In this 4th year of the cooperative program between the Davis College of Business and Advantage Business Magazine, we continue to gain in momentum as North Florida’s premier private business school. It gives me great pleasure to highlight our highest performing students for 2016 as the TOP 40 approach graduation. Consistent with our mission, we strive to arm them with the most relevant tools and knowledge to meet challenges and excel. The TOP 40 program is yet another way we help contribute to student success by recognizing their achievements and giving them a competitive advantage in the process.
The success stories are plentiful. Previous TOP 40 winners are now employed with organizations like Brown and Brown Insurance, Black Knight Financial, Northwestern Mutual, Interline Brands, and CSX among others.
As the dean of the Davis College, my role is to lead the faculty and staff team that deliver a first class experience, but the responsibility does not end there. Our team continues to be the bridge between top talent and top organizations in North Florida that want or need talent to grow. As a result, I am pleased to help develop new programs in the fields of business analytics, consumer goods & services and international business. Our institutional accomplishments were recognized once again as we have earned reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Good things continue to happen around JU under the leadership of President Tim Cost.
To the TOP 40 students, on behalf of the DCOB professors and supporting staff at Jacksonville University, congratulations on your achievement. You have shown exemplary accomplishment in the classroom and as an emerging leader in the community. You are among the best that have walked our storied halls in the Davis College.
I can only hope to work with you again professionally as you progress in your career.
Top 40 2016
Faisal A Alkhayyal
Major: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Certificate of Advanced Graduate studies in Orthodontics
Linkedin:
Member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
Member of the American Association of Orthodontics
Member of the American Dental Association
Active member of Saudi Dental Society
Active member of Saudi Orthodontic Society
With extensive experience in healthcare and management, Alkhayyal can adapt to any situation. His passion for success and goal-oriented demeanor drive him to accomplish his tasks. Alkhayyal was the vice director of dental affairs in the Ministry of Health in Riyadh city before moving to the US in summer 2013 to follow his dreams. Now after three years, he can see his dreams coming true. His life is all about working in a challenging professional environment where he can help the community by using and sharing his knowledge, skills and experience.
Meshael Sulaiman Almoshaigeh
Major: MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshael-almoshaigeh
Member in Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Program of Training and Saudization
Almoshaigeh is skilled at helping other people, and working with groups. After earning her bachelor’s in Business Administration, she got her first job as a teacher in Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, teaching lectures for classes of more than 50 students while she was only 22 years old. Studying abroad and being an international student provided her the opportunity to open her mind to the world and understand people from different cultures. She likes to learn about foreign communities and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in Arabic and English, she wants to be a university professor, so she will continue her education to get a Ph.D. in Business Administration.
Amanda Billy
Major: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacbilly
Coordinator, Second Saturday Arts & Farmers Market (Volunteer)
Secretary of the Executive Board at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)(Volunteer)
Billy has taken classes towards a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership while working full-time as the Web Manager for Jacksonville University for the past two years. She has maintained a 4.0-grade point average even as she has become more active in other facets of her life, discovering that her coursework is truly universal as she has learned more about business and management.
In becoming a stronger employee, Billy is better able to refine vision into strategy, shape strategy into action, and lead and aid teams in the pursuit of the organization’s goals. She has also put her new knowledge and skills to extensive use in her role as the secretary of the board at her church. She is helping to implement better business practices, like an employee handbook, job descriptions, and employment policies.
Outside of the workplace, she is contributing to the development of her industry by blogging about her projects and driving social media conversation at conferences. She recently presented original research at a conference for other web professionals in the higher education industry – and won a ‘best in track’ award for her presentation. After earning her degree, she looks forward to delving more intensely into the strategy and improvement of her growing web department at Jacksonville University.
Jacqueline Bullock
Major: Master of Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinebullock
Supporter of the American Heart Association and Jacksonville Humane Society
Bullock has a certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) from APICS, which helps her remain current in the industry and to offer new ideas in her organization. A full-time employee with CSX Transportation, she also has a bachelor’s of business administration in Transportation and Logistics as well as Economics.
With a passion for personal and professional growth, Bullock returned to school to pursue an MBA. A highly motivated student, she has maintained a 3.766 GPA while also managing her career. She has received several promotions with CSX Transportation during five years of employment. A student of the MBA Program since 2014, she has held several positions in the commercial and transportation departments at CSX. Her broad business education will continue to benefit her and help her in her future corporate positions.
