# UOPX Alumni Luminary Awards

## Celebrating distinguished University of Phoenix alumni

# UOPX Alumni Luminary awards

# Celebrating distinguished University of Phoenix alumni

The UOPX Alumni Luminaries program honors 76 exceptional alumni each year for their achievements in industry leadership, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

**Hear from Provost Dr. John Woods about the UOPX Alumni Luminaries initiative.**

The UOPX Alumni Luminaries program honors 76 exceptional alumni each year for their achievements in industry leadership, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

[Meet this year's Luminaries](#luminariesList)[About the selection process](#luminariesChoosing)[Meet the Luminaries](#luminariesList)[About the selection process](#luminariesChoosing)
## What makes a UOPX Alumni Luminary? 

Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix recognizes 76 Alumni Luminaries each year who represent the brightest examples of how a University of Phoenix education can ignite lasting impact. These distinguished University of Phoenix alumni illuminate the path for others as innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields.

×  

**Hear from Provost Dr. John Woods about the UOPX Alumni Luminaries initiative.**

## 2026 UOPX Alumni Luminaries

Introducing the 2026 class of University of Phoenix Alumni Luminaries.

1. Community Leadership
2. Industry Leadership
3. Entrepreneurship
Community LeadershipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - I

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Kimberly Bell

BSB/M-39, 2001; MBA, 2007**Former Sandy City Deputy Mayor**

Sandy City

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-singleton-bell-5a39765/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Timothy Brand

MM, 2006**CEO and Founder**

Many Hands

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-brand-73bb867/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### David Caldwell

MBA, 1999**Chief Financial Officer**

St. Jude's Ranch for Children

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-caldwell-5193abb/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Luis Carrillo

BSIT/DBM, 2002; MBA/GM, 2004**Senior VP, Global Procurement**

Bank of America

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisdcarrillo/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Jimmy Godard

MSCIS, 2005; DM/IT, 2022**Chief Technology Officer**

State of Oregon

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-godard/)
### J - R

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Jennifer Litomisky

MAOM, 2000**Chief Executive Officer**

Ronald McDonald House Detroit

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-litomisky-038a0043/)
### S - Z

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Meme Styles

BS/COM, 2009**President**

Measure

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/meme-s-5bb631bb/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Melissa Villa

MBA/GM, 2000**Founder and Executive Director**

Project PEARLS USA

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-villa-0b1a6913a/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Ebony Webber

CERT/TMGT, 2009; MBA, 2011**Chief Executive Officer**

MANRRS

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonywebber/)Industry LeadershipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - I

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Daryl Caudle

DM/IST, 2010**Chief of Naval Operations**

U.S. Navy

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-caudle-5a78478/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Dr. Michael Deinhart

BSB/M, 2006**VP Engineering & Network Operations**

T-Mobile

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedienhart/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Ross Grainger

MBA, 2015**Chief Financial Officer**

Nasuni

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossgrainger/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Daniel Hollingsworth

BSB/M, 2008**Vice President Client Service Lead**

Formerlly JP Morgan Chase

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfhollingsworth/)
### J - R

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Dr. Shelley Johnson

EDD, 2010**CAO and Provost**

Joyce University

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyjohnson-edd/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### James Marshall

BSB/A, 1997**Chief Executive Officer**

Greenrise Technologies

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marshall-wg04/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Jennifer Mellor

MBA, 2005**Chief Innovation Officer**

Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermellor/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Dr. Daryl Minus

EDD, 2008**President**

Eastern Shore Community College

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-minus-ed-d-91745828/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Timothy Riffe

BSB, 2017**CEO and Founder**

LifeNavigator Inc.

