40 Under 40
Of Georgia Southern’s 126,000-plus living alumni, more than 50,000 are under 40 years of age.
The Alumni Association recently honored its Class of 2020 40 under 40, representing the excellence of the University’s young alumni and demonstrating the positive contributions and achievements for which University graduates are known.
Annalee Ashley
Georgia Southern University
2014 BBA
2020 MBA
Chief of Staff to the President
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Something unique about my job is:
When I began my career, I worked as a staffer in the halls of Congress. In my current role, I now walk those same halls to advocate for my alma mater!
Whitney
Barfield, Ph.D.
Georgia Southern University
2008 B.S. Biology
Postdoctoral Fellow
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia
Something most people don’t know about me is:
I was an extreme band nerd growing up. I played the trumpet for almost a decade, which contributed to my discipline and time-management skills.
Somi Benson-Jaja
Armstrong State University
2010 B.M. Music Education
Owner
Shot By Somi Studios
Savannah, Georgia
One person I greatly admire is:
I admire my mother most. She had six children and is always working to make sure we’re doing well.
Brad Boykin
Georgia Southern University
2008 B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education
2016 M.Ed. Instructional Technology
2018 EDS Educational Leadership
Principal
Bulloch County Schools / Southeast Bulloch Middle School
Statesboro, Georgia
Something unique about my job and life:
My life is unique every day! That’s the beauty of being an educator, because when you work with kids, you never know what may happen!
Christina Calloway, Esq.
Georgia Southern University
2005 B.A. English
2006 MPA
Attorney
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Alexandria, Virginia
The best advice I ever received is:
To try and conquer your fears. You will regret the things you do not try and even if you fail you will not regret trying. The beauty in that is the risk of success. “There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” – Erin Hanson
Oladipo Cole,
M.D., MBA, MSc
Georgia Southern University
2009 B.A. Biology
Resident Physician
Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine
Boca Raton, Florida
Something unique about my job is:
Although I have the best job in the world, it makes me excited when I can combine my love for Christ and medicine together. Holding my patients’ hands and praying with them gives me the most joy.
Josh Combs
Georgia Southern University
2012 B.S. Political Science
Associate Attorney
Troutman Pepper
Roswell, Georgia
Something unique about my life is:
My wife Kayla and I met in high school and attended/graduated from Georgia Southern together in 2012. We will soon reach our 5th wedding anniversary and have a three-year old son, Warren.
Shawnte Craig, MBA
Armstrong State University
2003 B.S. Health Science
Logistics Management Specialist
United States Air Force
Arlington, Virginia
Something unique about your job is:
I am helping with the stand-up of the United States Space Force. I have a unique opportunity to help shape how our country will sustain space lift capabilities.
Stephen Crosby
Georgia Southern University
2004 BBA Management
Director, Store Operations Finance
Dollar Tree, Inc.
Chesapeake, Virginia
One person I greatly admire is:
My father. He instilled a resourcefulness in me that has proved invaluable.
Christopher P. Eble
Georgia Southern University
2005 BBA Marketing
Vice President, Sales
OTR Capital
Roswell, Georgia
Something unique about my job is:
I was the first GSU grad to work at our family of companies, and we have since hired over 100 GSU graduates across all of our businesses.
Claire
Erlacher-Reid,
DVM, Dipl. ACZM
Georgia Southern University
2003 B.S. Biology
Senior Veterinarian
SeaWorld
Orlando, Florida
My dream vacation is:
SCUBA diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Wilkes Evans
Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S. Construction Management
2009 MBA
Director of Preconstruction
Piedmont Construction Group
Bonaire, Georgia
My favorite song to dance to is:
“This Cowboy’s Hat” by Chris Ledoux
Azell Francis
Georgia Southern University
2013 B.S. Mechanical Engineering
2015 M.S. Applied Engineering
Graduate Research Assistant
University System of Georgia Board of Regents
Peachtree City, Georgia
Something unique about my life is:
I was the first international student to be elected to serve as SGA President at Georgia Southern, and was part of the first graduating class of Mechanical Engineers from Georgia Southern (only woman in May 2013).