Matthew Chang
Major: Executive Master in Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewachang
Chang has started several businesses and is currently with a new division at Weitz, which is offering a national engineering product to America’s top Consumer Product Goods companies. He also has a second business start-up underway that was spawned out of JU’s EMBA program based on bringing automated warehousing to e-commerce companies.
A professional engineer and a factory automation expert, Chang is am a member of several national bodies seeking to mold the future of engineering as it relates to America’s manufacturing sector. He has spoken at universities, industry forums and before Congress in this regard.
Chang is also active in his community, contributing 10 percent or more of his time and income to local charitable and faith-based causes. Chang’s community service includes the following experience.
Eleven 22 Students – As the “leader of the leaders” for a student ministry of 300 students, he coaches and organizes volunteers and service staff.
Carlton at Oak Board of Directors – He has served three terms on his condominium community’s board, working in a non-profit and highly financially constrained environment
First Lego League – He has been a coach for First Lego League’s team at Matthew Gilbert Middle School for two years.
ACE Mentoring – He volunteered two years as a mentor to high schoolers advocating for a career in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering career field.
Professionally, Chang is a licensed engineer with the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and an accredited design professional under the US Green Building Council’s international designation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). He is certified as an unlimited general contractor (meaning he is licensed by the state to build buildings of any size) in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee as well.
Jaime Chapman
Major: Management and Psychology
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimechapman
In three short years, Chapman has stood out as a successful student-athlete, maintaining a stellar GPA while balancing a double major and participating in 20 hours a week of a Division I sport. She has also been involved in many honor societies and is the president of the Brumos Circle of Excellence. All of these activities have helped her grow into the person she is today, along with participating in many community service events. She is well rounded and takes a lot of pride in everything she chooses to do. Her experience includes:
Intern at Black Knight Financial Services
Player for JU Women’s Lacrosse
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society
National Society of Honor and Success
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Psi Chi Honor Society
Girl Scouts (Bronze, Silver, Gold Award)
Dylan Christie
Major: Finance & Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-christie
Even as a young boy, Christie wanted to do great things. At 12 years old, he left his family in the Bahamas to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., a leading sports academy, on a full scholarship. He then came to JU to play Division 1 soccer. Unfortunately, after two years of soccer at JU, he was forced to resign after tearing his ACL and Meniscus. Leaving soccer behind was not easy, but the sport had installed key values that Christie still carries today, like having a strong work ethic, working well with others, being accountable and being disciplined. Such attributes have helped him succeed in the classroom as well as in a corporate setting at NorthMarq Capital, which is the leading privately held debt and equity provider for commercial real estate investors. He began his Commercial Real Estate Finance Internship at NorthMarq Capital in May and will continue working at the company throughout the 2016/2017 school year, at the request of the senior vice president.
Daniel Dembiec
Major: Business Administration (management concentration)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldembiec
Professional Fellow member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Elected program leader of the Serval Species Survival Plan
Elected vice-chair and steering committee member of Felid Taxon Advisory Group
Professional member of American Association of Zookeepers
Professional member of International Rhino Keeper Association
Elected member of Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan management committee
Elected member of Tiger Species Survival Plan management committee
Magellan Society member of the World Affairs Council, Jacksonville chapter
Dembiec is a professional in the zoo and aquarium industry. Zoos and aquariums have acknowledged that they need to embrace modern business practices to realize their missions related to encouraging the preservation of nature and influencing responsible human behavior for a healthy Earth. The industry needs people that understand both business principles and the science of animal management. He strives to be one of those people.
Dembiec chose to obtain a Professional Masters of Zoology which included a professional certification through the Eli Broad Business College at Michigan State University before he started his career so that he would have a professional base. He aspires to graduate from JU so that he can further develop his training as a business professional and combine it with practical experience.
Recognized as a leader in his industry, Dembiec has progressed up the organizational ladder and is a supervisor who has a reputation for building effective zookeeping teams and inspiring high performance. Overcoming the limitations of convention, his teams develop focus beyond stellar animal care and incorporate important professional concepts such as superb customer service and inserting zoo promotion into the way animals are presented to enhance the organization.
Michael DePeder
Major: Aviation Management – AVM
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldepeder
JU Flight Team – Treasurer
JU American Association of Aviation Executives – Member
JU Green Key – Member
Phi Kappa Phi – Member
DePeder has been actively involved in multiple organizations, including Residential Life, Flight Team, American Association of Airport Executives, Green Key and Phi Kappa Phi. His most rewarding college experience thus far has been as a Resident Advisor (RA), in which he oversees one of the apartment buildings on campus, which houses 48 students. DePeder says that the position has taught him leadership skills by being in charge of the students who live in the building and teamwork by working with the other RAs in the complex. This past summer, he interned with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, working in the Airport Operations department at Jacksonville International Airport. All of these experiences have taught him the importance of being involved. He has also learned that the busier he is the better he performs in his work.