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-riffe-570b2631)
### S - Z

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Jake Searle

BSM, 2016; MBA, 2019**Chief Operating Officer**

Coleman Oil Company

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesearle-48/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Steve Sherman

MBA, 1998**Chief Operating Officer**

There With Care

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermansteve/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Michael Sommer

MBA, 1997**Executive Director, FP&A Digital, Data Analytics and Technology**

CVS Health

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sommer-mba-86359b7/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Jessica Taylor

MBA, 2011**Vice President Communications**

Meritage Homes

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawhitetaylor/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Charlotte Westphal

BSB/M-39, 1997; MBA, 2008**CHRO**

MzTech Talent

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-w-7a9680/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Dr. Robin Yap

DM, 2013**Chief Executive and Learning Innovation Officer**

Point North

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinyap/)EntrepreneurshipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - I

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Amaury Agonicillo

| BSB/A, 2007 |
|---|

**President**

| Ventura Medtech Solutions, LLC |
|---|

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amauryjagoncillo/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Jorean Henderson

AAFB, 2011; BSB/M, 2013; MBA, 2015**Operating Partner**

Momo's Cajun Eatz

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorean-henderson-mba-1a0bb92a/)
### J - R

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Orlando Jimenez

MBA 2024**Owner and Founder**

Dos Bros Coffee

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlando-jimenez-0b9221133/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Diana Kallojeri Morales

BSM 2013**CEO and Principal**

DM Biotech Consulting

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-morales-consulting/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Mario Kroll

MBA/MKT 2008    **Founder and President**

UberStrategist, Inc.

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariokroll/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Charles Loveless

BSM, 2011; MBA, 2016**CEO and Owner**

Catalyst Coaching and Mentoring

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyloveless/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Joseph Majewski

BSBA, 1992; MBA, 1998**Owner and President**

Majek Growth, LLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-majewski-60163512/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Shawnte McKinnon

AAB, 2008; BSB/A, 2011**CEO and Principal Consultant**

McKinnon Strategic Consulting Group

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnte-mckinnon-mba-8268249/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Sam Peña

BSB/M, 2011; MSP, 2019**Owner and Investor**

Team Legacy Accounting

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampe%25C3%25B1a/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Breck Rice

BSBA, 1996; MBA, 1999**CRO and Co-Founder**

ServRx,Inc.

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/breckrice/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Brent Roberts

MBA/TM, 1998**President**

Kids Dental Brands

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentcroberts/)
### S - Z

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Camille Salter

DM, 2012**     CEO and Founder**

Pathway Consulting

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-salter-dm/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Brenda Siri

DM, 2012**CEO and President**

Corporate Connections, LLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-siri/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Jameka Whitten

MAOM, 2004**CEO and Founder    **

JSW Media Group

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamekawhitten/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
### Duke Windsor

BSM, 025**Fine Artist        **

 

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dukewindsor/)
## Previous Luminaries

### Class of 2025

Get to know the very first class of distinguished UOPX alumni honored for their outstanding achievements in community leadership, industry and entrepreneurship.

1. Community Leadership
2. Industry Leadership
3. Entrepreneurship
Community LeadershipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - C

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. J'Marcus Adams

MAOM, 2004; DBA, 2010**Lieutenant of Police**

Houston Police Department

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarcusadams/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Scott Andrews

BSB/M, 2007**CEO and County Manager**

Doña Ana County

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscottandrews/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Bryce Beckstrom

BSM, 2021**Director of IT**

Genesis

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycebeckstrom/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Hodari Brown

MBA, 2010**Minister**

Triumph Church

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hodariptbrown/)
### D - F

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Derrick Taylor David

MBA, 2008; MS/P, 2010**DevOps Release Engineer III,**

Republic Services

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/derricktaylordavid/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Mark De Young

MAED/CI, 2016**Registered Behavorial Therapist**

Hopebridge

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-de-young-31a48274/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Shirley Dominick

DM, 2008**CEO and President**

Agile Business Concepts

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-dominick-a5824a2/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
### Beverly Felton

MSN, 2004**Public Health Director**

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-felton-msn-rn-22503a30/)
### G - K

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### William Gordon

BSB/A, 1996; MBA-CB, 2024**Vice President of Sales**

Southwest Insurance Agents Alliance

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/siaa/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Raven Hilden

AACJ, 2012; BSHA/M, 2014**CEO**

MilVet

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-hilden-93247555/)
### L - P

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Jared Langkilde

BSB/M-39, 2000**President & CEO**

HonorHealth Foundation

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredlangkilde/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Martha Lobos Amaya

HM, 2014; BSHA/HMC, 2015; MBA, 2018**Founder**

Connect Impact Hub

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-lobos-amaya/)
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Melany Nelson

BSB/M, 2007; MAED/AET, 2009; MAED/TL, 2015**Executive Director**

Northwest Victim Services

### Q - T

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Christopher Townsend Sr.

