Volunteer 40 Under 40
Recognizing alumni under the age of 40 excelling personally and professionally since completing their degree at UT.
Meet the Class of 2026
Criteria and Eligibility
Criteria
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumni in good standing
- Significant impact on industry or field
- 39 years of age or younger by December 31, 2025
- Civic or professional achievements
- Outstanding service to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Award winners must be available to attend the in-person Volunteer 40 Under 40 event held February 27, 2026
Eligibility
The following members are NOT eligible for 40 Under 40 Awards:
- UT Knoxville Board of Directors
- UT Knoxville Young Alumni Council Members
- UT Promise Alumni Award Recipients
- UT Knoxville Advancement Staff Members
- UT Knoxville 40 Under 40 Steering Committee Members
Kylie Amos
Bachelor’s in kinesiology (’17)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Physician Assistant
Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America, Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital
- Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Lincoln Memorial University
- US and international relief and medical outreach volunteer
Kylie Amos specializes in burn, trauma, and reconstructive surgery through her experience at burn units across the nation. She performs advanced surgical first-assist roles and critical care management while contributing to research that advances patient care. Dedicated to service, she leads initiatives with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Red Cross disaster relief, and global medical outreach. As a mentor and surgical preceptor, Amos exemplifies compassion and innovation, fostering the next generation of health care leaders.
Cole Bartels
Master’s in music performance (’19)
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
Assistant Professor of Trombone
Central Michigan University
- Award-winning trombonist and educator
- Original artist performing on international stages
Cole Bartels teaches applied trombone, conducts the Trombone Choir, and coaches brass chamber music at Central Michigan University. An award-winning performer and advocate for new music, Bartels has commissioned and premiered over 40 works, releasing his debut solo album, On the Brink, in 2022. He is a founding member of Beltline Bones, an experimental trombone quartet whose latest album, Audiogenica (2024), explores electroacoustic repertoire. In 2024, he received a grant to commission a work for professional trombone soloists and high school bands, premiering and touring nationally in 2026–27. Bartels has appeared at the International Trombone Festival and American Trombone Workshop, and has performed with ensembles including the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Charley Bible
MBA (’15)
Haslam College of Business
President, Design + Build
KaTom Restaurant Supply
- Innovator in design and business
- Knox News 40 Under 40 recipient
- FEDA Accomplished Young Industry Leader Gold Award winner
Charley Bible’s leadership transformed KaTom from a small family business into one of the nation’s top foodservice equipment distributors. He has spearheaded strategic initiatives that expanded sales, design, and project management teams, fueling exponential growth. Bible is deeply committed to community service and actively supports organizations such as the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley, and The Mend House. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and family.
Molly Brinkmann
Bachelor’s in animal science (’10)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Doctor in veterinary medicine (’15)
College of Veterinary Medicine
Owner
The Local Vets
- Creator and Host of The Dr. Molly Podcast
- Co-founder of The Companion Project
- Passionate animal health advocate, practitioner, and educator
Molly Brinkmann is a veterinarian in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing education and animal health. She began her career in Colorado practicing both large and small animal medicine, and over the past seven years has excelled in small animal care as Medical Director at Beauchamp Animal Hospital. Brinkmann plans to open her own practice in 2026. Known online as Dr. Molly, she has built a social media following of more than 500,000 and hosts The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, promoting pet health education and combating misinformation. She regularly provides free veterinary care for pets in need and serves as Communications Director for the Senior and Geriatric Dog Society.
Steven Brown
Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences (’10)
College of Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor; Chief of Sports and Exercise Medicine; Director of Point-of-Care Ultrasound
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Doctor of Medicine; Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine
- Team physician to multiple professional sports teams
Steven Brown, a nationally recognized leader in family and primary care sports medicine and educator, serves as team physician for UAB Football, Birmingham Stallions, Birmingham Legion FC, Birmingham Bulls Hockey, and Alabama Ballet. Brown is a sought-after speaker on ultrasound, concussion care, and orthobiologics, with publications in leading medical journals, including the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. He holds leadership roles with the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, providing medical oversight for major sporting events, advancing athlete safety and community health access.
Christina Cogburn
Bachelor’s in business analytics (’14)
Haslam College of Business
Senior Manager, Retail Data Analytics
Pilot Company
- Proven leader in data-driven decision-making
- Mentorship chair for Knoxville Technology Council’s Women in Tech
Christina Cogburn leverages data strategy, analytics, and cross-functional leadership to drive business performance and innovation at Pilot Company. She is a passionate advocate for women in technology and leadership roles in the Knoxville community and serves on the UT Haslam College of Business Young Alumni Board as a dedicated mentor, helping students discover and navigate their career paths.