Nathan Disch
Major: Accounting
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-disch
Disch plays an active role at Jacksonville University and in the community. Having learned to balance athletics and academics, he has taken what he has learned in the classroom and on the field to be an all-around better person. He strives to be the best at anything he does. This past summer he chose not to play baseball and took an internship with Black Knight Financial Services. He was able to do tasks that a full-time staff accountant would be able to do. He enjoyed applying the lessons he learned in class to the real world. He is excited about the future because he intends to use his education at JU to the best of his ability to reach his goals.
Leslie Dix
Major: Marketing
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-dix-58617211
In addition to graduating in Fall (Marketing Major, Art minor), Dix maintains her Series 7, Series 66, and Health, Life, & Variable annuity licenses. These are all regulatory license that she has earned and must have to give advice or security recommendations in the financial industry as a registered advisor. She works full time at Raymond James & Associates and has been in the financial industry for 10 years.
Taralyn Fender
Major: Master’s of Business Administration with concentration in Accounting and Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fendertaralyn
Pi Mu Epsilon – Member since 2012
Beta Sigma Gamma – Member since Spring 2016
Mathematics society – Member since 2012
Mathematics Association of America (MAA) – Member since 2013
Academy of International Business – Member since 2015
Fender’s bachelor’s from the College of Charleston and first master’s from JU are in Mathematics. However, it has been a goal of hers to get a degree in Business Administration. Numbers are now and have always been intriguing to her, so it was fun and interesting for her to learn more about the accounting and financial world of numbers. Her courses have also given her a thorough background in the world of business. The professors who have taught these courses have shared their knowledge and experiences efficiently, which has opened her mind to a different way of thinking about numbers and objectives of business. Currently,she is an instructor in the Mathematics department, where on occasion, she has the distinct honor of teaching the Business Calculus course to students who major in Business Administration. After taking the classes to obtain her MBA degree, she is more successful and confident as she teaches these students the business concepts according to the expectations of the undergraduate classes at the Davis College of Business.
Evan Fernandez
Major: Business Management with a Minor in Accounting
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-fernandez
Division 1 Varsity Baseball
BRUMOS circle of Excellence
Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Pi Kappa Alpha
Fernandez exemplifies the consistency and dedication to maintain a high GPA in business courses. As a student-athlete playing baseball for JU, he has mastered time management. This is shown by taking 15 hours each semester for 3 years while practicing and playing up to 20 hours of baseball a week.
Maria Juliana Fueyo
Major: Finance
Linkedin: https://ar.linkedin.com/in/maria-juliana-fueyo-44662090
Student Athletes Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Women’s Golf Team
Brumos Circle of Excellence
International Student Association (ISA)
Rotaract Club Casilda (Argentina)
Fueyo strongly believes that no matter how smart or talented a person is, there is always room for growth and improvement. This principle, along with her drive to achieve and work-ethic, has brought her to where she is today: an international student- athlete on a full scholarship at a U.S. top university.
Originally from Argentina, she arrived in the United States with a completely different perspective of the world; and through various organizations on campus, like the International Student Association and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee she has developed the global mindset that is key in today’s business world. Leadership, flexibility and time management are also some of the skills she has learned and expanded at JU as a student and as an athlete for the women’s golf team. Fueyo was named President’s Honor List three times out of her four semesters at JU and she is also a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She would like to help top executives gauge risk effectively, predict likely future outcomes and develop strategies to solve issues.
Mitch Gallo
Major: Aviation Management and Flight
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellgallo
Alpha Eta Rho- former Vice President of Organization (Fall 2015 – Spring 2016)
Former Jacksonville University Flight Team Member
Former Business Ethics Competition Member for Jacksonville University (Spring 2016)
Brumo’s Circle of Excellence Member ( Fall 2015 – Spring 2016)
Jacksonville University’s Circle of Green and Gold Member (Fall 2014)
Even as a young individual, Gallo has always taken great pride in performing to the best of his abilities in every aspect of his life. A Top Talent candidate is a unique title that displays a certain type of work ethic and character, a distinction that he has earned with the help of his surroundings and opportunities that Jacksonville University has provided.
