2009 Capstone Leadership Student Biographies |
Luke R. Blackwell is a senior from Robertsdale, Alabama, pursuing a major in Mathematics with a minor in Leadership Studies. Luke graduated with honors from Robertsdale High School where he was a four sport competitor. He was a member of the Troy University Basketball team as a freshman and is now in Air Force ROTC where he has been responsible for commanding the AFROTC color guard at Troy’s home football games and has been a member of the Detachment 017’s Drill Team. This spring Luke earned the position of Cadet Wing Commander in recognition of his being one of the top graduates at Field Training. Upon graduation, he will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF and hopes to become a pilot, flying the CV-22 Osprey.
Steven Boydstun is a junior from Daleville, Alabama, pursuing a major in Business with a concentration in Economic Development and a minor in Leadership Studies. For his leadership accomplishments in high school he was awarded an Excellence in Leadership Scholarship from Troy University in 2006. At TROY he served as an IMPACT Leader in 2008, a member of the Sound of the South Marching Band, College Republicans, and Freshman Forum. He is currently a Trojan Ambassador, Chairman of the Governmental Relations Committee of the SGA, and Vice-President and Executive Chairman of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. After graduation, Steven plans to attend graduate school and eventually become a university administrator.
Joe Campbell is a senior from Dothan, Alabama, who is majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. An Eagle Scout, Joe graduated in the top quarter of his class in high school and currently holds a Chancellor's Award Scholarship at Troy. On campus, Joe is active in the Student Government Association, representing the Trojan Village as a senator. Joe is also an active in his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, which he served as an executive member and historian for two consecutive years, and is entering his third year as a member of the chapter's judicial committee. After graduating, Joe plans to attend law school, practice law for several years, and then possibly move on to state and national politics.
Caitlin Coffey is a senior Broadcasting major with a minor in Leadership Studies. Although she graduated from Oneonta High School in Alabama, she is not a native Alabamian. Caitlin was born in Aurora, Colorado, and has lived in Beijing, China. Caitlin’s interest in TROY was perked when she attended Girls State on the Troy Campus. Troy responded by awarding Caitlin a four year leadership scholarship. She was also granted a full palladium scholarship for the spring semester of 2009. Caitlin has been president of the national broadcasting society for two years, and co-chair of Troy’s Relay for Life for three years. She is also gives the news on the campus TV station and maintains a 3.6 GPA. Interestingly, Caitlin is one of a set of triplets.
Jackie Crane graduated near the top of her 2005 graduating class at Geneva High School in Geneva, Alabama. She received the Prudential Youth Leadership Award for her philanthropic service and contributions during her term as President of the District of Alabama Anchor Clubs. She also received the Chancellors Award and the Chancellors Fellowship award. She is currently a senior at Troy University majoring in History, Political Science, and Spanish. Jackie is a member of the Troy University Gospel Singers and a former member of the Troy University Show Choir. She serves as Secretary of Pi Sigma Alpha and she is a member of Phi Alpha Theta. Her hobbies include reading, writing, volunteering, and spending time with her one year old son, Hadrian.
Staci Davis is a senior marketing major from Daphne, Alabama. Staci has been involved in many campus organizations. She was a Trojan Ambassador in 2006 and 2007, a Troy University 2007 IMPACT leader, and serves as recording secretary along with sisterhood development chair for Phi Mu sorority. Staci currently holds the position of Vice President of Campus Activities for the Student Government Association. She is also on the Miss Troy University Advisory committee. Staci is in many honor societies on campus including Alpha Lambda Delta, Delta Epsilon Iota, and Mortar Board. She was recently selected to Who’s Who among American College students. After graduating Cum Laude, Staci plans to pursue a career in the insurance industry, with the goal of owning her own agency.
Rob Drinkard is a senior from Troy, Alabama, majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in Leadership Studies. Rob spends much time in the Student Government Association office where he serves as chair of the Constitution and Rules committee. He has previously held the Executive Board positions of Clerk, Homecoming Director, and Freshmen Forum President. Rob also enjoys the FarmHouse Fraternity where he has been Philanthropy Chair for two years and served one term as Social Chair. Rob is also a member of the Order of Omega and the College Republicans and has been named to Who's Who Among American College Students. Rob spent a summer interning with Senator Jeff Sessions in Washington D.C. and now works at Jean's Flowers in Troy where he designs flower arrangements for weddings and various occasions. Rob plans to excel in his field and be successful in life.
Brandon Griffin is a junior Criminal Justice major from San Bernardino County, California, with a minor in Leadership Studies. He has been an enlisted member in the U.S. Army where he served as a first responder in a Military Police unit. At Troy, he has excelled in academics and personal development. Brandon maintains a 3.8 GPA, having been on the Chancellor’s list three times and the Provosts List twice. Brandon is active in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and has participated in a wide range of organizational activities such as Judo, Student Support Services, and the Pre-law Society. He has been recognized as Who’s Who Among College Students of 2009, and was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. Brandon is the current president of the National Pan Hellenic Council and plans on continuing his studies in law and volunteering time for international diplomacy.