Andrea Cote
Master’s in public health (’14)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Doctor in veterinary medicine (’15)
College of Veterinary Medicine
Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
- Leading epidemiologist and researcher for national public health institutions
- Commissioned into US Public Health Service in 2016
Andrea Cote is a dedicated public health professional and veterinary epidemiologist with a passion for mentoring future leaders. In her current role, she addresses foodborne disease outbreaks and zoonotic threats. Following her commission into the U.S. Public Health Service, she served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the CDC, where she led investigations of zoonotic disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. She actively gives back by mentoring future public health professionals and serving as president-elect for the Atlanta UT Alumni Chapter.
Ronnie Cowan
Bachelor’s in wildlife and fisheries science (’12);
Herbert College of Agriculture
Master’s in agricultural leadership, education, and communications (’15)
Herbert College of Agriculture
UT Extension Outdoor Recreation Specialist
UT Institute of Agriculture, School of Natural Resources
- Certified Wildlife Biologist
- Founder of the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo
- Extension administrator at two land-grant universities
Ronnie Cowan leads statewide initiatives in hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation in his role at UT. As a lifelong outdoorsman, he inspires others to embrace America’s outdoor heritage and conservation ethic. A first-generation college graduate, Cowan has dedicated his career to expanding access to conservation education and outdoor opportunities. His efforts have reached more than 20,000 individuals annually, engaged over 5,000 youth in 4-H programs, and launched 12 new conservation initiatives in partnership with nonprofits and state agencies. Cowan is currently pursuing a PhD in natural resources, researching barriers to outdoor participation among diverse audiences.
Thomas Cruise
Bachelor’s in communication (’17)
College of Communication and Information
Master’s in educational psychology (’20)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Director
UT Veterans Success Center
- US Air Force Veteran
- Advocate for Military Student Success
Thomas Cruise works to expand opportunities for veterans while strengthening UT’s mission of service and student success in his university role leading strategic initiatives to support veterans and military-affiliated students. Cruise served six years at Eglin Air Force Base as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, overseeing F-16 fighter jet operations and mentoring service members through technical training. After transitioning from military service, he earned both degrees from UT—an experience that fuels his commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and resource development for military, veteran, and non-traditional students.
Rachel Cruze
Bachelor’s in communication studies (’10)
College of Communication and Information
Author and Host
Ramsey Solutions
- #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author
- Podcast host for The Rachel Cruze Show and Smart Money Happy Hour
- Nationally regarded financial coach
Rachel Cruze, a celebrated author, Ramsey Personality, and certified financial coach, helps people take control of their money and live debt-free. In addition to her own podcasts, Cruze frequently appears on The Ramsey Show and speaks at events across the country on practical strategies for budgeting, building wealth, and overcoming financial stress. Author of multiple best-selling books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, Cruze has been featured on major media outlets such as Good Morning America and the Today show, exposing cultural money myths and empowering people to find hope, financial peace, and true contentment.
Joshua Cunningham
Master’s in communication (’17)
College of Communication and Information
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Quantum Science Center
- Protected Data Manager for the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility
- Knox News 40 Under 40 recipient
- Author of The AI of the Beholder: Art and Creativity in the Age of Algorithms
Joshua Cunningham supports national research in quantum computing, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence. He managed the installation of Quoll, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s first commercial quantum computer, named one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025. A published researcher and author, Cunningham’s work explores AI-generated art, algorithmic aesthetics, and human-computer interaction, advancing ethical innovation at the intersection of technology and society.
Ashley Curl
Master’s in nursing (’16)
College of Nursing
Owner and Provider
AgeWell Medical
- First-generation entrepreneur
- Founder of a veteran health care nonprofit
Ashley Curl, founder and leader of a nurse-owned, woman-led concierge wellness clinic in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, delivers personalized, root-cause-focused care while advocating for preventive medicine and championing female leadership in health care. Curl transitioned from urgent care and men’s health to launch an independent practice—singlehandedly and with no outside investment—to offer hormone optimization, medical weight loss, IV hydration, peptide therapy, and functional wellness. Passionate about innovation and patient autonomy, Curl mentors nurse practitioners nationwide to open their own practices and is developing a nonprofit to fund testosterone therapy for underserved veterans.
