Class Notes – Fall 2025
1950s
The Charles and Janice Adams Endowed Scholarship in Entrepreneurship was established by the estate of Charles R. Adams, BA ’50, and Janice M. Adams of Northridge, CA.
John H. Chiles, BBA ’50, JD ’52, and Marie E. Chiles, ABC ’85, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Feb. 4.
Darba G. Jackson, BA ’56, and Frank R. Jackson Jr., BA ’57, MD ’61, of Longview, TX, established the Laura Blanche Jackson Endowed Scholarship.
Robert M. Johnson, BA ’56, and Joyce A. Johnson of McLean, VA, established the Robert M. and Joyce A. Johnson Endowed Fund in Theatre Arts.
1960s
BU roommates (left to right) Pat Parchman Franklin, BBA ’64, Carol Moore Hardman, BA ’64, Linda Ham Stewart, BA ’64, and Lola Brown Blakewood, BA ’65, met in Sylvia, NC, for their 65th personal reunion.
Michael Burkhalter, BA ’66, provided professional résumés and career guidance for veterans separating from the military. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Colonel and Deputy Commander of the Washington Air National Guard, having served on active duty during both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. Concurrent with his military career, he managed software development for defense projects at the Boeing Company, Seattle. At Baylor, he was a squadron commander for AFROTC Detachment 810, which last year won recognition as the best medium-sized detachment in the nation.
Linda F. Garner, BSN ’66, of Dallas, established the Dr. Linda F. Garner Endowed Mission Fund in Nursing.
Travis Williams, BBA ’66, and wife, Judy, relocated from Albuquerque, NM, to Cedar Hill, TX.
Marianne Melton Woody, BA ’68, of Dallas, established the Marianne Woody Endowed Scholarship for the Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band.
1970s
Judith Meriwether Wagenseller, BS ’72, of Oklahoma City, established the Judith Meriwether Wagenseller Scholarship for Robbins College.
Steve B. Carlile, BBA ’73, JD ’75, and Penny Flowers Carlile, BA ’73, of Marshall, TX, established the Steve B. and Penny Flowers Carlile Endowed Fund for Christian Initiatives.
Donald E. Sewell, BA ’74, EdD ’75, and Rebecca E. Sewell, att. ’75, of College Station, TX, established the Don and Becky Sewell Endowed Scholarship at Truett Seminary.
Michael Lindsay, BA ’75, JD ’76, and Cindy Lindsay of Beaumont, TX, established the Michael and Cindy Lindsay Endowed Compassion Fund.
Robert Littlejohn, BS ’76, with Charles T. Evans, authored In Wisdom and Eloquence for Parents, including updated selections from Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning (Crossway Books, 2006) and new content specifically for parents. The book provides a compelling case for Classical Christian education as the surest path to forming wise and eloquent servant-leaders who are equipped to shepherd their generation as lifelong learners, rational thinkers, creative problem solvers and faithful Christians.
Les Palmer, BA ’78, JD ’81, and Lanna Palmer, BSE ’78, MSEd ’81, of Waco, established the Les and Lanna Palmer Endowed Fund for the Institute for Oral History.
Walter “Butch” Kountz, BSEd ’79, of Eagle River, AK, established the Walter “Butch” Kountz Endowed Scholarship for the School of Education.
1980s
Sharon Burtis Skindell, BSEd ’80, has moved from El Paso, TX, to Tyler, TX, to be closer to her new grandson.
Alan Smith, BA ’81, MBA ’03, and Melanie Smith of Woodway, TX, established the Reverend Maurice and DeLores Fain Endowed Scholarship in honor and recognition of Reverend Maurice and DeLores Fain. The Smiths’ daughters, Katie Burch, BSW ’10, and Audrey Smith, BSEd ’18, are alumnae of Baylor University.
Joy Elder Cleveland, BS ’84, authored a small-town Christian romance novella, Lucy in Bloom. Paperback and Kindle available on Amazon. Learn more about her other books at joycleveland.com.
Russ Worsham, BBA ’84, and Carol Worsham, BBA ’84, of Knoxville, TN, established the Russ and Carol Worsham Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Gregory W. Mangum, BA ’85, of Euless, TX, established the Mangum Endowed Film & Digital Media Fund for Innovation and Transformational Education.
Greg Stephens, BBA ’85, authored Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships. Part memoir, part communication guide and part practical how-to, the book offers tools for navigating high-stakes personal and professional conversations. Stephens is a best-selling author, executive coach, keynote speaker, professional mediator and host of two podcasts — “A Shot of Inspiration” and “A Spiritual Peace/Piece.” He lives in Austin with his wife, Emily. Learn more at www.alignment-resources.com.