AACJ, 2011; BSCJA/M, 2013; MSP, 2015; DM, 2023**Executive Director**

Carriage Town Ministries

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-c-townsend-sr-dm-5970897a/)
### U - Z

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Malcolm Yates

BSB/M, 2012**Managing Partner & Head of Government Relations**

Maven, Inc.

Industry LeadershipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - C

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Gary Batara

BSM, 2019; MBA-CB, 2022**Chief Marketing Officer**

Hungry

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Bonita Birollo

BSB/M, 2002**Chief Retail Officer**

WHSmith North America

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonita-bonnie-birollo-mba-cpa-cec-2265633/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Michael Bullock

MBA, 2015**Deputy Chief**

Sandy City Fire Department

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bullock-mba-nrp-00491191/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Laura Caswell

MBA, 2009**CEO**

Southern Indian Health Council

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-caswell/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Quincy Chapman

BSB/MG, 2016**Senior Organizational Transformation and Change Manager**

CHG Healthcare

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/quincy-w-chapman-pmp-277ab681/)
### D - F

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Fernando De La Peña Llaca

MIS, 2012; DM/IST, 2022**CEO and President**

Aexa Aerospace, LLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-fernando-de-la-pe%25C3%25B1a-llaca-53b3b2124/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Jerome Fletcher

MPA, 2014**City Manager**

City of North Port, FL

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### David Dodge

BSB/M-39, 1999**Vice President of Business & Code Development**

McKEON Door Company

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-l-dodge-69a6089/)
### G - K

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Ruby Gill

BSN, 2004; MBA/HCM, 2006**Chief Operating Officer**

Kaiser Permanente

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### James Hollins

MAOM, 2002**Execution Deputy Manager for Device Assembly Facility**

Retired

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hollins)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Patrick Horton

BSIT, 2008; MBA, 2009; DM/IST, 2018**Vice President of Program Management**

Tampa Microwave

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-horton-15668b22b/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Hannah Hurckes

BSACC, 2024**CEO**

Boss Lady Logistics

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahhurckes/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Mautra Staley Jones

MBA, 2006**President**

Oklahoma City Community College

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mautra-staley-jones-ed-d-70566b3/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. David Jordan Jr.

MBA, 2008**Editor-in-Chief**

ESHE Magazine INC™

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/djordanjr/)
### L - P

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Lisa Lea

DNP, 2023**Director, Patient Insights**

Merck

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lea-dnp-fnp-c-bcmas-5617aa45/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Gloria Littlemouse

PhD, RN, MSN-ED 2022**Assistant Professor**

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/drglorialittlemouse/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Predrag Markovic

DM, 2015**CEO and President**

Dr. P. B. Markovic Project

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-p-b-markovic-078817165/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Patricia McGurk

BS/P, 2013**Chief Patrol Agent (Retired)**

United States Border Patrol

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-mcgurk-016967283/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Reyes Medrano

BAM, 1995**City Manager**

City of Tolleson

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyes-medrano-6909993/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Stephen Paskel

BSB/M, 2012; MBA, 2022**Founder and President**

CMIT Solutions of Biltmore

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-paskel/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Mari Patel

MHA, 2010; DM, 2016**CEO**

Incyte Diagnostics

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-patel-dm-mha-ct-ascp-htl-b59b546/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Tan Pham

BSACC, 2019**Fixed Wing Superintendent**

United States Air Force

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tan-pham-7634868a/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Matthew Phillips

BSM, 2023**Chief of Staff and Customer Service Officer**

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-phillips-83696610/)
### Q - T

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Debbie Qaqish

DBA, 2019**Partner & Chief Strategy Officer**

The Pedowitz Group

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dqaqish/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Cherie Rebar