Matthew Davis
MBA (’20)
Haslam College of Business
President and CEO
West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians
- Founder and leader for the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- West Virginia Immunization Advocacy Award winner
Matthew Davis drives statewide initiatives in governance modernization and legislative engagement through the organizations he created and leads in West Virginia. An emergency medicine physician with West Virginia University Medicine, he guided hospitals through the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing patient safety and workforce wellbeing. As a clinical professor at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Davis has mentored future physicians for over a decade, championing rural health. Through his role as Seneca District Chair for Scouting America, Davis is deeply committed to fostering youth leadership and rural outreach.
David Erpenbach
Bachelor’s in exercise science (’09)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Doctor of Medical Science Program Director; Assistant Professor
South College
- Inaugural Program Director for South College doctoral program
- Research Excellence Award from A.T. Still University
- Member of Pi Alpha, the national PA honor society
David Erpenbach developed a passion for health care while serving on the Lady Vols Athletic Training staff and building lifelong connections through athletics and campus life during his time as a UT student. He completed the South College Physician Assistant (PA) Program and later earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree with a concentration in leadership from A.T. Still University. With more than 12 years of clinical experience in orthopedic trauma, arthroplasty, and spine surgery, Erpenbach contributes as a sub-investigator in clinical research trials. In his role at South College, he pioneered a nationally recognized competency-based education model and continues advancing PA doctoral education as a consortium member.
Kaitlin Floyd
MBA (’21)
Haslam College of Business
Olympic Marketing Account Supervisor
GMR Marketing
- National marketing leader in Olympic and Paralympic campaigns
- Champion for female athletes and community-centered sports initiatives
Kaitlin Floyd began her career with the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Olympic and Paralympic movement, leading national Olympic marketing campaigns for iconic P&G brands such as Secret, Venus, and Olay. In her current role, Floyd is in the planning stages for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, blending a strategic, process-driven approach with creativity and a love for sports in the campaigns she oversees. Her proudest achievement is the Paris 2024 campaign, “Train Like an Olympian, Smell Like You Didn’t,” which partnered Secret with Ilona Maher and USA Women’s Rugby. This initiative not only elevated brand equity in an emerging sport but also championed financial support for female athletes through contract negotiations.
Ramon Foster
Bachelor’s in sociology (’08)
College of Arts and Sciences
Broadcaster
Vol Network
- Offensive lineman for the Steelers, playing in Super Bowl XLV
- Respected broadcaster, co-hosting Ramon and Will on 104.5 FM The Zone in Nashville
- Color Analyst for The Vol Network
Ramon Foster displays leadership, professionalism, and connection to the Tennessee family, embodying the Volunteer spirit. Foster was a standout on the Volunteer football team before enjoying an 11-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he became one of the most consistent and respected offensive linemen in franchise history. From 2009 to 2019, he started 145 of 160 games, ranking second all-time among Steelers guards, and was a key contributor to four AFC North championship teams. Since retiring, Foster remains involved with the NFL and NFLPA and continues making an impact off the field as a color analyst for the Vol Network.
Zac Giffin
Bachelor’s in psychology (’13)
College of Arts and Sciences
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Rho
- Champion for community service and food security initiatives
- Advocate for adolescent well-being and volunteer leadership
Zac Giffin found a passion for service and storytelling as a third-generation Volunteer at UT, including through VOLthon, which raises funds for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He earned a master’s in communication with an emphasis in health communication from East Carolina University, where he was named Graduate Student of the Year in 2022. Now at Rho, a global contract research organization, Giffin leads content strategy and development. He serves on the UT Psychology Alumni Advisory Board, supporting students and alumni, and champions adolescent well-being and volunteer leadership through the Council on Adolescents of Catawba County, as well as a campus grocery hub addressing food insecurity.
Denise Gosnell
PhD in computer science (’14)
Tickle College of Engineering
CEO
Denise Gosnell Consulting
- Nationally regarded AI expert
- Innovator, owner, and originator of multiple patents
- Author of Tech Confidential (2025) and The Practitioner’s Guide to Graph Data (2020)
Denise Gosnell defines her career as translating computation into human connection, from architecting the databases at Amazon Web Services that power the AI wave to leading data strategy at the heart of Silicon Valley. During her time at UT, she pioneered research in graph theory and social fingerprinting, securing two NSF grants and multiple patents. Her engineering work has powered some of the largest graph and AI systems in the world, and her leadership shaped unicorn startups, including DataStax, which successfully exited to IBM. Today, as CEO of her own AI strategy firm, she scales billion-dollar systems, mentors future innovators, and helps organizations embrace AI without losing humanity.
