Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems, cum laude
Profession: Owner, Marketing nSight, LLC
Board tenure: Seventh year serving, second year as president
Why I joined the Alumni Association: My longtime friend, Pi Beta Phi sorority sister and Alumni Association (AA) Past President Jennifer Keenan encouraged me to join the board. I’m glad she did. A long time has passed since I graduated; service to through the association has been an impactful opportunity to reflect on how changed my life, share my story and encourage others to share theirs and champion the University.
What’s a favorite memory from your time as a student that still makes you smile?
Remembering my graduation day makes me smile. My parents didn’t have the financial means to attend college when they were growing up, so being the first in my household to receive a college degree was a big deal. I remember seeing them cheer for me during the processional as I entered the stadium and walked on Foreman Field for the commencement ceremony. They are no longer here, so the memory is priceless.
How did help shape who you are today?
It all started with my parents’ hard work and sacrifice to provide the opportunity for me to receive a college education. My experience at helped me become a confident critical thinker and leader. empowered me with knowledge to realize childhood dreams and learn and do anything
I set my mind to, including leading people, parenting my son, serving my community, advocating for my mom when she was sick and hopefully influencing legislation in the near future to protect elderly people in private care environments.
Who from the University had a lasting impact on you, and what did you learn from them?
I am immensely grateful for a random conversation I had before commencement with the late Sam Coppage, Ph.D., one of my business professors. He changed my life with one question: “Do you have a job?” He connected me to a Navy technology center for an upward mobility position for honor graduates. I got the job, worked there 15 years, traveled the world, learned the latest and greatest technologies, and led large teams and projects, then took the leap to start a business. I would not be where I am today without his interest in my success.
What AA initiatives are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of encouraging best practices with branding consistency, collaborating among our chapters, expanding the diversity of our board and increasing the association’s visibility on campus, among University leadership, within our communities and on social media. These initiatives include encouraging our board members to share their stories, serve as influencers on social media, impact the communities where they live and work and help connect fellow alumni to each other and to the University. Our networks are impactful. When we work collectively, we light a fire for more alumni to champion the University and its students.
What is your No. 1 goal as president of AA’s Board of Directors?
My number one goal is to be “all in” as president and lead the association with vision and insight to increase our presence, elevate the brand, grow alumni engagement, codify best practices, encourage chapter collaboration, strengthen our board and fully support the University’s strategic plan.
As a volunteer, I have prioritized my role in my schedule as I would one of my clients. I have encouraged our board and alumni community to bring their talents and perspectives to the table to elevate the association, bridge connections between our communities and the institution, support scholarships and change lives for students.