MSN/MBA/HC, 2005**Nursing Education Consultant; Professor of Nursing**

Galen College of Nursing

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherierebar/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Cherie Smith

PHD/NUR, 2017**President**

OhioHealth

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cherie-smith-phd-rn-nea-bc-07b79631/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Greg Sylvester II

MSCIS, 2003**Senior Director of Systems Engineering and Analytics**

Google Cloud

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsylvester/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Rocky Thompson

BSSEC, 2024**Operations Superintendent**

United States Air Force

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-thompson-24a33b89/)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. LaTanya Tyson

PHD/HEA, 2015**President**

Carolina Christian College

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/drltyson/)
### U - Z

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Janet Walsh

DBA, 2016**President & CEO**

Birchtree Global, LLC

EntrepreneurshipExpand AllCollapse All
### A - C

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Victor Cruz

AAFB, 2013; BSB/M, 2015; MBA, 2017**Chief Executive Officer**

Terra Manor (DBA Hugs Foster Family Agency)

### D - F

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Brian Dickinson

MBA/TM, 2003**Owner**

Focused Ascent, LLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Nicholas Dillon

MAED/AEDL, 2005**Founder and CEO**

Believe Wellness Center PLLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasdillon/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Briaca Duesette

AAHCA/MR, 2015**Founder and CEO**

Animation Discovery Studio

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/briaca-duesette-185952252/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Khalilah Walker Filmore

BSHA, 2006**CEO**

MEDkeen Solutions

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/khayfilmore/)
### G - K

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Kevin Gazzara

DM, 2001**Senior Partner**

MAGNA Leadership Solutions, LLC

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingazzara/)
### L - P

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Jenica Lindquist

MAED/AET, 2013**Founder and Principal**

Eleanor Rose Education Center

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenica-lindquist-a6974a4/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Pamela Lindsay

EDD/CI, 2019**Co-Founder and Director of Research and Programs**

College of Adaptive Arts

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pamela-lindsay-9001602b/)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Erica McCrae

MBA, 2013; DM, 2019**CEO**

Homewatch CareGivers of McDonough and Middle Georgia

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-mccrae-dm-mba-07bb55b1/)
### Q - T

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Lori Robertson

MSN/FNP, 2004**Owner and Clinical Director**

Skin Perfect Medical - Brea, Ca

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-robertson-msn-phn-aprn-fnp-c-34a9ab52/)
### U - Z

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

> 
#### Dr. Shaun Ward

MBA, 2009; DM, 2017**Founder and CEO**

SLW Group

[LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunlward/)
**BEHIND THE SCENES**

## Choosing the UOPX Alumni Luminaries 

Learn more about the nomination process, selection panel and how honorees are chosen each year.

**Lori R**| MSN/FNP

**Reyes M** | BAM

**Lisa L**| DNP

### Nomination process 

University of Phoenix invites all alumni, as well as their leaders, friends, mentors and peers, to nominate individuals for this distinguished alumni award. Anyone may nominate an individual who exemplifies the spirit of UOPX alumni excellence.

### Selection process 

Each year, a dedicated panel selects 76 UOPX alumni whose leadership and impact stand out among the broader alumni community. Honorees will be featured on this site, awarded digital credentials and celebrated at special events.

## Meet the 2026 UOPX Alumni Luminaries selection panel

Drawing on their extensive experience in higher education and career development, the 2026 panel selected this year's 76 honorees from a pool of hundreds of remarkable candidates.

### John Woods, PhD

Chief Academic Officer & Provost

[Dr. John Woods](/about/leadership/john-woods.html)leads academic strategy, innovation and quality across University of Phoenix’s programs, overseeing a team of academic leaders and 2,500+ practitioner faculty. With over 15 years of experience as a CAO and a background in teaching, he holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University and degrees from Carleton University.

#### See More See Less

### Andrea Smiley, MS, APR

VP, Public Relations

Andrea Smiley oversees strategic communications and public relations for University of Phoenix, including media relations, stakeholder communications, issues management, crisis communications, executive communications, content marketing and corporate social responsibility.