Beth Casteel, BA ’86, BBA ’87, and Mitch Casteel of Spring, TX, established the Carter Casteel Endowed Fund in Outdoor Leadership in honor of their son, Carter Casteel.
Elizabeth Coffman Cliburn, BS ’86, was chosen as an artport artist for the world’s largest revolving art display. Her original work, “Louisiana Black Bears in Greenwood,” will be displayed in the Shreveport Regional Airport through 2028 in the Delta terminal.
Priscilla Joy Nimmons Doremus, BBA ’86, authored Radical Equality: The Beautiful Human Family (Antithetical Race Theory). The book is an Amazon bestseller in four different categories.
Liz Myers, BBA ’86, and Franklin Myers of Houston, established the Liz and Franklin Myers Welcome Mentors Program Fund. The Myers’ sons, Thomas Myers and Zachary Myers, are members of Baylor University’s Class of 2028.
Debbie Wooley, BSHE ’87, and Jeff Wooley, BBA ’86, of Woodway, TX, established the Ryan Barnett Endowed Scholarship at Truett Seminary in honor of Rev. Ryan Barnett and his family’s service to First Methodist Waco.
Roy DeFriend, BBA ’88, JD ’90, was elected to the 77th Judicial District Court, serving Limestone and Freestone Counties. Judge DeFriend will take the bench Jan. 1, after 34 years at the Limestone County District Attorney’s office.
Jill Johnson-Stevens, BA ’88, graduated in April with a doctorate in psychology from California Southern University. Her doctoral project examined the significant influence a father has on his child’s development and mental wellbeing. She has worked in private practice as a trauma-informed therapist for over 30 years, helping children and families who have experienced trauma, tragic loss and grief.
Michele L. Jones, BBA ’88, of Colleyville, TX, established the Michele Jones Family Endowed Fund in Business for the BEST Program.
Jeanie Somerville Scott, BBA ’88, wrote Nested Loops of Love: A Dot-Com Romance. The book is a fun romance set in Atlanta in the 1990s and is available on Amazon.
Stephanie Stout, BA ’88, has semi-retired from her trial law practice and is enjoying teaching people to fly as a certified flight instructor. She recently authored All the Answers Private Pilot Checkride Prep, available at her website heyimapilot.com.
The Missy Wells Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established through the numerous gifts from friends of Missy Wells, BSHE ’88, in the honor and memory of her life.
Deeanne King, BBA ’89, and Greg King of Kirkland, WA, established the Deeanne and Gregory King Family Endowed Scholarship in Business.
Lisa Hackel Pedevilla, BSEd ’89, earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University and serves as clinical professor in the teacher education and administration department at the University of North Texas.
1990s
Carolyn Dasher, BA ’90, authored American Sky (Lake Union Publishing), a multi-generational saga about a family of extraordinary women from the early days of aviation through WW2 and Vietnam. The novel is available in stores and online. Learn more at www.carolyndasher.com.
Charlie Lipsey, BA ’90, and Bill Russell, BBA ’82, celebrated their birthdays with a trip overseas in what is becoming a tradition. Born only eight hours apart, they are childhood friends who grew up and attended Baylor together. This year’s trip was a two-week tour of Nepal, where they flew over Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and took in the sites and foods of the country.
May Slaughter, MSEd ’90, serves as program director for Brain Balance of Eagle-Boise, where she helps students of all ages with sensory motor and developmental challenges improve their abilities. She also is co-owner of Whisper Creek Dressage, a boutique horse training and boarding facility, with her daughter Meghan Slaughter, a Grand Prix level trainer and master’s level kinesiologist. Along with dressage training, they offer horse and rider fitness programs for better athletic performance and health.
Paul Lansdowne, BA ’92, was accepted into the 2025 cohort of the Stanford Chief Wellness Officer Course and Training Program.
Jeffery D. Price, BBA ’92, managing director and wealth management advisor, celebrated 30 years with Merrill Lynch. He was ranked No. 1 in Texas-North on the Forbes 2025 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list and was named to the 2025 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors list for the sixth consecutive year. He and his team were named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for the third consecutive year. Price also was named to the 2025 Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors List for the 13th consecutive year. Price and his wife, Cara, reside in Flower Mound, TX. Their son, Connor, BA ’20, and daughter, Catherine, BS ’23, also are graduates of Baylor.
