Southeastern Alumni Magazine

Southeastern is the official magazine of Southeastern University, and is published twice a year for alumni and friends of the institution. The abstract lists article highlights from each issue.

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Southeastern Alumni Magazine - Summer 2023

Southeastern University

LANDON HAYS: USING RUBIK’S CUBES FOR GOD’S GLORY After creating a portrait of Jesus out of Rubik’s Cubes for a senior project, Landon Hays discovered he could use his talent to glorify God. He is now a Rubik’s Cube ambassador and has been commissioned by national and international organizations to create portraits and share them on social media, some of which have accumulated more than 4 million views.

HEIDI HESTER: A TOP SECRET CALLING Out of the 12,000 students who applied, Heidi Hester was one of a few hundred accepted to participate in a 10-week paid summer internship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Honors Internship Program. As part of the program, Hester was able to jump-start her career in criminal justice by gaining experience going on searches, meeting with members of the evidence response team, visiting a federal court and riding in a Black Hawk helicopter.

DAVIS INGLE: THE PATH TO THE WHITE HOUSE After taking an internship in Washington, D.C., Davis Ingle discovered a passion for politics and government that would change the course of his career. This would eventually lead him to serve as a press assistant in the White House, where he had the opportunity to travel and work directly alongside former President Donald Trump and his staff.

JIM WELLBORN: MAKING CONNECTIONS FOR GOD’S KINGDOM Over his 50-plus years in ministry, Jim Wellborn traveled to 71 countries and led thousands of youth on missions trips around the world. He now works in builder relations for Builders International, where he connects churches, volunteers and organizations to projects worldwide.

JENNIFER COURTNEY: A CLASSICAL EDUCATOR Jennifer Courtney is the global curriculum director for Classical Conversations MultiMedia, a homeschooling parent and the first graduate from Southeastern’s master’s in classical studies program. As a part of her role, she oversees a team of writers, creates new curriculum and provides training for Classical Conversations’ international partners.

THE DEWEERDTS: FORGING NEW PATHS WITH EDUCATION With a father, mother and son all having graduated from Southeastern’s Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership program, and another son pursuing a degree in music business, the DeWeerdts consider themselves a Southeastern family. They were able to find degree programs that fit their unique ministry roles, whether it be as senior pastors, a musician or the online pastor for their church’s metaverse campus.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine - Winter 2023

Southeastern University

NAMIAH SIMPSON: NURSING, MISSIONS AND SERVING OTHERS A nursing graduate, 10-time NAIA Track and Field All-American and two-time Academic All-American, Namiah Simpson discovered her passion on a medical mission trip to Uganda. There, she found a love for serving others and showing Christ through medicine, and now sees her future nursing career as her mission field.

FROM NASHVILLE TO A CATTLE RANCH – A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ELI MOSLEY Whether he’s touring across the nation with his band or managing a cattle ranch in Bartow, Fla., Eli Mosley is doing what he loves. As a country music artist, he frequently travels to Nashville, Tenn., where he records and produces his music and has traveled across the country and performed with several country music stars including Tracy Byrd, Joe Nichols and many others.

ISAAC EISENHAUER: FINANCE GRADUATE, BUSINESS OWNER AND EDUCATOR Ever since high school, Isaac Eisenhauer knew he wanted to go into finance. He is now the owner and a portfolio manager at IvyLine Capital, an investment firm and macro-driven equity fund, and has used his experience in the business world to teach finance students and prepare them for their careers.

JAMIE HALE: CREATING COMMUNITY AND MINISTERING THROUGH DERMATOLOGY After doing a research project in high school, Jamie Hale discovered her love for dermatology. She now co-owns Azeal Dermatology Institute in Boulder, Colo., where she has served and ministered to her local community for the past seven years.

SOUTHEASTERN ON THE COVER Zack and his wife, Jenna (Pruitt) Whitt, are expressing the love of Jesus locally and internationally through unconventional avenues such as their bakery, coffee shop and CrossFit.

SHOWING JESUS THROUGH COFFEE, PASTRIES, WEIGHTLIFTING AND MISSIONS Zack and his wife, Jenna (Pruitt) Whitt, are making a difference in their community and around the world. As pastors in Lake Norman, N.C., the couple live out their faith through their coffee shop, bakery, and through their involvement with CrossFit and several AG missions’ organizations.

FROM SEU TO WGEM NEWS In Quincy, Ill., five Southeastern graduates have reunited at the tri-state news station, WGEM. Together, they have found community and enjoyed learning and growing alongside one another in their new positions at the NBC-affiliated television station.

