 currently living in Wesley Chapel, the last of the four girls to graduate are foster parents and have five Fla. Ashleigh is working as a claims from Southeastern. children, between biological kids and
SOUTHEASTERN 63 IVELISSE CHRISTINA (SARA) DAVID and RACHEL SANTIAGO ❘ ’08 SPURLOCK ❘ ’11 (LAFLAM) BORDEN ❘ ’12 BONIELE PARR ❘ ’12
hope-to-be adoptees. Brent is the Chaplain Candidate. Rachel currently She recently started working toward conference director for a nationally works as an admission counselor at Orff-Schulwerk certification and she known nurses’ society, and Angela is Nyack College. has completed her Level 1 courses. a stay-at-home mom for all of their children and standard poodle. BONIELE PARR is a career specialist BRIANNA KUCK is currently the for a non-profit called the Boston event and communications coordinator Private Industry Council (PIC) in for Nathaniel’s Hope, a nonprofit ______2011 Boston, Mass. She is in two alternative dedicated to celebrating the lives of education high schools serving students kids with special needs. She handles all CHRISTINA (SARA) SPURLOCK ages 16 to 22. She assists with their mass communication, social media and developed a knack for the training side professional development and finding marketing for the organization, and of the audio-visual world. She works as summer/after school jobs. She started also plans local events for kids with the technology instructor for Analog her master’s degree at Lesley University special needs. She is in graduate school Way, Inc., and is based in Buford, Ga. in Cleveland, Tenn., for clinical pursuing her master’s in mental health Christina manages all aspects of the mental health counseling with a counseling in hopes of being a licensed company’s customer training for the holistic specialization. play therapist for kids and adults. Americas and her product knowledge is used around the world through the Analog Way Academy’s online ______2013 ______2015 training broadcast. SIANNA DAVIS is getting married LAKISHA HUBBARD-WILLIAMS to Daniel Thomas on May 6, 2017. is working on her doctorate in ______2012 Three of her bridesmaids are friends organizational leadership with an that she made while attending emphasis in K12 Leadership at Grand DAVID and RACHEL (LAFLAM) Southeastern. Sianna was a part of the Canyon University. She is the author BORDEN have been living in SEU soccer team while she attended. of The Power of Words, a poetry book. Nyack, N.Y., since getting married She resides in Kenner, La., with her in 2013. David graduated in May of husband and daughter. 2016 with his master of divinity from ______2014 Alliance Theological Seminary in 2016 Nyack, N.Y., and Rachel will be LAURA EDWARDS was named ______graduating in May of 2017 with the Fort McCoy School Rookie her MBA from Nyack College. Teacher of the Year 2017. She is in CHRISTIAN BORES was accepted David recently accepted a position her second year of teaching K-5 into his top choice program to pursue as campus pastor of The Gathering general music in Fort McCoy, Fla. Her a doctorate in physical therapy at Church in Stamford, Conn. curriculum includes singing, dancing, Nova Southeastern. David is also a First Lieutenant in baritone ukulele, recorder, mallet the Army Reserve and is a instruments, and world drumming.
64 SOUTHEASTERN LAKISHA HUBBARD- ELIZABETH (EARLEY) SIANNA DAVIS ❘ ’13 WILLIAMS ❘ ’15 CHRISTIAN BORES ❘ ’16 FROST ❘ ’16 SILKE WEHNER ❘ ’16
ELIZABETH (EARLEY) FROST in the spring of 2016. He began his He also finished his fourth and senior is a second grade teacher at Gateway journey at Southeastern in 1983, and year as an SEU cross-country athlete. Christian Academy and an after school in the past three years continued his Andrew and Gabrielle serve at Life choir director for the middle and high degree online. Lawrence was in full- Church in Auburndale, Fla. Gabrielle school students. She married Alex on time ministry for the majority of his is working at Ulta and finishing October 15, 2016. adult life. He is planning to pursue his school at Southeastern. Andrew works education further through the MAML at Starbucks at he prepares for REMY LORY accepted a job at Arizona program at Southeastern. graduate school. Western College in Yuma, Ariz., as the assistant women’s basketball coach. His BRETT RUPP works as the assistant SILKE WEHNER is the vice job entails scouting teams, recruiting as store manager at Joseph A. Bank at president at ESP Financial in Orange well as developing players on and off Lakeside Village in Lakeland, Fla. Park, Fla. the court. ANDREW SMITH married his LAWRENCE PITTMAN realized wife, Gabrielle, in August of 2016. He a lifelong dream of completing his plans on pursuing a master’s degree in undergraduate studies at Southeastern applied linguistics in the fall of 2017.
CLASS HIGHLIGHT
KARL PANSLER ’82 has been been named “Most Client Focused Personal honored with several awards and Injury Law Firm-Florida” for the 2016 Legal recognitions in the legal field since Elite Awards. He was also named one of the graduating from Southeastern. He has been “Premier 100” Trial Attorneys for Florida conferred the 2014 Litigator’s Award, which by the National Academy of Jurisprudence ranks him among the top one percent of all 2016. He has received the America’s Top lawyers for personal injury, wrongful death, 100 Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award. medical malpractice, automobile accident, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 25 Mass and brain injury litigation. He has been Tort Trial Lawyers Association has selected named in Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of Karl for inclusion into its Top 25 Mass Tort America, where less than one percent of Trial Lawyers, an honor given to only a the attorneys of America have been invited select group of lawyers for their superior to be a member. The Pansler Law Firm has skills and qualifications in the field.