Saad Ehtisham, BS ’93, was promoted to president of acute care operations for Novant Health. He oversees a portfolio with
$9 billion in net revenue and 20 hospitals across North and South Carolina. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor in the Master of Healthcare Administration programs at Florida International University and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Bryan Critchfield, BBA ’95, and Jill Critchfield, BBA ’95, of Glen Rock, NJ, established the Critchfield Family Endowed Scholarship in Social Work.
Amanda Heidemann, BA ’95, was named president of the St. Louis Academy of Family Physicians. She has been a member of the Academy for over 25 years and served previous terms as a board member and as president-elect in 2024. Her focus areas for 2025 include expanding educational opportunities and showcasing the importance of health information technology in delivering high quality medical care. She currently works as a physician advisor for Wolters Kluwer Health and enjoys volunteering for Scouting America.
Kendall Hopper, BA ’94, and Brannon Coker of The Woodlands, TX, established the Kendall Hopper Endowed Scholarship, a Hord Challenge Scholarship.
Kenneth “Bob” Jones, BBA ’94, closed his law firm and accepted a position as senior assistant general counsel with The Pilot Company.
Leslie Leigh Lawrence, BA ’94, released her second album, Where Dreams Begin, under her artist name Leslie Leigh. Now available on all major streaming platforms, the album follows her debut Christmas release. After retiring from a 20-year corporate sales career, Lawrence moved abroad in 2019 and now focuses on motivational speaking, songwriting and coaching female entrepreneurs in brand development and business strategy. Through music, storytelling and coaching, she inspires others to pursue their dreams at any stage of life.
Jason Fuller, BA ’95, and Kathryn Wellborn Fuller, BSEd ’96, MSEd ’99, of Silsbee, TX, established the Fuller and Wellborn Family Endowed Scholarship.
TyAnn Osborn, BBA ’95, authored her debut book, A Life Aligned: Keys to Transform Your Work and Life. Drawing on her experience as a leadership expert, Gallup-certified strengths coach and keynote speaker, she offers readers practical tools and inspiration to realign their lives with what matters most. The book is a guide for professionals seeking more purpose, joy and energy in both work and life. Learn more at tyannosborn.com.
Adrian Escalante Jr., BBA ’96, was elected the 19th district director (state director) of the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters (TCAC) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As district director, Escalante is responsible for providing leadership and support to more than 3,000 Alpha Phi Alpha members across Texas and its 52 chapters (alumni and college).
Staci J. Olsen, JD ’96, was promoted to shareholder at Baron & Budd, PC in January.
Jeremy Pedigo, BA ’96, received a PhD in history from Liberty University in May after successfully defending his dissertation, “Houston Nationalism: The Life and Politics of United States Senator Sam Houston.” He is a government and history professor at San Jacinto College in Houston.
Jim Wilson, BBA ’96, MBA ’96, and Danielle Wilson, BSFCS ’96, of Parker, CO, established the Jim and Danielle Wilson Family Endowed Scholarship.
Laura Cadena, BA ’97, MDIV ’01, is serving her first term representing District 6 on the Dallas City Council.
Amy Bruster, BBA ’98, Anthony Bruster, BBA ’99, JD ’02, and family, of Woodway, TX, established the Amos5 Endowed Fund.
Cristina Parsons Carolan, BS ’99, authored her first cookbook, Plant-Based Pacific: Vegan Island Flavors from Hawai‘i, Japan and the Philippines. She has been the owner of Chef Veggie, a personal chef service, for more than 15 years. Learn more at plantbasedpacific.com.
2000s
Ritchey Cable, BBA ’00, and Kelli Martin Stuart, BA ’00, won Best Picture at the Prison City Film Festival and at the INFLUX Magazine Movie Awards for their feature-film Parable. Cable directed and wrote Parable, and Stuart served as executive producer and cast member. Parable also took home the prestigious Rick Cowan Award at the Kansas City Film Festival, was an official selection for the Gasparilla International Film Festival and was nominated in several categories at the International Christian Film Festival. This is the second feature-length film the pair have worked on together. Their first film, The Author, is now streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime and includes a talented cast including fellow Baylor alumnus Clint Harp, BBA ’00.
Joni Barrow, BA ’02, MSEd ’04, was named director of physician assistant professional development for New York Presbyterian Hospital System, a position she steps into after spending five years as the director of physician assistant services at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Her career with New York Presbyterian spans 11 years.
Jon Erickson, BBA ’02, and Paige Erickson, BA ’02, of Austin, established the Erickson Family Endowed Scholarship for Business.
