Alumni Spartan Spotlight

June 2020 Spartan Spotlight
Quincy Jenkins '04

Quincy Jenkins '04  graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He is currently working as the executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Chattanooga State University, where he oversees organization change in a time where we need diversity and inclusion more than ever. Jenkins shares his passion for creating a sense of belonging within his workplace, a college campus and community where he truly felt welcomed, which started post-graduation from UT. Entering the beautiful structure of Plant Hall from a small town in Georgia, Jenkins was unsure of how his college career and experiences would develop. Looking back, he made lasting impacts through his presidential leadership role for his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Student Government Diversity Senator and winning awards such as Greek Man of the Year. All these moments inspired and gave him the confidence to create this same feeling and space for all students entering college.

Jenkins shared that one individual at UT who stepped into his life and stood out to him was Stephanie Russell Krebs, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Krebs impacted him by becoming a mentor. Even now, Jenkins says he has run into Krebs at higher education conferences and still keeps in touch.

Jenkins' advice to current UT students is that the world can be a daunting and challenging place for all of us, however UT truly provides a platform of guidance to prepare you for diversity and how to engage with individuals different from us. Additionally, UT is a school of educational privilege, so recognize that but know it is not a negative point. Use this educational privilege in a way that will do good for others, improving the lives of those around you whether that be in your workplace, in your classrooms or in your extracurricular activities.

May 2020 Spartan Spotlight
Charles F. Scherer '02

Charles Scherer graduated from UT in 2002 with his bachelor's degree in government and world affairs. He is currently serving as the regional executive director for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, leading in the bold direction to end the need for foster care as we know it. 

With a career built on integrity and a strong work ethic, Scherer’s commitment and passion began in public service close to two decades ago while working with the United States Department of Justice’s Executive Office of The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. He was a legislative intern on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for a United States congressman from Florida and completed an internship with a national nonprofit organization, the Human Rights Campaign, in conjunction with a United States senator’s re-election campaign. Scherer mentions that before stepping into this experiential internship, he had gained the necessary requirements through UT’s Career Services by preparing his resume, practicing mock interviews and gaining mentorships with individuals within his field. 

Scherer was later appointed as director of field operations and campaign treasurer for a candidate running for the United States Senate in Florida. He began his career with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) in 2004 as a certified child protective investigator and was promoted through the ranks to statewide leadership during his 15-year tenure. Scherer served as operations manager for the DCF assistant secretary for operations/deputy secretary and was appointed as the statewide deputy director for the Florida Abuse Hotline and Command Center, where he served until 2015 when he joined DCF’s Southern region leadership team as the regional operations manager for child protective investigations. A year later he was appointed as the director of family safety and community services leading the region’s child protective investigations, adult protective investigations and services, child care regulations and the family safety program office teams overseeing a $26 million annual budget and serving a population of around 3.5 million. Scherer also served as DCF acting regional managing director when delegated, overseeing all DCF operations for the Southern region. In October 2019, Scherer joined the statewide nonprofit organization, Children’s Home Society of Florida, as regional executive director leading CHS’ mission and vision in Broward and Palm Beach areas.

As he has served on many local and statewide family safety and child well-being initiatives, Scherer shares that The University of Tampa gave him the platform to be able to be a part of these outstanding organizations and provide invaluable services within the community. Scherer’s advice to UT students is to “be bold, be brave and be brilliant. Have fun and live your life to the fullest, always be you, and be proud of you. Never be satisfied with what is, constantly pursue what can be. Never give up and make your dreams reality. The world is yours — go for it.”

April 2020 Spartan Spotlight
Jessica Spencer '98

Jessica Spencer '98  graduated with a bachelor's in criminology from UT, which she has applied to a successful career in the substance use intervention and prevention field. She also holds a m aster’s in substance abuse counseling and education and doctorate in education in organizational leadership at Nova Southeastern University. With over 21 years of experience working with substance abuse counseling and education, she currently is the treatment coordinator, consultant and public speaker for her firm, Spencer Solutions Group.

With influences from her upbringing and some struggles experienced, Spencer learned that the most rewarding aspect of her job is helping communities, more specifically aiding these communities to raise “strong and healthy children who are free as possible from mental health issues and struggles and avoid substance abuse as long as possible.” Spencer shares that success to her ultimately means bringing joy to others, defining success in relation to an individual’s place in the world and community.