Lindsay Jackson
Bachelor’s in communication studies (’10)
College of Communication and Information
City Planner
City of Dallas
- Proven planner for multiple high-profile redevelopment projects
- Licensed realtor of 10-plus years
- Active member of multiple professional and community organizations
Lindsay Jackson is a champion for equitable, sustainable urban growth and an accomplished urban planner and real estate professional with a proven record of shaping transformative development projects. She leads implementation of long-range plans for the City of Dallas, including the South Dallas Fair Park Area Plan, and directs community engagement for Forward Dallas 2.0, the city’s comprehensive land use plan. Her expertise drives collaboration among city departments, developers, and stakeholders to deliver innovative land use and zoning strategies that support infill development, small businesses, and housing preservation. Previously, Jackson advanced major redevelopment initiatives in Memphis, including Liberty Park and the Historic Cossitt Library renovation.
Vincent Johnson
Bachelor’s in communication (’14)
College of Communication and Information
Manager, Sports Research
ESPN
- ESPN media veteran of 10-plus years
- Two-time Emmy Award winner for contributions to ESPN’s SportsCenter
Vincent Johnson combines analytical expertise with a creative vision to deliver compelling content that resonates with fans worldwide in his role with ESPN. He leads a team dedicated to chronicling sports history through innovative, data-driven storytelling across linear, digital, and social platforms. With a passion for mentorship and service, Johnson volunteers on the board of the Weingart YMCA Wellness and Aquatic Center and for his church. He guides young professionals entering the sports media industry and has been an ambassador for ESPN at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention for the past four years. Additionally, Johnson is a competitive professional bodybuilder.
Jeremy Kourvelas
Bachelor’s in psychology (’14);
College of Arts and Sciences;
Master’s in public health (’22)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Substance Use Program Coordinator
UT Institute for Public Service, SMART Initiative
- Director of the SMART Policy Network and host of SMART Policy Podcast
- Penn State Research-to-Policy Scholar Award recipient
Jeremy Kourvelas helps lead the Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee (SMART) Initiative as the official partner of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, providing technical assistance to county governments on effective use of opioid settlement funds. Under his leadership, SMART expanded from a two-person team to nine staff members, scaling statewide program implementation and evaluation. Kourvelas directs the SMART Policy Network, produces and hosts the SMART Policy Podcast, and delivers nationally recognized drug policy analysis. His innovative projects include overdose reversal stations in music venues and legislative evidence consultation, combating substance misuse and strengthening communities through evidence-based solutions.
Pierce LaMacchia
Bachelor’s in communication (’12)
College of Communication and Information
Co-founder and CEO
K Brew
- Two-time Rocky Top Business Award winner
- Pinnacle Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- UT Chancellor’s Associates member
Pierce LaMacchia launched K Brew Coffee & Bagels with his brother, Michael, in 2013 and has since expanded the business to six cafés in Knoxville. In 2024, K Brew became the first local business invited onto the UT campus by Vol Dining, opening K Brew Express cafés and serving four dining halls. Beyond business, LaMacchia guest lectures at the UT Haslam College of Business and actively supports community initiatives, including Street Hope TN and UT entrepreneurship competitions.
Dani Miller
Bachelor’s in interior design (’12)
College of Architecture and Design
Principal and Owner
Lauderdale Design Group
- Recipient of AIA Award of Merit for Tennessee National
- UT Chancellor’s Associates member
- Rocky Top Business Award winner
Dani Miller has grown the team at Knoxville-based Lauderdale Design Group from two to nine full-time employees—all UT alumni—and earned prestigious honors, including UT’s Rocky Top Business Award. Her career spans Knoxville and locations across Tennessee, Los Angeles, and New York City, where she managed Cadillac’s global dealership rebrand across the U.S. and seven international markets. Miller combines visionary leadership with deep design expertise, shaping Lauderdale’s success and industry influence.