Jennifer Martin, BME ’03, was elected president-elect of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). TMEA works to ensure excellence in music education for all Texas students. Over 13,000 school music educators are TMEA members. Martin is the orchestra/mariachi specialist for Fort Worth Independent School District.
Chip Hodges, BA ’04, and Jennifer Hodges, BBA ’04, of Longview, TX, established the Chip and Jennifer Hodges Endowed Scholarship.
Marissa Marquez, BA ’04, was inducted into the Texas Lyceum, a nonpartisan, nonprofit leadership organization that identifies leaders from across Texas and provides a forum for a civil discussion of challenges facing the state. Marquez currently serves as Houston Methodist Hospital’s labor and employment legal counsel in Houston.
Joe Barnard, BA ’05, authored The Road Back to God: Faith for Men Dissatisfied by the Modern World (Christian Focus Publishers), in which he addresses the challenges modern men face, from intellectual skepticism to moral uncertainty, while guiding readers through 10 crucial milestones on the path to faith. Through clear prose and relatable examples, he helps men navigate questions of meaning, purpose and spiritual truth.
Janina Hogans, BS ’05, received her master’s in policy management from Georgetown University.
Zoi Maroudas, BA ’05, is the founder and CEO of Bambino’s Baby Food, a company that makes fresh and nutritionally-balanced organic baby and toddler food. The company has its origins from Maroudas’ time living in Waco, and it now makes its return with its first Texas location. Alpha Omega Mediterranean Grill & Bakery and Bambino’s Baby Food have partnered to bring Mediterranean-inspired meals and clean, science-driven baby food under one roof. The grand opening for the joint location in Waco was on April 23.
Walter Jackson, EdD ’06, received the Key Communicator Award from the Texas School Public Relations Association. Past winners include H. Ross Perot, San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros and H.E.B. CEO Charles Butts.
R. Zachary Manis, PhD ’06, had his recent book, Thinking Through the Problem of Hell: The Divine Presence Model (Cascade Books, 2024), selected as a Christianity Today finalist in the Theology (Academic) category.
Brian George, BBA ’07, was promoted to senior vice president of partnerships and luxe at the Houston Texans. George and his wife, Betsy Dethrow George, BBA ’05, live in Houston with their two children, Kinsley and Weston.
Brandy Lynch, MSEd ’07, associate professor and program coordinator for physical education at the University of Central Missouri, has been elected to the Board of Directors for SHAPE America, the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Lynch also currently serves as president of the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators, where she leads statewide initiatives in advocacy, professional development and convention planning.
Lamar “Lars” Moore, BBA ’08, and Anna Moore of Saint Petersburg, FL, established the Lars and Anna Moore Endowed Fund in Business.
Zachary C. Buie, MM ’09, received tenure and promotion to associate professor of trumpet at Boise State University. In addition to applied trumpet, he teaches courses in music history and brass pedagogy while serving as the brass area coordinator.
Preston Steven Cutbirth, BBA ’09, and Preston Robert “Robbie” Cutbirth, BBA ’21, have lovingly restored the historic Elgin, TX, O’Connor Building, a landmark dating back to 1890. The building boasts a striking green and gold palette. On the ground floor, the Cutbirths have established Cutbirth Family Dental, a practice that blends the warmth of small-town dentistry with modern technology. Rooted in hospitality and integrity, their vision extends beyond patient care to creating a positive impact within their community.
2010s
Steven Follis, BBA ’10, MSIS ’21, and Kimberly Follis of Charlotte, NC, established the Follis Endowed Scholarship in Engineering and Computer Science.
Matt Foust, JD ’10, was recently elected to the Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District Board of Trustees. Foust lives in Colleyville with his wife, Katie, and their two grade-school boys and practices law in Tarrant, Dallas and surrounding counties.
Geoffrey Reiter, PhD ’10, authored his first book, The Lime Kiln and Other Enchanted Places (Hippocampus Press), a collection of horror stories and poems. Reiter currently serves as associate professor and coordinator of humanities at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, PA.
Varun Pokkamthanam Joseph, BS ’11, MA ’12, was selected as the New Dentist of the Year for the state of Texas by the Academy of General Dentistry. This prestigious award is given to a dentist who graduated from dental school within the past seven years. Joseph serves patients at his relationship-based, family-owned office, Plano Family Dental, in Plano, TX.