Although she is passionate about her career, there is another part of her life she is actively pursuing and enjoys sharing with others. She believes in using community and connectivity to empower people to influence their experiences pertaining to mental health and substance abuse/alcohol prevention awareness. Her commitment to passionate prevention allows her to still stay connected to UT, through advising for her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. Spencer also joined the Alumni Association Board in 2019 and will serve for a three-year term. The board is a group of dynamic alumni volunteers who represent UT by promoting engagement with the University, attending board meetings and alumni events, voting on alumni awards and providing feedback to UT leadership. She has been a strong voice in the group and is currently helping with the “Letters to Spartan Seniors” campaign for the Class of 2020.

Spencer's advice to UT students is to avoid over-partying so that you won’t miss the unique and pivotal experiences offered to you throughout your college career. She reflected that “it might be one of the best experiences in your lifetime.” Additionally, as her work has always been community based, she “implores everyone to pursue community-based work or even volunteer!”

March 2020 Spartan Spotlight
Josh Murphy '08

Josh Murphy '08 graduated with a B.A. in government and world affairs. Currently, he is the founder and CEO at IdeasFWD, an organization that partners with companies, social entrepreneurs and philanthropic organizations seeking to re-imagine the American Dream and expand the next generation of leaders. In his role, Murphy works to design unique programs and initiatives that focus on storytelling for diverse communities in order to make a social impact. Some of these communities have been left behind when it comes to certain economic priorities and social justice conversations, and IdeasFWD’s engagement strategies help to prevent this. His company has recently worked with Gucci to design and launch three programs under Gucci’s $6.5 million Changemakers Initiative.

Before beginning with his entrepreneurial ventures, Murphy spent five years with the Rockefeller Foundation in the Office of the President gaining experience in external affairs, programmatic funding, communications and innovative projects. Josh has also published two books, “Writings from a Teenage Mind” and “Generation We Solve: Cause the Effect.”

Murphy said that UT provided the avenues to discover his passions. On campus, he worked part-time in the Admissions mailroom, but also volunteered his time with the PEACE Volunteer Center, including an alternative break to Mississippi to construct houses. As Student Government vice president, he was inspired to focus on student rights and interpersonal connections with other students. Involvement with Student Productions gave him the creative freedom to create events for the entire student body. He was even the 2007 Fall Homecoming King.

Ultimately, he said the combination of his extracurricular involvement and classes contributed to his success. Academic lessons taught him communication techniques, while leadership opportunities helped him to discover the meaning of philanthropy. He reflects that if you “build a community of lifelong friends starting while you’re at UT, it ensures that when you travel near or far, you’ll bump into someone. Life wouldn’t be the same without those impactful individuals you met during your time at the University.”

February 2020 Spartan Spotlight
Francisco Garcia MBA '18

Francisco Garcia MBA '18 currently serves as the digital operations and marketing specialist for BeniComp Health Solution, a company that uses prediction, prevention and technology to transform healthcare for employers and employees. In his role, Garcia works to uniquely structure group health plans and provide an ROI to employers while measurably improving employee health. He also helps employers provide employees with preventive health technology, which allows them to gain insight into what is actually going on within their bodies, right beneath the surface. This high-touch, self-serve technology allows people to hone in on their health risks. For this reason, he believes that the opportunities in healthcare lie in using technology to empower people to influence their health through decision-making resources. With tools like these, people will be able to predict and prevent their own health risks while also alleviating their financial strain. Garcia was recently recognized as a 2020 Rising Star in Advising by Employee Benefit Adviser.

Before he stepped into his role at BeniComp, Garcia said that UT gave him the avenues to develop his professional toolset. Outside of class, he worked as a graduate assistant in the First-Year Experience office and was the coordinator for the financial literacy program. He also actively pursued public speaking opportunities not just at UT, but at Providence College, Duke University, the University of Rhode Island and others. 

Garcia said it all begins with a growth-mindset, which is what enables anyone to effectively and efficiently use any toolset. His advice is to align your personal and professional goals to create purposeful work and strive for excellence every day by seeing challenges as opportunities to thrive. Ultimately, he said this is how he found his passions and empowerment for optimizing his own personal success. Garcia also said that it’s important to develop your personal brand. “We all have different life experiences. People connect with people. That’s who people want to work with. If people can see your values, passions and your commitment, that’s what makes a difference!”

December 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Nick Galvez MBA '04

Nick Galvez MBA '04 graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the University of Florida and an MBA from UT, which he’s applied to a successful career in the healthcare industry. Earlier in his career, he gained experience as a physical therapist and directed rehabilitation programs. He currently serves as a program manager for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in order to provide healthcare and support for rural and underserved counties within the state.