Cohl Morgan
Bachelor’s in finance (’19)
Haslam College of Business
Co-founder and Executive Vice President
PWA Properties
- Knox News 40 Under 40 recipient
- Winner of East Tennessee Realtors Rising Star award
- Established the Vols Beat Cancer Scholarship Endowment
Cohl Morgan, born and raised in Knoxville, turned his lifelong dream into reality by graduating summa cum laude from UT and launching a career in commercial real estate. He quickly became the fastest agent in company history to surpass $100 million in sales and earned multiple awards. In 2025, Morgan founded PWA Properties, a full-service commercial real estate development, design, and brokerage firm. Following his own battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he established the Vols Beat Cancer Scholarship Endowment—the first of its kind at UT—to provide financial aid for students affected by cancer.
Andrew Morrison
Master’s in social work (’24)
College of Social Work
Intake Coordinator
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone
- Army combat infantry veteran
- Advocate for military mental health
Andrew Morrison is an Army combat infantry veteran who deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado. After his service, Morrison dedicated himself to supporting military members and their families through volunteer work and roles within Department of Defense agencies while living in Vicenza, Italy. Witnessing the need for quality behavioral health care, he pursued his passion by earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Hawaii and gaining hands-on experience at a Veteran Center. Completing his UT degree in May 2024, Morrison now serves at a military family clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee, fulfilling his mission of providing high-quality mental health care and raising awareness about suicide prevention.
Wayd Odle
Master’s in music, vocal performance concentration (’20)
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
Studio Artist
The Atlanta Opera
- GRAMMY-nominated tenor
- Winner of multiple Audience Choice Awards
- Giulio Gari Foundation Career Grant recipient
Wayd Odle, a GRAMMY-nominated tenor, is praised for his smooth tone and artistry. A versatile performer, he has sung leading roles such as Nemorino and Rodolfo and has stepped in last-minute as Don José. As a 2024 Atlanta Opera Studio Artist, Odle performed the 1st Armored Man in Die Zauberflöte and covered Tamino and Malcolm (Macbeth). With prestigious recognitions and top honors in national competitions, Odle most recently performed at The Dallas Opera’s People’s Choice Concert and covered Javier Camarena as Alfredo in La traviata.
Elle Peeples
Bachelor’s in College Scholars (’18)
College of Arts and Sciences
Director of Primary Prevention Services
Metro Drug Coalition
- SEC Emerging Scholar
- Knox County’s Innovations in Substance Misuse Prevention Award winner
Elle Peeples, raised on a six-generation cattle farm in Dunlap, Tennessee, has built a career dedicated to advancing substance misuse prevention and community health. During her time at UT, Peeples participated in the Haslam Leadership Scholars Program, Baker Scholars Program, and Global Communication Scholars Program. Currently serving as Director of Primary Prevention Services at Metro Drug Coalition, she leads innovative programs across East Tennessee, including a groundbreaking education initiative for new mothers, evidence-based prevention video games for youth, and the nation’s first Pathfinder Outdoor Education Initiative for at-risk youth. Peeples plans to complete her PhD from the University of Georgia in 2026 and will continue to shape healthier futures for individuals and communities.
Zachary Peña
Bachelor’s in supply chain management (’15)
Haslam College of Business
CEO
Empirix Partners
- Marine Corps veteran
- Recipient of Microsoft’s Leadership Award
- NTT’s President’s Award winner
Zachary Peña, a Knoxville native and Marine Corps veteran, brings a legacy of leadership and service to his role as CEO of Empirix Partners, a data infrastructure company that manages over $8.25 billion in mission-critical equipment and services. After multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Peña attended UT and gained hands-on experience through internships and logistics work at McGee Tyson Airport. His career accelerated from Georgia Pacific, where he managed multi-million-dollar negotiations, to consulting with KPMG and Insight Sourcing Group. The only non-C-level recipient of NTT’s President’s Award, Peña pioneered supply chain strategies for global data center leaders with Microsoft.
Kristin Pitts
Master’s in architecture (’22)
College of Architecture and Design
Architect
Gensler
- AIA Henry Adams Medal recipient
- ARCC King Medal recipient
- NOMA Atlanta 2024 Membership Co-chair
Kristin Pitts leads projects in hospitality, mixed-use, residential, workplace, and sports entertainment as a licensed architect and interior designer at Gensler Atlanta. Pitts has co-authored academic publications on structural design and actively champions diversity and mentorship in design, offering guidance to students from multiple schools, including UT, and Samford University, where she earned her interior design degree and MBA. She also volunteers for Project Pipeline and Clube Ideate design camps and contributes to pro bono projects addressing housing challenges.