Michelle Hanes
Major: Accounting and Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehanes
Associate Leader of Brumos Circle of Excellence Leadership Development Program
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
National Society of Leadership and Success
JU Accounting Club
Dolphin Student Investment Fund
Hanes has put all of her time and devotion into school and to make sure she gets the best possible grades she can while learning as much as possible. She also stays as actively involved in JU clubs and groups as possible. She is the finance sector and alumni manager for the Dolphin Student Investment Fund. Through the many honor societies and clubs, she has made many connections and has learned much.
Deborah J Holmes
Major: Executive MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-holmes-68195043
PMI (Project Management Institute – previously held VP of Education position locally; now a member of the local organization
CSX Women’s Network – In 2015 was co-chair of the Programs committee bringing in speakers to educate women at CSX; currently a member
CSX Military Affinity Group – participating member
Holmes has always desired to obtain a master’s degree but circumstances have pre-empted her from beginning a program until now, at the age of 56. She had great concerns about beginning this program so late in life and worried whether she would be able to maintain good grades while still working for CSX. But she has surprised herself with her ability to keep a high GPA while continuing to support some of CSX’s largest endeavors (PTC and XGate rollout for Intermodal Terminals) and maintain her household when her husband was deployed to Africa for the Army National Guard. She believes that her story is representative of many of today’s older professionals who have put furthering their education on hold due to the demands of life. She says that being recognized as a Top Talent at JU lets the community know that potential students are never too old to accomplish their goals and dreams.
Drew Hutcheson
Major: MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewhutcheson
Drew came to JU for his MBA because of the program’s focus on real-world business issues and what it takes to succeed in a competitive landscape. With his longtime desire to work for a Wall Street firm in investment banking, Drew knew he wanted to help spur this interest within the business school. To do so he started the student group FIBER (Finance, Investment Banking, & Equity Research) which has helped students learn about careers paths in finance. He also worked directly with Dr. Daphne Wang to help revive the Dolphin Student Investment Fund (DSIF). In its first 8 months DSIF returned 30% and Drew had the fund’s highest returning stock pick which returned over 225% helping the fund grow in AUM by nearly 20%. He has loved his time at JU’s DCOB and the opportunities the school allowed him to pursue. Graduating in December, Drew has already started his career as an Equity Research Associate covering mid-cap banks for who Drew says is the best bank on the Street, Deutsche Bank Securities.
Ryan James
Major: Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-james-220a40b4
Watersports Club, founding member and Treasurer
Creative Arts Society
Student Veterans Association
Since leaving the Navy in 2014, James’s primary focus has been on academic success at Jacksonville University. He is proud of earning a 3.7 GPA and plans to further improve it by the time he graduates in the Spring of 2017. He says his degree in Finance will prove to be an excellent foundation for success whether he is able to re-enter the Navy as a Commissioned Officer, or if he chooses to pursue a career in business. In addition to his business studies, he has pursued a minor in Fine Art with a concentration on glass. He has spent countless hours directing the creation of his own art as well as acting as an assistant to others. This has improved not only his ability to act as a leader but his ability to follow as well. In addition to expanding his leadership and communication skills, producing art has forced him to think artistically, expanding and maturing his creativity.
Jinxing Jiang
Major: Finance and Economics
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jinxingjiang
International Student Association
Accounting Club
When Jiang was 16, she came to the United States to go to an American school only knowing a little bit of English. She challenged herself to learn the language and adapt to cultural differences. She faced a lot of new challenges but have always figured out how to get through the obstacles. In the past two years, she added Economics as a second major. Based on that, she joined the study abroad program to Scotland last summer, which allowed her to work with a local business and understand how to run a successful business. She also interned at the Bank of China, where she had the chance to work in the Overseas Financial Service Center. While working in the finance department, she got hands-on experience in the business field. She will always be looking for new opportunities to improve her future as well as to make her family proud. Her next step is getting her MBA degree, which they say will benefit them in having more job opportunities.
John D Jinkner
Major: Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jinkner-3a25042
Association of Training of Development; member
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP); member
Professional Pricing Society; member
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Member
From the very moment that JU announced that they were beginning a new Doctorate of Business Administration program, Jinkner knew that Jacksonville University was the place for him. During his two years at JU, he held a full-time position with CSX Transportation, taught five Capstone* classes (per year) for Webster University’s MBA program , taught two International Business classes at JU, took six extra classes at JU and presented at two different conferences.