Zac Frye
Georgia Southern University
2009 BBA Finance
Market President – Swainsboro
Durden Banking Company, Inc.
Swainsboro, Georgia
My bizzare hobby is:
Playing gin with my 8-year-old.
Mary N.
Githens, MBA
Armstrong State University
2008 BBA Economics
Owner & Founder
Latin Chicks Restaurant & Mint To Be Mojito Bar
Savannah, Georgia
Something unique about my job and life:
I never worked in a restaurant before I opened my own. I am not a chef, but I greatly enjoy eating…. Life is easier when you make your job work for you, rather than work to keep your job. Do what you love, so you will do it with passion and you will never fail or at least consider it a failure.
Stephen P. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Georgia Southern University
2007 B.S. Kinesiology
Assistant Athletic Director, Leadership & Mental Performance
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
My bizzare hobby is:
Watching competitive eating every Fourth of July.
Gloria M. Goosby
Georgia Southern University
2004 B.S. Broadcasting
Director of Annual Giving
Furman University
Greenville, South Carolina
People I admire are:
Elders in my family and smart risk-takers.
Jeffery Grant, SPHR
Georgia Southern University
2003 BBA Human Resources
HR Director
City of Savannah
Richmond Hill, Georgia
Something unique about me is:
I’m a Jamaican-Canadian.
Richard Jeremy Hammond, DMD
Armstrong State University
2006 B.S. Chemistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Sea Pines Oral and Facial Surgery
Brunswick, Georgia
My dream vacation is:
Riverboat cruise around Europe tasting food and wine in all regions.
Kathleen Marie Henry
Armstrong State University
2012 B.A. Economics
Economic Development Director
Wake County Economic Development
Raleigh, North Carolina
My bizzare hobby is:
Buying house plants knowing I have a horrible green thumb — 75% of the time they die. I keep trying!
Samuel Bryant Hosch
Georgia Southern University
2006 BBA Accounting
2007 Master of Accounting
Controller
Piedmont Healthcare, Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
Something unique about me is:
I always have to be on the go whether it be at a concert, playing various sports, at gym or socializing at sport events.
Crystal A. Lattimore, CPT
Georgia Southern University
2012 B.S. Justice Studies
Military Intelligence Officer
U.S. Army
Killeen, Texas
People I admire:
I admire the great leaders serving our country. They are my motivation to continue to serve.
Kimberly M.
Lee-Okonya,
LCSW
Georgia Southern University
2008 B.S. Psychology
Owner/ Founder and Lead Psychotherapist
Life Begins Here Therapeutic & Counseling Services
Atlanta, Georgia
Something unique about my job:
I look at my job as more than just a job, I truly feel like being a psychotherapist is my life calling. In my line of work, I get to create safe spaces for people to just be themselves and to process things they have been suppressing for years, stress management, help them deal with a recent loss or cope with a new life transition amongst other things. I consider the work I do very sacred and take it seriously.
Amy Meehan, PT, DPT
Georgia Southern University
2007 B.S. Kinesiology
Owner/Physical Therapist
Revelle
Atlanta, Georgia
Something unique about my job:
I get the opportunity to help women receive the self care they deserve postpartum and during pregnancy.
Thomas J.
Miller Jr., M.D.
Georgia Southern University
2003 B.S. Biology
Physician
Southern Family Medicine
Statesboro, Georgia
One item I can’t live without is:
Coffee.
Elizabeth
Parizo, MHSA
Armstrong State University
2014 Bachelor of Health Science
2017 Master of Health Services Admin.
Manager, Ambulatory Access Operations
UW Health
Madison, Wisconsin
Something people may not know about me is:
I served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was deployed to Iraq.
Jennifer D. Pavlick
Georgia Southern University
2006 BBA Human Resources
Chief, Data Quality Branch
USCIS Office of the Chief Data Officer
Washington, D.C.