Although he is passionate about his career, there is another part of his life that he actively pursues and enjoys sharing with others. Since 2012, practicing and playing pickleball has had a standing reservation on his weekly agenda, and his hobby has even led him to place in several tournaments. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. He won a gold medal for his age division in the 2018 US Open after competing against 12 other players. Later in October 2018, he won a silver medal in his division competing in the USAPA Regional tournament located in Griffin, GA. This finish qualified him to play and win third place in the 2019 USAPA Nationals tournament, USAPA being the nonprofit that oversees and regulates the sport. Galvez says, “My goal is to move from my current rating of 4.0 to the pro level rating which is 5.0.” Players earn a number rating in order to compare skill levels.

His commitment to pickleball allows him to travel the US and the world while still being active with his wife and two kids at home. During a typical week, Galvez will practice two or three times a week and also coordinates a singles league in the Chapel Hill area as a volunteer. He even acts as a representative for a paddle company in the area, selling paddles and promoting the sport.

Galvez chose UT for his master degree after hearing other students in the area speak highly of the campus and programs. “I loved the fact that it was in downtown Tampa and close to the business community.” He also liked being in a setting with other working professionals like himself. One professor that stood out to him was Erika Matulich, who taught his marketing research class. Even now, Galvez says he uses his classroom knowledge when it comes to forecasting and financial analysis. He still keeps in touch with his UT friend, Dave Armstrong, on a regular basis.

His advice to the UT community is to “focus on finding something you’re passionate about. Hopefully, it’s with work, but if not, then keep pursuing your hobbies. I have a passion for healthcare, because I get to help people but I also have a passion for competitive sports so I make that a priority too.”

November 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Reade Whitney '08

Reade Whitney '08 graduated from UT in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and holds a Master of Science in kinesiology and rehabilitation science from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. His career has been directly related to his degrees as he has gone on to become an athletic trainer for several organizations including Denver Public Schools, Maryknoll School, FC Dallas, and Chicago Fire FC. These positions have enabled him to travel and live in different cities, although he is excited to be in Chicago for the time being. His current role is as the director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer for the Chicago Fire Football Club. He works tirelessly to return professional athletes to peak performance and functional capability with improved resilience.

His aim in his chosen profession has always been to grow as part of a well-integrated sports medicine team that is focused on evidence-based injury prevention, rehabilitation, conditioning and winning. He also prides himself on pushing the boundaries of the profession with his ability to integrate validated 21st-century technologies. As part of his professional development, he has received the Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Therapy certification along with Integrative Dry Needling for Pain Management and Sports Rehabilitation. 

On campus, Whitney was involved in the athletic training program as well as a member of the rowing team. He says that Kim Morris, an assistant professor of health sciences and human performance, made an impact on him. One of his biggest takeaways was when she emphasized, “You are remembered for how you treat others, even the opponents.” Whitney uses this advice in his everyday career when interacting with athletes, teams and coaches.

His advice to current UT students?  “Keep in contact with every professional you meet and never stop learning. A quick message here and there can make all the difference with your networking and if you practice using outdated or disproven knowledge you'll be left behind." 

October 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Jessica Killin '95

Jessica Killin '95 said,  “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes. ”

While at UT, Killin earned her degree in criminology and was involved in organizations such as the UT Year Book, Alpha Chi Omega sorority and ROTC. She was also a resident assistant in ResCom and Delo Hall.

Killin graduated and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps of the US Army. She started her military career as a Platoon Leader in Germany, which she views now as one of her most life-changing opportunities. She spent most of her five years of regular Army service overseas in Europe before transitioning to the Inactive Ready Reserve for another three years.

Killin continued her public service work as a legislative staffer for former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) while attending Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. She earned her J.D. degree and went on to practice law at Latham & Watkins, LLP, specializing in private equity mergers and acquisitions for three and a half years. Killin then returned to her passion—public policy—as a federal government relations assistant vice president at USAA.

Recently, Killin took a year off politics to travel and evolve, during which she further pursued her passion for wine and obtained two different sommelier certifications. She came to realize she missed public policy and headed “back to the Hill” in 2018 hoping to fight the good fight. Killin was soon selected to serve as Congresswoman Donna Shalala’s chief of staff and believes her education and many years of experience helped her achieve that goal.