This year, he retired from CSX and is starting a new career in a dream position at FSCJ. He is the new Program Manager for the LINCS supply chain management program. He provides leadership, direction and coordination to ensure the continued success of this incredible training and education program.
In the not so distant future, with his JU DBA degree firmly in hand, he plans one day to travel the world, especially indigenous locations, to teach and to use his JU degree for the better good. JU has prepared him well and has given him the confidence he needs to make this, and all his dreams, a reality.
Steven T. “Steve” Kelley
Major: Doctor of Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekelley111
Junior Achievement of North Florida, Board of Directors, Secretary of the Executive Committee, student resource volunteer
United Way of Northeast Florida, member of the RealSense Steering Committee and also member of a Resource Allocation team (Health Services)
Urban Land Institute (ULI) – member of the Florida Multifamily Development Product Council
Kelley’s efforts as a member of the inaugural cohort of the DBA program resulted in the highest GPA of his scholastic career, which includes an MBA and two undergraduate business degrees. Having surpassed the coursework requirements and comprehensive final exam, he is now preparing for defense of his dissertation topic: “Efficacy of the New Markets Tax Credit Program.” He balances efforts at JU with his workload at EverBank where he is responsible for Community Development Lending and Investing and his studies routinely benefit the company and the clients he serves. Leadership roles in financial services over more than twenty years provide Kelley with lasting relationships with clients and colleagues across Jacksonville as well as the state of Florida and southeast region.
Leigha Krivacek
Major: Masters of Business Administration, Concentration in Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighakrivacek
Krivacek graduated Cum Laude from Westminster College in Pennsylvania in 2011. She served as the Student Government President, collegiate softball player, student representative to the Board of Trustees, Treasurer for her sorority, among other roles. Krivacek has successfully immersed herself into the community since moving to Jacksonville five years ago. She immediately jumped into volunteering activities such as Junior League of Jacksonville, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and her sorority alumnae chapter. She continues to be involved in various social sports. Krivacek currently is a Corporate Recruiter for the Haskell Company.
Krivacek was diagnosed with severe chronic depression about five years ago and was recently diagnosed with Bi-Polar Depressive disorder. Late Fall 2015, she lost mobility and motor skills through conversion disorder but has worked her way through treatment. She is a strong advocate for mental illness and helped “I Still Matter” become a non-profit this past year. In addition, she participates as a presenter in high schools for the Ending Silence Campaign for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) which minimizes the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Christopher Lehane
Major: Sports Business
Linkedin:
Lehane exemplifies what is expected of a JU student-athlete. Every single day, as a Division I baseball player, he has been held to a higher standard. Between the morning workouts, nightly practices, and unexpected meetings, there is limited time to complete everyday school work. Yet, throughout four years attending JU, he has been able to maintain above a 3.7 GPA and has been recognized multiple times on the Dean’s List, President’s List Atlantic Sun Honor Roll.
Lehane has consistently involved himself in as many opportunities as possible to engage himself as a future Sports Business professional. Last year, he joined JU’s first ever Gland Slam Marketing Team to help the baseball program grow as an entertainment option on campus. This year, he has reached further by partnering with his academic advisor in an independent study analyzing sales data trends from the San Francisco Giants.
Kevin Lucas
Major: Master of Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinplucas
A 15-year naval officer completing his last semester in JU’s MBA program, Lucas has maintained an exceptional 3.96 GPA while studying as a full-time employee and has been invited to become a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He has also earned numerous personal decorations for meritorious service and leadership, and various campaign medals while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippines, Afghanistan, and the Arabian Gulf. Due to the military, he has lived abroad for a total of six years in Germany and Japan and visited four continents and more than 30 countries, exposing himself to the vast cultural differences and providing him the tools needed to understand true diversity and perception by others.
As a military officer, he has learned to become a problem solver in fast-paced environments while motivating his team with a deep obligation to helping others based on the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. His great work ethic, time management skills, and leadership from experiences in the military have allowed him to tackle the challenge of balancing family, academics, and time in the Navy. He has learned many lessons that he will use throughout his career as a naval officer and as a future business leader. He appreciates being part of something bigger than himself and is up to new challenges and opportunities that can use his skills to adapt quickly to achieve consistent success.
Hanna McMahon
Major: Accounting and Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannamcmahon
McMahon has managed being a student-athlete, having a job, and being a leader in multiple clubs. She has great time management skills to keep a 3.8 GPA for her overall, 3.8 GPA for accounting, and a 4.0 GPA for finance. She is the oldest of four siblings and this has taught her independence, leadership, and communication skills. Her parents have positioned her for success and she strives to make them and herself proud everyday.