Adrien Theriot, BS ’12, owns Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Memorial Houston. She earned her doctoral degree in dental surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry in 2016, followed by a master’s and certificate in pediatric dentistry in 2018. She then achieved diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2019. Theriot said her experiences throughout her time as a Baylor student and as an alumna have greatly influenced her journey to becoming a pediatric dentist and now practice owner.
Brady Desko, BBA ’13, was named regional vice president of Built on Workday, Americas at Kainos.
Jose David Granados, BA ’13, married Olivia Rose Baumgartner on May 3 in Deception Pass, WA.
T.J. Hales, BBA ’13, was named a partner by Bell Nunnally, where he represents corporate clients in a wide array of commercial and real estate matters. These matters often involve contractual, regulatory and construction issues, including landlord-tenant disputes, purchase and sale agreements, and boundary and title issues.
Benton Miller, BBA ’14, established RetrievAir, a pet-first air carrier that allows dogs and their owners to fly side-by-side at a price significantly less than private charters.
Gabrielle S. Barnett, BS ’17, married Samuel Soyebo on April 14, 2024. Samuel is a Rice University graduate. Gabrielle is currently a medical student in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Erik Lowell, BBA ’19, married Hollyann Williamson in Breckenridge, CO. The couple currently reside in Durham, NC, with their dog, Oscar.
2020s
Olivia Taylor, MA ’21, authored her debut novel, Welcome to the Paradise Motel (Apprentice House Press) in April. A modern twist on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Welcome to the Paradise Motel follows Beatrice Bright, an ambitious young journalist whose world is turned upside down when her high school rival, Ben Constant, returns to their hometown in Florida. The novel is available from Ingram on Bookshop.org and through major online book retailers. Taylor is currently pursuing her PhD at Baylor.
Yeshumenesh M. Zegeye, BS ’21, authored Let’s Break It Down Together: How to Get Things Done Without Burning Out (available on Amazon). Drawing from her experiences balancing the demands of medical school and life, Zegeye shares practical strategies to help readers stay productive without sacrificing their wellbeing. Her goal is to support others navigating stressful seasons and inspire compassionate approaches to success.
Julia Ericson Bryson, BS ’22, and Connor Bryson, BS ’23, married on March 15 in Houston. The couple met at Baylor and now reside in Indianapolis.
NaTasha S. Crain, EdD ’22, received the 2025 MLK Humanitarian Award from the Greater East Texas Panhellenic Council on Jan. 18.
Nichole Davis, MPH ’22, an internationally recognized patient advocate and founder of Wayfinder Patient Advocates, has authored Patient Advocacy for Dummies. Part of the iconic For Dummies® series, the book is designed to help patients, their families and support systems navigate the healthcare system with clarity, confidence and real-world strategies. It is available through major retailers worldwide.
Julia Landivar Donato, BA ’23, received a Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Her thesis research analyzed the associations between household food insecurity, interpersonal violence and child mortality in rural Kenya.
Leticia A. Scott, EdD ’24, was selected to participate in America’s Essential Hospitals 2025–26 Fellows Leadership Program.
Friends & Family
Crown Asset Management, LLC, and Second Round, LP, both of Duluth, GA, established the Larry C. Vasbinder Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Accounting and the Larry C. Vasbinder Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of Larry C. Vasbinder Jr., BBA ’89, MBA ’90.
Brian K. Williams of Brookhaven, GA, established the Larry C. Vasbinder Jr. Memorial Endowed Excellence Fund for Baylor Football in memory of his close friend and business partner, Larry C. Vasbinder Jr., BBA ’89, MBA ’90.
Amy and Joel Hill of Dripping Springs, TX, established the Hill Family Legacy of Faith Endowed Scholarship. Their son, Blake Hill, is a member of the Baylor University Class of 2027.
David and Lauri Perry of San Marcos, TX, established the Clark and Owen Perry Endowed Fund for Robbins College in honor of the Perrys’ sons, Clark and Owen Perry, BBA ’25.
Robert and Angela Santoscoy of El Paso established the Robert “Bobby” and Angela Santoscoy Endowed Scholarship. Their son, Robert Santoscoy, BS ’19, is a Baylor alumnus.
Chuck and Sherry Walker established the Walker Family Endowed Scholarship in Business. Their daughter, Krystle Walker, BBA ’06, is an alumna of Baylor.
Patricia J. Williamson of Frisco, TX, established the Mildred S. Hejl Endowed Scholarship in Nursing in memory of her mother, Mildred S. Hejl. Williamson’s daughter, Ashley Williamson, BA ’09, is an alumna of Baylor.