MIKE COOPER: LOVING NEIGHBORS WITH THE DREAM CENTER For over 14 years, Mike Cooper has been dedicated to establishing the Dream Center of Lakeland’s connection to the surrounding community as its executive director. Through programs and resources including mentoring, neighborhood cleanups, and food and clothing distribution, Mike and the Dream Center aim to fulfill the needs of local community members.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2022

Southeastern University

INTRODUCING THE POWELLS: SEU’S NEW CAMPUS PASTORS James and Brittany Powell are SEU’s new campus pastors. Beginning in the summer of 2021, James stepped into the role of executive director for spiritual formation, and Brittany started serving as the director of ministry operations. The Powells have been working side by side in ministry roles across the country since 2011.

MEET LEXI — SEU’S CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG Lexi is Southeastern’s very own certified therapy dog who resides in the university’s tutoring center. During the academic year, Lexi is available to meet with students, staff and faculty with no appointment necessary.

FORD CREATES POSITIVE CHANGE ON AND OFF THE COURT Fire men’s basketball player Devon Ford took the initiative to create positive change not only among his own team, but also among the entire Lakeland community. Through honest discussions and outreach events, Devon worked to make a lasting impact on his teammates, fellow students and community members.

FROM BUILDING COMPUTERS TO BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS What began as a self-taught hobby for Joseph “Joe” Lamb in the ’90s led to a successful career in information technology and business management. Overseeing companies large and small, Joe has owned and operated businesses of his own. His most recent venture is known as RedVine Operations, a platform he created to provide mentoring and coaching services to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

HOLLY SHORT — MINISTRY IN THE MILITARY Although it wasn’t always clear, Lt. Holly Short was called to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. Currently stationed at the United States Naval Academy as the First Battalion Chaplain, Holly is a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer and has been serving as a Navy chaplain for eight years.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE: A GRADUATION 31 YEARS IN THE MAKING At the age of 52, Mark Macri graduated from Southeastern and received a bachelor’s degree that he had first begun over 30 years ago. With the help of SEU’s Finish Line program, Mark proved that it’s never too late to pursue a degree.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2021

Southeastern University

A DECADE OF DISCOVERY: PRESIDENT INGLE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS President Kent Ingle celebrates a decade at Southeastern, as well as the tremendous growth the university has accomplished within enrollment, partnerships, degree programs and much more.

INTRODUCING DR. MEGHAN GRIFFIN — SOUTHEASTERN’S NEW PROVOST Beginning in May of 2021, Dr. Meghan Griffin stepped in as Southeastern’s new provost. With an extensive background in higher education, Dr. Griffin is ready to guide the university into an exciting season of growth. DAVID DOCUSEN:

FINDING THE BEAUTY OF GOD ACROSS DIVIDING LINES After being awakened to the disparities in his own city and around the world, Dr. David Docusen strives to spread awareness and advocate for racial and economic justice through his book, “Neighborliness: Finding the Beauty of God Across Dividing Lines,” and his organization, the Neighborliness Center.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING KEY TO STEINHORN’S SUCCESS With a diverse history of working with both major and minor league baseball teams, Russ Steinhorn attributes his advancement and success to the relationships he has built along the way.

BUILDING THE FUTURE AT FACEBOOK Faith “Dani” Nawara has been dedicated to constructing an extensive and unique background in both business management and law following her graduation from Southeastern. Now, she works for Facebook, guiding employees in their adjustment amidst the pandemic and preparing the company for future crises.

BASKETBALL WITH A VERTICAL VISION Larry Taylor is reaching the hearts of youth across the globe with his passion for the game of basketball and his outreach program, Vertical Vision.

A HEART FOR SERVING As a program director for the Boys and Girls Club, Linwood Ross dedicates his time and efforts to mentoring children in the local community daily.

TEAM HARRIS: A FAMILY OF EDUCATORS After embarking on their professional journey as teachers at the same school, Gayle Harris and her daughters, Jacquelyn and Tiffany, made the decision to continue their educational pursuit together at Southeastern.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2020

Southeastern University - Lakeland

TAKING RESEARCH TO THE SKIES Engineer and pilot Aaron Judy ’18 (Ed.D.) is working for the federal government as an engineer to discover new and innovative ways to train pilots.

COMPETING ON THE WORLD STAGE In 2019, Uchenna Kanu ’19 made her debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and went on to set a national record while playing for the Southeastern women’s soccer team. Now, she looks to continue to play soccer on the professional level.

COFFEE WITH A MISSION With a heart for missions, Karen (Dickey) Beiler ’07 and her husband, Justin, use their business, Eurasia Coffee Company, to support nonprofits and missionaries around the world.

ENTREPRENEURS AT HEART Brittany (Clements) Ainsworth ’09 owns and operates a Chick-fil-A in one of the busiest malls in America, and Chad Ainsworth ’10 found a unique way to share his creative passion for videography with the biker community.