Ryan Hayden—is a junior from Troy, Alabama, majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Leadership Studies. He has been active in many student organizations including Alpha Lambda Delta, the honors council, the Sound of the South Marching Band, the Dazzler's Show Choir, and he was chosen to serve on the 2008 Homecoming Court for the university. Ryan served three years on the executive council for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and is now its President. He is also the Sweetheart of Phi Mu sorority, and is a member of the SGA traffic appeals committee. Furthermore, Ryan also represents Troy University as a Trojan Ambassador. After graduation, Ryan Hayden hopes to pursue a career in Sports Broadcasting.
Lance Holman was born in Dothan, Alabama. At the age of three, he moved with his father to Ozark, Alabama, where he attended school through high school. Lance is pursuing a major in Communication Studies, with a minor in Leadership Studies. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2010 and plans to work while attending graduate school. At Troy University, Lance has been member of several organizations and activities including Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Colony of Kappa Sigma, Freemasonry, and has participated in charitable work with the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. Lance is currently the President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at and holds a representative position at the state level for the fraternity.
Abbie Howard, a former Girls State representative from East Brewton, Alabama, received her Associates in Science at Jefferson Davis Community College where she served as Phi Theta Kappa President and participated on the All Alabama Academic Team for two-year colleges. Abbie is now pursuing a degree in Accounting and a minor in Leadership Studies. She is involved on campus and serves as a student representative on the Helen Keller Lecture Committee. Off campus, Abbie is active in the Troy Junior Women’s League, Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O), and attends First United Methodist Church. She works in the offices of the Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate School. Abbie recently traveled to Kirov, Russia on a study abroad scholarship to study at Vyatka State Humanities University, which is partnered with Troy University. In the future, Abbie hopes to work with the F.B.I. as a special agent in the field of accounting.
Stephen F. Johnson graduated as valedictorian of his graduating class in Cleveland, Alabama, where he was an all state selection in two sports. He is now a junior majoring in Marketing with a minor in Leadership Studies—a minor he believes will help him prepare for leadership responsibilities once he graduates. Stephen was a member of the Freshmen Forum, is now on the SGA Supreme Court and is very active in Intramural Sports, He hopes to be on the Intramural Sports staff next year. What could be better than having a job doing something a person loves to do? Stephen plans to graduate from Troy in 2010 and hopes to get a job in the marketing department of a large organization such as Alabama Power—again, a job he would love to do.
Stephanie Lee is a graduating senior majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. She is from Wiggins, Mississippi—a town in southern Mississippi between Hattiesburg and Gulfport. She relocated with her family to Andalusia, AL after graduating high school. She attended Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia where she earned an Associate in Arts degree. While there, she was an Ambassador and Phi Theta Kappa’s Vice President of Leadership. She transferred to Troy University as a junior leadership scholar and has earned a place on the Chancellor’s List by maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is currently an RA and Hall Ambassador for Trojan Village. After graduation, Stephanie wants to obtain a job in the editorial department of a publishing house.
Timothy (T.J.) Martin is a senior from Opelika, Alabama, pursuing a degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. T.J. has been a Resident Assistant for three years. He has been active with Circle K International, serving as the Charter President, the 50th Governor for the Alabama District, and is currently serving for a second time as Lieutenant Governor. T.J. is an active member of the Troy Masonic Lodge, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was honored to be appointed as a Board Representative for the Pike County Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in 2006 and 2007. T.J. placed in three separate categories of Troy University’s Intramural Forensics (Speech) Competition in 2008. After graduation, T.J. plans to pursue his Masters in Communications.
Joseph Mathews is a senior history major from Phenix City, Alabama. He completed his minor in French last summer after spending two weeks studying French culture on location in Paris. He is a student intern at the Wesley Foundation, where he has been active since the fall of his freshman year. In addition to activity in the Wesley Foundation, Joseph is also the Student Government Association Supreme Court’s Chief Justice. As a part of that role he serves on the University’s Student Affairs Committee. Additionally, Joseph is very active at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and he is pursuing the priesthood in The Episcopal Church.
Rebekah Moore is a junior majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Leadership Studies. She is from Fort Payne, Alabama and graduated from Fort Payne High School in 2007. She was on the Chancellor’s List in the Fall 2008 semester. Rebekah is the Activity Director for the Environmental Club, a delegate for Habitat for Humanity and an active member of both the Circle K International and the Red Cross Campus Club at Troy University. Rebekah recently studied at Vyatka State University of Humanities in Kirov, Russia. She has been a Troy University Varsity Cheerleader and in the 3.0 Athletic Club during her time cheering for Troy. After graduation Rebekah plans to receive her masters in Environmental Science.
Haley L. Odom, a senior print journalism major and graphic design minor from Birmingham, Alabama, holds a Chancellor’s Scholarship and is a member of the University Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, Delta Epsilon Iota and Phi Kappa Phi. Haley co-edits the student-run campus newspaper, the Tropolitan. She also is a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women, and serves as soprano section leader for the Troy University Concert Chorale who was selected by music faculty to perform as a vocalist in the Spring 2008 Honors Recital. Haley is a member of Midway United Methodist Church in Adamsville and attends Troy First United Methodist in Troy. She is active with the Troy Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist student organization on campus. Following graduation in May, Haley plans to work in editing and/or layout for a magazine or newspaper.