Captain of the university’s Division 1 beach volleyball team as she approaches her senior year, McMahon has achieved Atlantic Sun All-Academic every semester, which has required her to maintain a 3.5 GPA while committing about 10 hours a week to her sport during the fall and up to 40 hours a week during the spring. She also has made the Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team.
Additionally, she is the Accounting Club President. Guest speakers come in and explain their job and provide accounting students with advice on how to attain a job and or internship.
She is also the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which since her freshman year has grown from five people to about 50 each meeting. The group does fundraisers for local charities, volunteer at local schools, and volunteer at local shelters. They have raised more than $1,500 alone for a little boy named Griffin who was diagnosed with childhood Leukemia.
Gregory Milligan
Major: Sustainability and Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-milligan-662822101
Milligan has completely dedicated his time at JU to furthering his knowledge and growing both professionally and personally. His dedication has allowed him to double major, take the extra courses required for the entrepreneurship certificate and graduate one semester early. He has always been willing to put forth extra effort to assist his classmates in their learning and positively contributes to every class. Additionally, he has taken the knowledge he has gained at JU and applied it in the real world, using it to make a real difference in his part-time job and two internships.He will continue to represent JU in the professional world for the rest of his career.
Victor Manuel Nazario III
Major: J.D./M.B.A.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victormanuelnazario3
Beta Gamma Sigma, Member
American Bar Association, Student Member
The Federalist Society, former Member
National Rifle Association, Member
Theta Xi Fraternity, Alumni
Coming from an undergraduate background in History, Political Science, and Information Technology with a graduate background in Law with a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of law, Nazario understood the value of thinking critically and analytically by remaining flexible with an open mind in those courses because the natures of law, politics, and information technology constantly change and advance rapidly in this current environment, requiring an independent person to deal with the issues as they are presented. As he finishes his career at JU, he realizes that those skills are extremely necessary and interdependent in the current business environment. He firmly believes in the long-term approach towards solving business management and organization issues because the focus of any organization should revolve around a teamwork atmosphere with management promoting leadership, success, hard work and constant learning opportunities for individuals within the organization.
In the legal field, Nazario is constantly learning about new legal issues and striving for new ideas to solve old legal problems in the 21st Century. As of this Fall, he has been accepted into Georgetown University Law Center’s top nationally ranked LL.M. Program in Taxation, in the distance-online education section. After he graduates from JU, he plans on completing his studies for the in-class portion at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. He recently passed the Florida Bar and is authorized to practice law in the State of Florida. As a member of The Florida Bar, he has special membership in the following section: Young Lawyers; Criminal Law; Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law; Tax Law. His long-term goal is to run a law practice specializing in Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, Probate and Guardianship matters, Federal and State Taxation with planning advice, and Small Business and Non-Profit Organization Advice. He understands and recognizes the constant growth opportunity that is needed for any individual to succeed in the legal-business environment while promoting a better opportunity for all individuals.
Rochelle Bailey Price
Major: Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Leadership, International Business, and Business Analytics
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellebaileypricemba
Price is a very well rounded part of Jacksonville University. She is a mother, a wife, a professional and a lover of nature. She loves this city and is always looking for opportunities to advocate for our community. She looks for new charities or opportunities to help. Now a resident of Arlington, she is from West Virginia and is the first person to graduate from college in her family. She will go on to get her DBA in 2017. She was told at age 7 that she had dyslexia and would never read past a 6th-grade level but has proved doubters wrong.
John Rafferty
Major: Business Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rafferty-baaaab14
National Society of Leadership and Success, member
Rafferty has excelled in class while working full-time and raising two young children. He is dedicated to helping others achieve success and believes in the importance of getting a degree. He strives to be a role model for those at work who think it is too late to go back to school.
Mark Ratica
Major: Executive MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ratica-0a752459
Mark Ratica, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, currently supports Black Knight’s largest client as their dedicated Technology Delivery Executive. Black Knight Financial Services is the mortgage and finance industries’ leading provider of integrated technology, services and data solutions. Mark’s long history with Black Knight crosses both core banking and mortgage applications with experience in conversions, divestitures, software upgrades, infrastructure implementations, and production application support. With over 20 years of management experience, Mark has been recognized by both Black Knight and the clients he has supported for his strong leadership and excellent customer support. Residing in Jacksonville, Florida, he is a devoted husband and father of two. Mark strives for excellence in all that he does while continuously looking for ways to grow and give back to his community.
