Business Alumni

Tresa Vaudreuil - Alumnus of the Year

“Experiencing the vested interest from Southern’s faculty and long-term healthcare gave me an invaluable introduction into servant leadership.”

BS Long-term Healthcare 1993 | BS Business Administration 1993 | Dementia Care Manager | Brookdale Senior Living

Initially beginning as a licensed nursing home administrator, Tresa transitioned into senior living in 1999 serving in roles as executive director and regional director where her passion for serving individuals living with dementia continued to evolve. Tresa currently serves as Divisional Dementia Care Manager with Brookdale Senior Living.  She received a certificate in Advanced Clinical Dementia Practice from the University of Michigan and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL). Tresa is also actively involved in advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM).

Justin Delhove - Recent Alumnus of the Yr.

"My time at Southern helped me rediscover the passion I have for helping others through service, and gave me the tools to thrive in my industry."

BBA Management 2013 | MBA Nonprofit Leadership 2014  | Sr. Business Development Manager | ADRA International

Justin's passion for development work and helping communities rebuild after emergencies was strongly influenced by his childhood years growing up in Madagascar, Indonesia, Haiti, Croatia and Kenya. He has spent the past 9 years at ADRA overseeing an international team of consultants and employees in the pursuit of ADRA's humanitarian mission. Most recently, he and his team successfully won a 5-year, $100 million award for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where ADRA will be responding to a growing humanitarian crisis, building up community resilience, and working to relieve acute food insecurity in the region.

Melissa Moore - Grad. Alumnus of the Yr.

BS Nonprofit Administration and Development 2009 | MSA - Customized 2014 | Marketing and Development Manager | Child Impact International

Melissa Moore leverages a wealth of experience serving as  the Marketing and Development Manager at Child Impact International. Melissa's expertise fosters innovative, cost-effective solutions for nonprofits, aligning them with their missions. Beyond her professional success, Melissa's passion for travel and mission work shines through, making her an enthusiastic collaborator in event planning, mission trips, and volunteer programs. Her unwavering dedication to community improvement is truly inspirational.

Samuel Thomas

“My time at Southern allowed me to build lifelong relationships and prepared me for the demands of the working world." 

BS Business Administration and BS Long-Term Care Administration 2013 | Director of Strategic Planning & Research | AdventHealth 

Jace Coston

"Southern taught me to make the world a better place. In sport, I can use my education and live a life of service."

BBA Management - International Business 2013 | Business Intelligence | US Olympic & Paralympic Committee

After graduating from Southern, Jace worked as a Paralegal for two years in Chattanooga in preparation for law school. Not feeling called to the profession, he explored other options and landed a job with the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee in the Business Intelligence department and concurrently acquired his MBA from the University of Massachusetts. In his current role with the USOPC, he helps departments and leaders utilize data to inform business decisions and drive organizational efficiency. Jace has had the honor of serving at 5 Games since starting with the USOPC, including the Olympics in Tokyo and Beijing.

Nick Bejarano

"I believe God led me right to where He knew I would continue to grow and be able to serve others. For me, that was Southern's School of BUsiness."

BBA Marketing, 1993 | Vice President | Chief Operating Officer | AdventHealth DeLand

Nick was the first in his immediate family to have the opportunity to go to college due to the hard work and determination of his parents. He started his career as an intern at The Review and Herald Publishing Association in Maryland, transitioning into healthcare as the manager for Marketing, Business Development, and Physician Relations for Adventist Health in Health Care System in Oregon. He currently serves as vice president and chief operating officer at AdventHealth DeLand, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Karene, a Southern alumna, and their two children.