SOUTHEASTERN 65 IN MEMORIAM
BETH (TRIMBLE) ’82 and Dwight S.C. Victor and Nell were married for ______1957 Leslie, and Bill and Amy Trimble; 44 years. Victor serves as the district his stepchildren, his sister and superintendent of the South Carolina JAMES “JIM” ANDREWS brother-in-law, his eight grandchildren District of the Assemblies of God. She passed away on August 17, 2016. Jim and one great grandchild. Two of is survived by her husband; their three and his wife, MAXINE ’79, served Paul’s grandchildren graduated sons and wives: Justin and Angela, as Assemblies of God missionaries from Southeastern and two are Camron and Andi, and Ryan and Kati; to Taiwan for 53 years, and currently attending. and their ten grandchildren. Maxine continues their ministry in Taiwan today. 1975 ______1964 ______
______1960 PEGGY (MCGLOTHLIN) EDWARD MACDONALD passed SCHLOE went home to be with Jesus away on October 16, 2016, at the age CLIFFORD “PAUL” TRIMBLE on March 18, 2016, after suffering with of 69. A beloved husband, father, passed away on November 26, 2016. ALS. She was Miss Southeastern in grandfather, brother, and pastor, Ed In addition to graduating from 1964. Upon graduating that same year, touched the hearts and lives of many Southeastern, he was a graduate she married JERRY, and they started with his compassion and generosity. of Evangel College and earned their ministry ventures in Tampa, Fla. After finishing his Bachelor of Arts his M.Ed. from Xavier University. Peggy was a mother of three sons and in Religious Studies at Southeastern, Paul helped start the men’s basketball a grandmother of seven. She loved her he pastored churches throughout teams at Southeastern and Evangel. He family and is greatly missed by them. Canada and Florida and dedicated his had a successful career as an educator, life to helping others through his faith. coach, and later as a contractor. He also 1972 Countless people benefitted from his served in the Navy. He is preceded in ______wisdom and guidance, and those who death by his parents A.C. share the faith he held so dearly are and Faye Trimble and sister SYLVIA “NELL” SMITH, wife of confident in the knowledge that they ALVIS HARTHERN ’55. VICTOR ’72, ’06 MAML passed will be seeing him again when they too He is survived by his wife Janie; away on December 12, 2016. Nell was move on from this world to be with and his children and their spouses; born on August 21, 1950, in Hartsville, the Lord.
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66 SOUTHEASTERN PERSPECTIVE
After serving Southeastern University service and ethics. What our students for fifteen years, I am continually observe in our behavior was brought amazed at how God’s hand touches home when I took a senior finance everything we do for our students. major to a dinner in Tampa for a When I first arrived on campus, I business meeting. I wanted him had faculty ask me how I could be to have a chance to network with in business and still be a Christian! professionals in his major. On the way While taken aback, I knew that the back to Lakeland, I asked him what he Lord had led me here to serve the had learned during the evening. He next generation of Christian business told me it was how I avoided drinking professionals that could and would be alcohol during the networking time world-changers. without me seeming out of place as a non-drinker. He was concerned The number of undergraduate and that he might stand out by following graduate programs has grown every his beliefs and was now much more year as Southeastern University sends comfortable seeing how it was done. out disciples to touch lives in more and more areas in the kingdom. Since its As a college we embrace new learning inception, our college has added majors technologies and innovations. We DR. LYLE BOWLIN in accounting, finance, management, meet regularly with former students marketing, international business, legal and corporations that have hired our studies, and organizational leadership. students to maintain those important We have also added a master of business connections. We added two business administration degree with tracks communications classes to our in executive leadership, ministerial required business core several years leadership, sports management, and a before most universities realized this global experience option. was lacking in the curriculum. We have a capstone business ethics course that In the Jannetides College of Business incorporates a Christian worldview. and Entrepreneurial Leadership we We added required analytics classes have not tried to mimic other business several years ahead of the competition schools but rather create one that based on feedback we received from follows Christian principles and serves our employers. the needs of our employers. We often rightfully think of our 815 currently It is a privilege to serve with a team at enrolled students as our ‘customers.’ In Southeastern University that not only one sense that is true, but our business has a meaningful mission statement: students are also our ‘product,’ and our “Equipping students to discover employers are the ultimate ‘customers.’ and develop their divine design to If we do not adequately prepare serve Christ and the world through our students for their first position, Spirit-empowered life, learning and then we have let them and their leadership,” but that helps all of the employer down. faculty and staff put these words into action in a meaningful way. In this We also take very seriously the era of life-long learning, we must also importance of ensuring our students remember that we are called to be life- understand Christian principles of long servants.
SOUTHEASTERN 67 Homecoming
2017October 20 & 21 Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt for this year's Homecoming Luau — roasted pig and all! We will have competitions, great food, and most of all the opportunity to see former classmates and professors.
Registration will open June 1! Be one of the first 100 individuals to register by August 30th to receive a special gift! Watch for more details at SEU.edu/alumni