Kevin J. Reiter
Major: Finance/Accounting
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-reiter-a4363768
Reiter departed from five years of service in the United States Navy in the Fall of 2013 and immediately began working full-time and attending JU in the evenings. Over the past three years, he has earned his BA in Finance with a 3.834, a Florida Real Estate License and Series 7 & 66 Licenses and has passed two CFP modules. He also has helped raise his 15-month old daughter alongside his wife, worked full time, and eventually was selected a Team Financial Advisor with a Barron’s nationally ranked wealth management team with Merrill Lynch. He immediately began pursuing his MBA in the Summer of 2015 and has always maintained a high GPA while passing my securities exams and building a wealth management business.
Along the way, Reiter has often sought guidance from professors, like about his professional path. The knowledge and confidence he has acquired at JU have helped him make a name for himself in a city in which he knew no one and for that, he will always be indebted. He looks forward to proudly walking across the stage in December with his MBA in Finance and Accounting and continuing to have a positive influence in the North Florida community.
Dylan Riddle
Major: Accounting
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanriddle
Vice President of the JU Accounting Club (2016-2017)
Member of the Brumos Circle of Excellence
Member of the Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies
Becker Campus Ambassador (2016-2017)
Riddle is a Jacksonville native and began college at JU right after high school. He hopes to attend grad school at JU after graduating. He has worked hard and has grown as a person while at JU. While he does not live on campus or participate in athletics, he has been involved in many other ways. He has worked as an intern at CSX in the Internal Audit & Compliance department and is involved in his church community, where he assists in leading the youth group. Every summer, he attends church youth camp as an adult leader, in which he leads Bible studies and various other activities. While balancing all of his responsibilities, he has managed to keep a near-perfect 4.0 GPA. His plans after graduation are to become a CPA, earn a master’s degree and hopefully find a position in one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms. He has taken his time in college very seriously because he understands this time will greatly affect the rest of his life. Through class presentations and his leadership role in the JU Accounting Club, he has overcome his fear of public speaking. He says that he can honestly say that he would not be who he is without his experience at JU.
John Samillano
Major: BBA Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsamillano
Member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Member of the International Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma
Samillano’s achievements demonstrate the greatness this country provides those who seek to better themselves. Soon after he moved to the U.S. from the Philippines, he joined the U.S. Army barely able to speak English but eventually reached the rank of First Sergeant. After 23 successful years in service, he stands as an example of how a veteran at his age and working full time can hopefully enter the corporate world by improving himself through education. He is on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude and has been inducted into the honors society of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Bryan Shell
Major: Finance and Business Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-shell
Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success
Member of Dolphin Student Investment Fund: Financial and Industrial Sector Analyst, Large cap Securities Analyst
Shell strives to achieve a great academic record—he has made the President’s list the previous three consecutive semesters and Dean’s list previously—but he also appreciates and values the information learned through the process. He is extremely focused and driven to achieve his aspirations and to establish a great network. A recent professor provided a recommendation on his behalf, recognizing that Shell demonstrates unsurpassable motivation and work ethic and ranked in the top 1 percent of the class. Shell stays up late most nights because whenever he is not expanding his knowledge, there is someone else who is and will be that much closer to success. He is not only at JU to achieve a degree but to prepare for a long, hard successful journey. He says it takes hard work, dedication and belief that we can succeed to make a difference.
James Simak
Major: DBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-simak-277a6b23
As an executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in technology, innovation, software development and business management, JU has given Mr. Simak the leadership tools and business skills to not only advance his career but, more importantly, create significant value and career opportunities for many others. As Senior Executive Vice President at Harris Computer, he is responsible for leading a portfolio of technology businesses with a primary focus on M&A and business development in the Public Sector. Prior to joining Harris, Jim was CEO at System Innovators Inc. and previously worked at several startups as well as Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, ECI Telecom, Computer Sciences Corporation, General Dynamics and US Steel. As a DBA candidate, Jim looks forward to advancing his academic research on innovation and entrepreneurship to help future entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and career goals.