TAKING AIM TOGETHER Passionate about archery, Elton “Pepper” ’91 and Donna (Douglass) ’93 Brooke spend their weekends competing around the state of Florida. They reflect on how the sport has been a way for them to spend time together and minister to others.

LACY O’CONNOR: LIVING THE SWEET LIFE From early mornings in the kitchen to traveling around the country performing music, Lacy (McDougall) O’Connor ’12 shares what it’s like to be a pastry chef and aspiring musician.

TIFFANY HAMMER: WITH ELEVATION WORSHIP Tiffany Hammer ’17 is the full-time worship leader for Elevation Church’s Uptown campus in Charlotte, N.C., and a singer and contributing songwriter for Elevation Worship.

DEDICATING A LIFETIME TO MISSIONS In 1966, David ’89 and Maryann Vespa set sail for Ghana, West Africa, to serve as Assemblies of God missionaries. Thirty years later, their daughter, Brenda and her husband, Pat ’87, would follow in their footsteps to serve as missionaries to Botswana, eventually transitioning to serve in Greece and Italy.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2019

Southeastern University - Lakeland

This issue features alumni from a variety of different colleges.

REMEMBERING DR. JAMES HENNESY As the longest-serving president of Southeastern, Dr. James Hennesy’s tenure included leading the university to gain regional accreditation, several building projects and spiritual revivals on campus.

RAY & JUDY RACHELS: A LIFETIME OF LOVE AND MINISTRY Ray and Judy (Homer) Rachels fondly remember meeting as students at Southeastern and their preparation for ministry.

BRANDON HURST: TREKKING THROUGH LIFE With an adventurer’s spirit, Brandon Hurst ’08 has hiked on both U.S. coasts, mountain climbed around the world and has run ultra marathons.

JAYMI YAMOAH: INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH THE CREATIVE ARTS Through a creative arts program, Out of Zion, Jaymi (Perez) Yamoah ’07 provides support and brings hope to families who have children with medical and special needs.

MELONY BELL: COMMITTED TO SERVICE With political aspirations, Melony Bell ’08 felt the importance of receiving an education while pursuing her career. Formerly a commissioner and mayor, Melony now serves her community as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

MAXINE ANDREWS: COMMITTED TO GOD'S CALLING Fifty-seven years after first arriving in Taiwan, Maxine (Morrison) Andrews’ ’56 call to missions still hasn’t changed.

KATHRYN BISHOP: NURSING ON THE ROAD Traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast, Kathryn (Davis) Bishop ’11 shares the perks of being a travel nurse in a pediatric emergency room department.

THE MOSER FAMILY: HOOKED ON SOUTHEASTERN Since graduating in the ’70s, Lennie ’71 and Cheryl (Finch) ’72 Moser have continued to be involved and invest in the next generation of students at Southeastern.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2019

Southeastern University - Lakeland

This issue features alumni from the College of Education.

AMERICAN CENTER FOR POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Former U.S. Congressman Dennis Ross joins SEU as a distinguished professor of political science to launch the American Center for Political Leadership, a bipartisan center.

SEU LAUNCHES AVIATION PROGRAM In partnership with the International Aero Academy, Ltd., SEU announced the launch of an innovative, cost-effective new aviation program that will meet the current and anticipated need for professional pilots.

CHRISTY (CLEMENTS) PAVILANDO: CLIENT RELATIONS FOR THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS As a member experience specialist for the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football team, Christy ’16 is a key player in helping keep the team’s fan base engaged and coming back season after season.

DR. WILFREDO “CHOCO” DE JESUS: COMMUNITY BUILT THROUGH FAITH From growing up in inner-city Chicago to becoming the pastor of the largest Hispanic Assemblies of God Church in the United States, Choco ’18 (Ed.D.) shares how God ordained his life.

JILL (MILLER) HARDT: RIDING WITH EXCELLENCE Since graduating in 1992, Jill has seen her commencement address come back full circle. As a trainer, competitor and owner of Tristan Oaks Dressage, she strives for excellence and living in a way that reflects Christ.

DANIEL “DAN” ROBINSON: A LIFE OF LEADERSHIP For the past 12 years, Dan ’91 has served as an educational administrator in Michigan. As the principal of Novi Christian Academy, he realizes the importance of investing in the next generation.

TIFFANY (SAMUELS) THENOR & JESSICA (VALDES) ZIVKOVICH: WONDERHERE— A LEARN AND PLAY STUDIO Two SEU grads, Tiffany ’09 and Jessica ’11, ’18 (M.Ed.), are reintroducing fun into the learning process with their learn and play studio, WonderHere.

DAVID “DAVE” TERNENT: EDUCATION IN 3D As a seventh-grade science teacher, Dave ’92 has implemented STEM programs into his classrooms, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, to prepare students for the workplace.