#### See More See Less

### Jay Titus

VP & GM of Workforce Solutions Group

Jay Titus leads strategy and operations for workforce development and upskilling solutions nationwide. A recognized thought leader in employer-sponsored education benefits, Jay’s insights have been featured in outlets including Forbes, CFO.com, Human Resource Executive, INC, HRMorning, and FOX Business.

#### See More See Less

### Briana Houlihan, MBA

Dean, College of General Studies

As the dean for the College of General studies,[Briana Houlihan](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/deans/deans/briana-houlihan/briana-houlihan.html)oversees all academic operations impacting students, including curriculum, programs, faculty, student support and resources, and academic policies. She focuses on developing courses that strike the right balance between imparting skills with career relevance and preparing students for long-term academic success. She has previously served as the assistant dean of operations, campus and academic director, and director of students services at University of Phoenix.

#### See More See Less

### Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP

Dean, College of Business and IT

Currently overseeing the business and IT programs at University of Phoenix,[Kathryn Uhle’s](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/deans/deans/kathryn-uhles/kathryn-uhles.html)has held roles across student services, operations, curriculum, and academics. As Associate Dean, she’s developed 13 new IT degree and certificate programs and expanded partnerships with CompTIA and EC Council. Her leadership has consistently earned the University EC Council’s Circle of Excellence award during her tenure.

#### See More See Less

### John Ramirez, MBA, USA CSM (ret)

Dean of Operations, College of Doctoral Studies

[John Ramirez](/media-center/press-release/2016/10/university-of-phoenix-congratulates-retired-command-sgt-maj-john-ramirez-for-receiving-the-association-of-latino-professionals-for-america-2016-veteran-of-the-year-award.html)served in the United States Army for 27 years and has been with University of Phoenix since November 2004. He has held numerous positions that include senior operations manager and vice president of external military relations. In addition to being active in multiple organizations supporting veterans and other causes, Ramirez has been inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame and was recognized as one of 50 Arizona business leaders to watch in 2024.

#### See More See Less

## FAQ 

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### What are the University of Phoenix Alumni Luminaries?

The Luminaries refer to an exclusive group of 76 alumni recognized for significant success in their industry, in entrepreneurship or through community leadership. In acknowledgement of their status as Luminaries, they receive:

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Digital credentials they can share on networking and social media platforms,

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Recognition on the University of Phoenix website, and

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An invitation to an annual celebration hosted by the University.

 

### Why 76 alumni?

University of Phoenix was founded in 1976. By selecting 76 Luminaries every year, we honor our legacy of serving adult students.

Note: Not all 76 Luminaries are listed here.

### How does the selection process work?

Anyone can nominate an alum for the Luminaries by visiting the landing page.  Nominations are open annually from September through mid-December. Admittance to the UOPX Alumni Luminaries is determined by a rotating committee of university leadership.

### What are the evaluation criteria?

Luminaries must:

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Have graduated from the University of Phoenix

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Have impacted their industry or organization’s productivity in a measurable way, OR

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Have launched, grown and led their own successful business or franchise for more than a year, OR

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Have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to improving their community through service, awareness or financial contributions. 

### What if I am not selected?

Nominees will not be contacted unless they are selected as Luminaries. If you are not selected this year, you can be nominated next year.

### If I am selected, will or can I be inducted again in future years?

You may be nominated and selected in future years, although it is not guaranteed.

### Can I share the news of my Luminaries status?

All Luminaries will receive a digital badge they can share on social media (e.g., LinkedIn and other platforms) to highlight their achievement and recognition. Inductees who attend the celebratory weekend may be photographed, and those images may be used in select marketing materials.

### Can I join the selection committee?

To ensure impartiality, the selection committee consists of university leaders. Alumni are recognized but not part of the selection committee.

 

### What does an inducted alum need to commit to?

Nothing. Luminaries will be notified of the honor and invited to attend a celebratory weekend event. 

They will also receive digital credentials they may choose to share on social platforms. They are under no obligation to share, attend or otherwise participate.