Something people may not know about me is:
I hold the record for the biggest fish caught in my family — a 100-plus-pound halibut pulled out of the mighty Alaskan waters.
James Andrew Payne Jr., Ed.S.
Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education
Principal
Fulton County Schools
Atlanta, Georgia
Something unique about my job and life is:
I once had dreams of playing Major League Baseball. After those dreams ended at Georgia Southern, I became an elementary school teacher. I am passionate about working with young students and helping them succeed.
Kwame Phillips
Armstrong State University
2013 BBA Economics
2015 M.A. Professional Comm. and Leadership
Assistant Director
Johns Hopkins University Office of Multicultural Affairs
Baltimore, Maryland
My dream vacation is:
Exploring the West Coast of Africa.
Nicole Pope, JD
Georgia Southern University
2012 B.A. Political Science
Attorney
Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, PC
Savannah, Georgia
One item I can’t live without is:
My dog, Abby.
Marion Christopher Pugh, Ed. D.
Georgia Southern University
2006 B.S. Broadcasting
2008 Master of Education
2019 Doctor of Education
Owner/Consultant
Manhood Mindset LLC
Statesboro, Georgia
My dream vacation is:
To travel back in time to meet all my ancestors.
Justin S.
Ragan, DMD
Georgia Southern University
2007 B.S. Construction Management
2012 B.S. Biology
Dentist
Wrightsville Family Dental
Wrightsville, Georgia
My bizarre hobby is:
Finding hobbies. My wife calls me a hobby connoisseur.
Zerik K.
Samples, M.Ed.
Armstrong State University
2011 BHS Public and Community Health
2013 M.Ed. Adult Education and Community Leadership
Chief Development Officer
Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Inc.
Brunswick, Georgia
My favorite song to dance to is:
“Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District.
Henry (Trey) Evans Scrudder III
Georgia Southern University
2009 BBA Finance
2011 MBA
Examiner
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Wakefield, Massachusetts
One item I can’t live without is:
Right now it’s my Bluetooth speaker while my wife and I work from home with our 5-month-old.
Zachary Sines
Georgia Southern University
2008 BBA Information Systems
Manager, Senior Recruiter
North Highland Consulting
Atlanta, Georgia
Something people may not know about me is:
Outside of work, I like to do woodworking and play video games (an inspiration to everyone, I’m sure). That pales in comparison to spending time with my wife and pets.
Noelle F. Singleton
Georgia Southern University
2010 B.A International Studies and Modern Language
Founder, CEO, Swim Coach
Afroswimmers Aquatics LLC
Seattle, Washington
Something unique about my job is:
Through my work with Afroswimmers, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with some amazing athletes. Today, my career has led me to work for the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps. In addition to managing my company, I am the diversity and inclusion consultant for the Michael Phelps Foundation.
Demetrius D. Smith, Ed.D.
Georgia Southern University
2009 B.S. Sport Management
2011 M.Ed. Higher Ed. Administration
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
People I greatly admire:
I admire my parents the most. They sacrificed tremendously so I could succeed.
Ursula Spence,
DrPH, MPH
Georgia Southern University
2017 MPH Policy and Management
Director of Programs
Community Health Works
Macon, Georgia
My favorite song to dance to is:
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson. I know and can do the entire dance.
Matt Wise
Georgia Southern University
2008 B.S. Kinesiology
Georgia Southern Campus Director
Athletes In Action
Statesboro, Georgia
My dream vacation is:
To do every “Man vs Food” challenge from the Travel Channel.
The Rev. James Woodall
Georgia Southern University
2016 B.A. Political Science
State President
Georgia NAACP
Atlanta, Georgia
Something unique about my job is:
When I was elected state president, I was the youngest in the 111-year history of our organization to do so. Now as I make it through my first year in office, we have made historic trends in civil rights work by pushing to pass new laws, repeal old ones, bringing new partners to the table and building statewide coalitions to broaden the scope of our advocacy.