THE JONES FAMILY LEGACY: A HEART FOR AFRICA Odell ’63 and Martha (Foster) ’61 Jones spent decades teaching and ministering in West Africa. Their daughter, Jennifer (Jones) Hays ’89, followed in their footsteps teaching in Ozark, Mo.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2018

Southeastern University - Lakeland

SEU Baseball: History in the Making

AMY (BERGEY) GODSHALL: MOVING BEYOND HER COMFORT ZONE Amy ’16 and her husband live and serve among the people of Burkina Faso.

BOLUTITO “TITO” ADEWUNMI: EMBRACING THE SEASON After earning her juris doctor degree, Tito ’14 has learned to embrace the season she is in as an associate at the Paul, Weiss law firm in New York.

EVERETTE COFFMAN: ONE MAN’S JOURNEY TO HELPING OTHERS From drug abuse to counseling families, Everette ’17 (MSMFT) shares his journey of overcoming addiction and his passion for helping others.

KEVIN KURIAN: AT THE INTERSECTION OF PSYCHOLOGY AND RELIGION As a licensed psychologist, Kevin ’10 works with individuals with severe mental illness and challenges Christians to embrace them as well.

SEU WINS FIRST NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Southeastern’s baseball team made school history winning the first NAIA National Championship for the university.

MATT PARZIALE: FROM THE FIRE TO GOLF'S MAJORS A former Southeastern athlete and U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, Matt Parziale ’09, made national news as a firefighter teeing off in golf's first major championship of 2018.

THE SHARPE FAMILY LEGACY Years after her father, Dr. Jack Sharpe, served as a psychology faculty member at Southeastern, Rosalind (Sharpe) Goodrich ’91 has followed in his footsteps.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Spring 2017

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Servant Leadership in Corporate America with Michelle Trindade. Michelle "discovered that God is not expecting you to be a phenomenal leader when you start a new role. God does expect you to grow into a phenomenal leader through him." Read this wonderful article about Michelle, Manny and Kaitlyn. This issue also includes a message from President Ingle who released his third book, enactus, Dr. Ed Plastow, information about The Forum and much more.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2017

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Since its inception in 1935, Southeastern has been training servant leaders in ministry. This issue of the magazine features alumni from the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology. In this special issue, we will share the history of the college, future plans and new programs along with some stories of our alumni from the college who have pursued a lifetime in ministry.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2016

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Fuel the Fire, a Capital Campaign of Southeastern University, is a multi-year campaign to help with campus expansion in order to meet the demands of our rapidly growing community. The campaign seeks to positively impact SEU through a variety of areas, including but not limited to: the Jannetides College of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership, Pathways School of Excellence, Doctor of Ministry program, Fire athletics, The SEU Leadership Forum, Revolution Film Festival, Enactus and many other areas of campus life.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2016

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Dr. Aimee Franklin '07 returned to Southeastern in 2014 as an assistant professor of biology. Prior to returning, she earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Alabama Birmingham where she studied Fragile X Syndrome, the leading known genetic cause for autism. One of her articles published in Biological Psychology was one of the most cited articles in that journal in 2014.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2015

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Now Open, Natural & Health Sciences Building.
The newly constructed home for the College of Natural and Health Sciences boasts 28,000 square feet and features laboratory classrooms for chemistry, biology, computer, and general science. The building houses a state-of- the-art nursing simulation lab and is home to Suzie, a fully intact mastodon.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2015

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Jordan & Elizabeth, Helping Others in NYC.
Jordan 2009 and Elizabeth (Permenter) Shea 2010 currently live in New York City with their lovable dog, Bernice. Jordan works for Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the number-one real estate brokerage firm in New York, and Elizabeth works as a staffing manager for a Robert Half company.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2014

Southeastern University - Lakeland

Breaking New Ground
This issue of Southeastern looks at the exciting projects that some of our alumni are engaged in around the nation and the world. Their stories are inspiring and empowering to our community as they affirm the strategic mission and vision of our amazing school.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Summer 2012

Southeastern University - Lakeland

National Leadership Forum
This year’s Forum brought a lot of excitement to the campus with one of the country’s most popular athletes – Tim Tebow – featured during the two-day leadership conference. Robert Gates, Pat Williams, and Mark Sanborn, along with a number of other prominent leaders, also spoke to an audience of close to 700 during the March 2012 event held in Bush Chapel.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2012

Southeastern University - Lakeland

60 Year Later
This past year has been a remarkable year for the Southeastern University Alumni Association. We successfully published two alumni magazines, and we held a number of events last year in which over 1,000 alumni, former faculty, and guests participated.

SEU On Mission:
Students and alumni share a passion for missions across the globe.
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Fall/Winter 2011

Southeastern University - Lakeland

David Grant in India
Alumnus and co-founder of Project Rescue in India, David Grant and his wife Beth recently came and spent a week on the Southeastern University campus.