With influences from UT professors, such as Jan Dargel and Richard Piper, she was introduced to the world of law and new levels of thinking. With the guidance of leaders in the military, senators she worked under and even her husband, Killin has been able to meaningfully interact with the community and give back to her country.

Killin shares her perspective for current UT students: along the path of life, you will always meet people who influence you and help you to grow, and it is up to you to evolve into the best person you can be. 

September 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Allison Macsas '05

Allison Macsas '05 can most often be found on a running trail, although the location of the trail tends to vary depending on which part of the world she happens to be in. As the co-founder and guide of Rogue Expeditions, Macsas is pursuing her lifelong passion by overseeing a travel company for runners.

As a student, she participated in cross country and remembers waking up at 6:30 a.m. for practice and racing every weekend. It was actually cross country coach Jarrett Slaven who helped to convince her to come to UT in the first place and then ended up being a great support system for her throughout her time as a student.  

Macsas graduated early with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, and although she felt like she should go after a position within an ad agency, she decided to take some time to travel instead. Along with one of her teammates, she left to backpack Europe for several months, which ended up being an incredibly transformative experience. At the conclusion of the trip, she moved to Austin, TX, with her lifelong friend. There, she worked at the Austin Business Journal until the wanderlust kicked back in, and she found herself teaching English in Southeast Asia where she met her husband. Together they moved back to Austin, and Macsas started working for a company called Rogue Running, which eventually inspired the idea for Rogue Expeditions. 

In one calendar year, approximately 300 people will attend 23 or more running adventure trips to locations all over the world. Macsas says the best part of her job is “the people I get to meet – those who come on our trips and the people who we work with in each country. On any given trip, most of the participants who come as strangers leave feeling like a family. One of her favorite trips has been to Morocco, which her team continues to go back to year after year. 

Macsas' advice to UT students is to "go out and experience all that UT has to offer, even if it scares you," and to everyone in the UT community, she advises to "try not to fixate so much on one plan that you miss the other doors that are opening in your life. You don’t have to work in one particular industry just because that is what your degree is in. Receiving an education and learning how to solve problems is the most important part and hopefully, along the way, you’ll find a career that feeds your soul."

August 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Ashley Burns MBA '18, M.S. '18

Ashley Burns is the Vice President of Brand Experience for NOISE, Inc., a brand activation agency founded in 1986 and headquartered in Sanibel, FL. Burns facilitates solution-based, experience-driven marketing initiatives primarily within the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. Within her role, she leads with a service marketing approach by integrating a customer focus into traditional and new media channels such as text and mobile marketing, web packages and geofencing advertising campaigns.

Burns graduated from The University of Tampa in 2018 with an MBA and Master’s in Marketing. When Burns started at UT, she was only pursuing a Master’s in Marketing. One year later, Burns added on the MBA recalling Dr. Rustogi’s advice to “learn to love the numbers”. Looking back on it, Burns said that “as a marketing professional, earning an MBA was smart and laid a strong foundation for career growth.” Dr. Hemant Rustogi, Dr. James Lee and Dr. Lonnie Bryant, business professors at UT, were influential during her time at the university. Burns feels that “the lessons [she] learned will stay with [her] thanks to their example, guidance and investment in their students.”

At UT, Burns served as Chief Marketing Officer for UT GOLD, an organization that strives to enrich the graduate business student’s experience at UT and within the community through a variety of events and activities aimed at fostering relationships both professionally and personally. Burns said some of her closest connections and career opportunities came from UT GOLD as like-minded individuals gathered to develop their skillsets and connect with local business leaders.

Prior to UT, Burns earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Recreation and Leisure Services Administration. She also served in the United States Air Force for Air Traffic Control.

Her advice to current UT students?  “Relentlessly pursue and refine what inspires and drives you — then get confident and clear about how that brings value to an organization. Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. After graduation, what you choose to do with who you’ve met, what you’ve learned, and how you’ll apply those principles to your current situation in life, is where you stand in a world of opportunity.”

July 2019 Spartan Spotlight
Keith Swanson ’77

Keith Swanson ’77 graduated from UT with his bachelor’s degree in marine biology. After attending St. Joseph’s College in Indiana for his first two years of undergrad, Swanson was drawn to UT because of the impressive marine biology program. Swanson packed his red Volkswagen and drove from Chicago, where he grew up, all the way to Tampa. He says when he pulled up to see the campus for the first time he was amazed and made many fond memories in the Rathskellar, hanging out with friends and always meeting new people, including his wife, a 1977 alum, who he met on Gasparilla.