Katy Paul, from Bay Minette, Alabama, is a senior Political Science major with a focus in International Relations and a minor in French. Katy has been New Member Coordinator, Formal Recruitment Chair, and Recruitment Vice-President for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Order of Omega, Who’s Who Among America’s College Students and the University Honors Program. Katy was a Troy University Dancer for three years. Even though she no longer dances in college, Katy still enjoys dancing and works with young dancers as a choreographer and coach. After graduation, Katy plans to attend law school and pursue a career in International Law. Her ultimate goal is to one day work with the United Nations or the U.S. Ambassador’s Program.
Matt Penhale is a senior from Alabaster, AL, majoring in Political Science with a concentration on American Politics. Matt has served three years in the Student Government Association, the first year in Freshman Forum and the second two years in the Senate. Matt also worked two years with the Troy University housing office as a Resident Assistant in Alumni Hall. Matt is a member of the Kinesiology and Health Promotion Club, the Political Science Club, and FarmHouse Fraternity. When Matt is not playing intramural sports, Matt works for the City of Helena, Alabama. Matt plans to attend Law School in the fall of 2009 and later be active in local and state politics.
William Self graduated from Dale County High School in Midland City, Alabama, as valedictorian of the class of 2005. He is currently a senior at Troy University with a major in mathematics and a minor in physics. William participates in the Troy University Honors Program as well as being a Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient who maintains a 3.97 GPA. During the summer of 2009, William had the honor of representing Troy University as a participant of the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics at Auburn University. William’s future plans include pursuing a career in mathematics and continuing his education at the graduate level.
Isaiah R. Scott is a senior from Troy, Alabama; pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, and a minor in Leadership Studies. He is involved in many on and off campus activities, President – Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity; Vice-President – Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society; is an active member in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), African American Alliance (AAA), Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, and serves on the Black History Month Committee. Outside the classroom, Isaiah finds time to give back to the community. He volunteers with the Upward Bound Program and with local after school programs. He plans to attend Tulane University and pursue a Jurist Doctorate in International Real Estate.
Drew Tatum is a junior from Florence, Alabama, seeking a degree in Business Management with a double minor in Information Systems and Leadership Studies. He has a cumulative 4.0 GPA. Drew has served in the Student Government Association as a member of Freshman Forum, a member of the Senate, and as a representative in the YMCA Collegiate Legislature. Drew also serves on the leadership team for the Baptist Campus Ministries and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta. Drew works part-time in the Office of Information Technology at Troy University. After graduation, Drew plans to pursue a Masters of Business Administration or Jurist Doctorate to be a public servant in Alabama.
Kimberly Till is a junior from Millbrook, Alabama, pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Education. Upon graduating from high school, she received a Chancellor’s Scholarship to Troy University and currently holds a 3.89 GPA. Kimberly is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Epsilon Iota, Pi Mu Epsilon, and Alpha Lambda Delta. In addition to excelling in academics, Kimberly also holds a part-time job and participates in Troy University’s annual Relay for Life. She plans to graduate with honors in 2010 and begin teaching at a local high school in August. While teaching, Kimberly also plans to obtain her master’s and PhD degrees in mathematics.
Kristina Vise is a senior from Trussville, Alabama. Her abilities in school and on the track in high school led her to Troy University where she received both academic and athletic scholarships. She is majoring in English, with minors in Creative Writing and Art. Kristina lettered as a member of the Troy Cross-country Team her freshman year and has been placed on the Chancellor’s List every semester. She is a member of numerous honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Tau Delta, the latter of which she is the president. Kristina also finds time to work at the Writing Center on Troy’s campus and is active in many organizations including the Newman Center and the Students for Life—an organization she founded.
Elizabeth Weeks is a senior English major and Business Administration minor from Elba, Alabama. She is attending Troy University on the Millennium Scholar’s award and has maintained a 3.8 GPA. She also serves as Vice President for both the Pre-Law Society and Sigma Tau Delta, English honors society. She participated in the Troy University Intramural Forensics Competition in 2007 and was selected to present a science fiction paper at a conference in April 2009. Elizabeth is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society and the University Honors Program. Elizabeth is currently employed at Flowers Insurance in Troy and is a member of Westside Baptist Church in Elba. She plans to attend Jones School of Law at Faulkner University after graduating in 2009.
Stephanie Yawn, from Gurley, Alabama, is a Political Science major with a concentration in International Politics and a minor in History. Stephanie graduated from Madison County High School as a Meritorious Scholar. She is currently a student-athlete for Troy University as a Thrower for the Track & Field team; as a member of the women’s track team, Stephanie also acts as one of the team representatives for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She also serves as President of the Spires Chapter of Mortar Board, Inc., as well as Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha. Stephanie plans to take a year off and work before going on to graduate school to pursue a degree in either International Relations or Peace and Conflict Resolution.
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