Catherine Porth
MBA (’18)
Haslam College of Business
Executive Director and Founder
Let Her Speak
- More than 15 years of experience in business and entrepreneurship
- Knox News 40 Under 40 recipient
Catherine Porth launched Let Her Speak, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating women’s wealth, power, and influence, in 2018 to create spaces where women share experiences, build confidence, and rise into leadership roles on their terms. With expertise spanning financial services, workplace design, and startup ecosystems, Porth and her company have empowered more than 2,200 women through initiatives like Let Her Lead, Let Her Vote, and the annual Women’s Summit. Porth combines entrepreneurial thinking with a passion for equity and impact in service to her community through board and committee roles with YOSTEM, the Tennessee Theatre, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the UT Haslam College of Business MBA program.
Daniel Pulse
JD (’18)
Winston College of Law
CEO, Owner, and Founder
CarterPulse
- Adjunct professor at Temple University
- Rocky Top Business Award winner
- TikTok’s Top Creator Growth Networks
Daniel Pulse co-owns and leads CarterPulse, a social media management firm helping influencers and content creators grow their brands, secure sponsorships, and develop strategic partnerships. A Philadelphia native and passionate sports fan, Pulse earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and recreational management from Temple University prior to attending UT. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Temple University while also leading CarterPulse to national recognition. Dedicated to family and community, Pulse lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Gavin and Molly, and is an active member of Nativity of Our Lord Church.
Jada Russell
Bachelor’s in biological sciences (’08)
College of Arts and Sciences
Master’s in Public Health (’10)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
PhD in Higher Education Administration (’20)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Assistant Professor of Practice
UT College of Nursing
- UT’s College of Nursing’s inaugural executive director of enrollment management
- Board member for Healthy Families, Gennisi Charitable Birth Services, and Knoxville Community Health Council
Jada Russell serves as an administrator and faculty member at UT’s College of Nursing, specializing in leadership, public health, and inclusive excellence. She pioneered holistic admissions, co-created the Alumni Mentorship Program, and launched Great Expectations in Healthcare, an outreach initiative introducing middle school students to nursing careers. A dedicated advocate for equity, Russell serves on boards for organizations that promote access to medical care and remains an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She mentors students, leads community health initiatives, and researches systemic disparities in health care and education, co-authoring works that secured a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to expand nursing opportunities.
Trey Smith
Bachelor’s in recreation and sport management (’20)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Offensive Guard
Kansas City Chiefs
- Two-time Super Bowl champion (LVII and LVIII) with the Kansas City Chiefs
- PFWA All-Rookie Team honoree
- Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award winner
Trey Smith was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and quickly became a starter and one of the NFL’s top guards. His rise includes two Super Bowl championships (LVII, LVIII), a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, and a 2025 contract extension that made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history. Before his NFL success, Smith was a standout offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2019 and 2020 after overcoming blood clots in his lungs. He established himself as a leader on and off the field, earning multiple honors including UT’s highest student honor, the Torchbearer Award. Smith champions community service through initiatives such as Read Across America, adapted sports festivals, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry, Giving Hope KC, and My Cause My Cleats.
Paulina Todd
MBA (’19)
Haslam College of Business
President and Chief Operating Officer
Aero-mark, LLC
- President of Women in Defense, Greater Los Angeles
- Young Presidents’ Organization member
- UT Haslam College of Business Young Alumni Council member
Paulina Todd leads Aero-mark, LLC, a private investment firm specializing in aerospace acquisitions and growth, where she has advanced from marketing roles to executive leadership. Previously serving as Vice President of Commercial at Certified Aviation Services, she secured partnerships with Boeing and Airbus and drove a 30 percent revenue increase. She also implemented Lean Sigma strategies in her role with Fairhope Aerospace, improving efficiency and profitability. Beyond her corporate achievements, Todd advocates for women in aerospace and defense and actively champions leadership, inclusion, and community impact across industries in her extensive service and volunteer work.
Morgan Vance
Bachelor’s in communication (’12)
College of Communication and Information
Executive Director
Pat Summitt Foundation
- Nonprofit and advancement professional of 10-plus years
- MBA from UT Martin
- Leadership Knoxville graduate
Morgan Vance leads efforts in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease with the Pat Summitt Foundation, honoring the legacy of the legendary coach. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit and advancement leadership, Vance guided the Foundation’s transformation into an independent, nationally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, driving growth in grantmaking, programs, and partnerships. Her career includes roles with the Tennessee Fund, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where she managed major gifts and corporate campaigns. Vance serves on local boards, mentors young professionals, and has served in advisory roles for her sorority, remaining active in her Knoxville community where she lives with her husband, Jason, and their five children.
Rachel Vanlandingham
Bachelor’s in Food Science (’11)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Research and Development External Strategy Lead
PepsiCo
- Research and development leader
- Master’s in Food Science from Penn State
- Chair for Professional Development, Society of Sensory Professionals
Rachel Vanlandingham has developed and implemented a global omnichannel framework in her role at PepsiCo, inspiring others through the voice of science. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff to PepsiCo’s Chief Science Officer, driving strategic initiatives and supporting executive leadership, including the CEO and Board of Directors. With more than 15 years of experience spanning strategy, innovation, sensory, and product development, Vanlandingham has held leadership roles at PepsiCo and GSK Consumer Healthcare. A passionate STEM advocate, Vanlandingham mentors through Million Women Mentors and represents UT as the Connecticut Alumni Representative.
Georgia Varlan Man
Bachelor’s in College Scholars (’09)
College of Arts and Sciences
General Counsel
Kodiak
- Trusted legal counsel to prominent national and international brands
- Advisory Board member for the Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation
- 2021 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow
Georgia Varlan Man built her employer’s legal and compliance function from the ground up as the first-ever General Counsel at Kodiak, a high-growth food company recognized by Bain as a top U.S. “Insurgent Brand.” Her efforts enabled record-breaking growth for a brand with more than $500 million in annual revenue. Previously, Varlan Man was Chief Counsel for General Mills’ $2 billion pet segment and served as Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for the State of Illinois, where she authored executive orders and launched statewide compliance programs. Originally from Knoxville, Varlan Man earned her law degree from the University of Virginia and began her career at Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago.
Jonathan Waller
Bachelor’s in recreation and sport management (’13)
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Vice President of Strategy
University of Florida Health
- Public health expert of 10-plus years
- National Parliamentarian for the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)
- Founder of the NAHSE HBCU Pipeline Scholarship Program
Jonathan Waller leads enterprise-wide planning and growth initiatives in his role at University of Florida Health, bringing over a decade of experience in health care strategy to his current role. Waller is also a staff lecturer at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, mentoring MHA students and coaching top-ranked case competition teams. He previously directed strategic planning at Children’s Hospital Colorado and held consulting roles at Deloitte and Chartis. A proud graduate of the UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Waller established the Dr. Steven Waller and Family Scholarship Endowment and the Dr. Steven and Jonathan Waller Scholarship Fund. Waller is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with Ronald McDonald House and inspiring future health care leaders in schools nationwide.
Brian Washington
Master’s in Chemical Engineering (’22)
Tickle College of Engineering
PhD in Chemical Engineering (’24)
Tickle College of Engineering
CEO and Founder
AluminAiry
- Member of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s 2025 Innovation Crossroads cohort
- Member of the 2024 Spark Cleantech Accelerator cohort
Brian Washington leads AluminAiry, a cleantech startup pioneering aluminum-air energy systems for next-generation power applications. He is a published researcher in energy storage and electrochemical technology, specializing in fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and air electrode structures. He has collaborated with DEVCOM Army Research Lab and Sandia National Lab to advance aluminum-air and zinc-air battery systems and secured $650,000 in non-dilutive funding to accelerate innovation. Beyond his startup pursuits, Washington is passionate about mentorship and STEM outreach, volunteering at science expos and guiding future engineers through research and entrepreneurship.
Elizabeth Watkins
Bachelor’s in supply chain management (’14)
Haslam College of Business
Senior Manager, Corporate Procurement
Instacart
- Procurement leader of 10-plus years helping businesses build sourcing strategies
- Board Member of the Children’s Council of San Francisco
Elizabeth Stafford Watkins is a procurement leader with over a decade of experience helping fast-moving organizations build smart, scalable sourcing strategies and currently drives technology procurement, policy development, and process improvements at Instacart, enabling the company’s growth. Passionate about equity and community impact, Watkins serves on the board of the Children’s Council of San Francisco, advocating for affordable, high-quality childcare and early education. A proud second-generation Volunteer and originally from Cookeville, Tennessee, Watkins now lives with her husband—also a UT alum—and their young daughter in San Francisco, where she is an active member of the Bay Area UT Alumni Chapter.