Jennifer Simmons
Major: MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-simmons-18759985
Women’s Giving Alliance, Inaugural Delores Barr Weaver Fellows Program
Association of Fundraising Professionals 2011-2016
As the Director of Parent and Family Programs at JU, Simmons has taken somewhat of a non-traditional approach to acquiring her MBA. Her professional background is in fundraising and the nonprofit sector. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 with an Advertising major and minors in Art History and Packaging Science. Her educational and professional background may not be the most obvious segue into a Masters of Business Administration but she hit the ground running from the first day of MBA classes. She currently holds a 3.9 GPA as she starts her final semester at JU. Simmons has always thought of herself as having a business mind and her MBA studies have allowed her to obtain invaluable knowledge and skills that will stay with her throughout her life. She looks forward to using what she has learned during her MBA studies in her current position and in future opportunities.
Annette Sines
Major: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettesines
Sines never had the luxury of being a full-time student. She always worked full-time, went to school full-time and ran a household full time. Raised in a working class family in the mountains of West Virginia, she excelled in school but there was simply no money for college. She wanted more and was determined to work hard and go to school. At 18 years old, she left home and began working.
Sines has worked hard to maintain a career while being a spouse to a US Naval officer for 22 years. She has more than 15 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked at J.P. Morgan Chase on the H.A.R.P. team assisting underwater homeowners avoid losing their homes by refinancing with the H.A.R.P. program.
Despite her obstacles, Sines has maintained a consistently high GPA at JU; currently at a 4.0. She also has completed 60 percent of her degree in eight months. She is committed to finishing her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree in the next five months and returning to the workforce with her experience and a high-quality education from Jacksonville University.
Roland Stamm
Major: Sport Business
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandstamm
Sport Business Club member
International Business Club member
Stamm made the President’s list in the Spring 2016 semester and has shown excellence in the classroom while working several jobs that have prepared him for when he graduates.
Khea Trevena
Major: Aviation Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khea-trevena-992a28115
Member of Alpha Eta Rho Professional Aviation Fraternity
Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Trevena has consistently been on the Dean’s List while participating in as many organizations as possible. Throughout college, she has held two different jobs, excelling at work as well as in the classroom. She is a great leader and always conducts herself in a professional manner and in a way that other students can admire. She is good at managing her time, making sure to support and communicate with other students on group assignments or to study for an exam. She is always punctual and present in every class. She participated in a 6 Week 2016 Summer Internship with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority in the Business Development department and was able to put her educational knowledge into practical use.
Michelle E. Troesch
Major: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelletroesch
Troesch is an active duty Logistics Officer for the United States Army. For the past 12 years, she has gone above and beyond the duties required of her and has continuously earned higher evaluations than peers. As a highly dedicated individual, she strives to challenge herself and to continuously improve, taking the most challenging positions in order to develop herself as a well-rounded leader. She has taken steps to further her education and career in order to achieve her potential and will continue to strive to be the best in every endeavor.
Troesch has raised three children while finishing her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Construction Management, has gained commission as an officer and has served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operations Enduring Freedom. Through all of this, she has instilled in her children the importance of hard work and determination in order to achieve their goals.
Following a personal goal to better herself, Troesch has recently become a health and fitness coach with BeachBody in order to inspire and motivate others in reaching their goals. She is assisting more than 45 individuals through a social media-based accountability group as well as private consultations.
With all of her responsibilities and commitments to her children, the military and BeachBody, she has achieved a 3.9 GPA and induction into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi because her goals and ambitions do not include the minimum standard.
Reagan Wright
Major: Finance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reagan-wright
Division 1 Varsity Baseball
Member of Sid’s Christmas for Kids charity organization
Volunteer Pop Warner Football Coach – JR Pee Wee (10 and 11 years old)
Wright has thrived in the classroom while managing a Division 1 baseball schedule. He is also involved in the community in his hometown of Callahan because of the charity organization that was founded by his mom and aunt in 2009. This non-profit organization has contributed to about 100 less fortunate children each year in Nassau County. Last Christmas, the organization, Sid’s Christmas for Kids, sent presents and necessities to children in Honduras. Throughout his school years, Wright has had to manage school work and sports/groups. This has taught him to be efficient in managing his time. Also, there is an aspect of sports that teaches self-discipline. He says that being a disciplined person is effective when there is a task that needs to be completed. Finally, being involved in sports teams and groups has taught him to work with others while being selfless.
Honorable Mentions
Kimberly D Bynum
Major: Doctorate in Business Administration
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-bynum-11ba0a2b
Lamar Cisco
Major: MBA
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamar-cisco-70521633
Hunter Forbes
Major: Economics
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-forbes-287606107
Francis Spencer Grant
Major: Economics
Linkedin:
Rachel Hernandez
Major: Aviation Management
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljrhern