Ninteen 70s
Lang Beaty (‘74) was awarded the 2017 John J. Kispert Leadership Award at FMU’s Annual Staff Awards Luncheon.
Billy Hoylen (’75) and Hoylen Agency, Inc. were featured in the May 2017 issue of the VIP magazine.
Julian Young (‘76, ‘09) joined the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy as the Director of Development in August 2017. Young retired from FMU in July as the Director of FMU Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.
Carolyn Ford (‘77) was awarded teacher of the year (2017-2018) at Carver Elementary School.
Larianne Strickland Barnette (‘78) joined the Carolina Academy staff as the high school math teacher in August 2017.
Pearl Moore (’79) was recognized by the City of Florence in June 2017 when the new $5 million three court basketball gym was named in her honor – Pearl Moore Gym.
Ninteen 80s
Lyle Ailshie (’81) joined the Tennessee Department of Education as Deputy Commissioner in June 2017.
Ken Jackson (’84) will help to head the new commercial division in Florence with RE/MAX Professionals.
Michele Scott (‘85) joined the HopeHealth Medical Plaza after-hours care program in October of 2017.
Carla Summett (‘85,’90) was awarded teacher of the year (2017-2018) at West Florence High School in September 2017.
Michael A. Blue (‘85) was named FMU’s Outstanding Alumni for 2017 at the university alumni association’s annual banquet. Blue is Bishop at the Door of Hope ministry in Marion, S.C.
Paula Childers (’87) was awarded the John Landrum Advocacy Award for 2017 by The Friends of South Carolina Libraries.
Valeria Hyatt (‘88, ‘91) joined the FMU faculty as a Professor of Mathematics in August 2017.
Ashley Brady (’89) was elected Mayor of Marion, South Carolina in April 2017.
Deborah Hopla (’89) was named in the 2017 class of Palmetto Gold, recognizing her as one of the top 100 nurses in the state.
Ninteen 90s
Adrienne Smith (‘91, 98) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Brockington Elementary in September 2017.
Melissa Buckhannon (‘91) was awarded an honorary doctorate by Francis Marion University at the university’s Fall 2017 commencement. Buckhannon (formerly Emery) is a South Carolina Family Court judge. She and her family live in Murrells Inlet.
Pamela Daniels (‘92, ‘96) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Sneed Middle School in September 2017.
Julie Causey (‘93) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Briggs Elementary School in September 2017.
Vicki Elliott (‘93) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Kellie Rasberry (’93) and Allen Evans were married in July 2017.
Brandis Winstead (‘93, ‘96), guidance counselor of Moore Intermediate School, and Carol Schweitz were awarded the 2017 National Network of Partnership Schools award in September of 2017.
Stacey Brayboy (‘94) has been named Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the State of Virginia in Gov. Ralph Northam’s new administration. Previously, Brayboy served as Chief of Staff of the Office of the CFO for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Sherry Nordine (‘94) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Baron Davis (‘95) was hired as the Superintendent of Richland 2’s school district in July 2017.
Barbara Kennedy (’95) was a member of the Leadership Florence Class of 2017 and represented Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Erik Lowry (‘95), associate Dean of Education at FMU, was awarded tenure at the school’s annual faculty breakfast in August of 2017.
Ernestine Dupree (‘96) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors. Dupree joined the FMU staff as the Advising Director of the Center for Academic Success and Advisement.
Linda Sullen (’96, ’09) was awarded the 2017 Outstanding Staff Award at the FMU Annual Staff Awards luncheon.
Timothy Young (’96) debutted his puppet show, Anthropomorphic, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in June 2017.
Jimmy Zeski (’96) and his franchise branch -and his franchise – Fresh Coat Painter of Charleston – were named the 2017 Fresh Coat’s Franchise of the Year.
John Etheridge (’97) will help to head the new commercial division in Florence with RE/MAX Professionals.
Fabrienne Payne (‘97) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Rob Ardis (‘98) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Patricia Byrd (‘98) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Florence Career Center in September of 2017.
Lee Carter (‘98) was named President of Board of directors for All 4 Autism on July 1, 2017.
David Driver (‘98) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Larry Falck (‘98) starred in “The Game’s Afoot” at Florence Little Theater in November 2017. Falck accepted the position of Director of Multimedia Services at FMU in November 2017.
Alvaro Figuerola (‘98) named Head Varsity Soccer Coach at Bradenton Christian.
Brandi McKay (‘98) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at McLaurin Elementary in September of 2017.
Charles Redfearn (’98, ’06) was named the 2017-2018 Chesterfield County Teacher of the Year in July 2017.
Steven Sims (‘98) was awarded the Outstanding Librarian Award from the South Carolina Library Association in October 2017.
Rebecca Holcombe (‘99) and Sam Roger were married at the Grateful Dog Festival in June 2017.
Two Thousands
Chasity Barnes (’00) was a member of the Leadership Florence Class of 2017 and represented Monster Worldwide.
James Rand (’00, ’04) was honored as Nurse of the Year at Carolinas Hospital’s 13th annual nursing recognition ceremony in May 2017.
Frank Oliver (‘01) was honored by the Francis Marion University Department of Biology with the presentation of the Lawrence F. Swails Award on October 3, 2017.
Amy Prock (’02) was sworn in as the Myrtle Beach Police Chief in July 2017.
Carla M. McCall (’03) was awarded the FMU School of Business Morgan B. Coker Outstanding Alumni Award in February 2017.
David A. Richardson (‘03) joined the FMU faculty as a Part-Time Lecturer of Political Science in August 2017.
Stephanie Weatherford (‘03) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Greenwood Elementary School in September 2017.
Margaret Lane (‘04) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Spaulding Elementary in September of 2017.
Candace Leiter (‘04) joined ERA Leatherman Realty as a sales associate in October 2017.
Lauren Dorton (’05, ’13) joined the Florence Darlington Technical College Foundation as a Program Coordinator in April 2017.
L.I. Falana (‘05) performed in the play “Savannah Sipping Society” at the Hartsville Community Players in August 2017.
Loni Heaton (’05) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Education in May 2017.
Kevin George (‘06) was awarded Teacher of the Year at Rush Academy in September 2017.
Derrick Hemmingsen (’06) was sworn in as the Florence Rotary Club’s Sergeant at Arms Director in June 2017.
Kristen Holt (‘06) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Andre Jennings (‘06) is in the Foreign Service with the U.S. State Department. Following a recent posting to Cairo, his next posting will be Kathmandu, Nepal.
Elizabeth Jane Howell (‘07) was presented the Professional Psychology Award on November 13, 2017.
Frankie Timmons Jr. (‘07, ‘10) joined the Boats Group of Charlotte, N.C., as an ETL Developer.
L’Imari J. Alston (’08) was awarded the FMU School of Education Novice Educator Award in February 2017.
Lindsey K. Bibbler (’08) was awarded the FMU School of Education Veteran Educator Award in February 2017.
Maurice Cobb (’08) was named Principal of Kensington Elementary School in Georgetown, South Carolina.
Devin Cribb (‘08, ‘15) accepted the position of Advising Director of the Center for Academic Success and Advisement at FMU.
Roslynn Elom (’08) was awarded Teacher of the Year at South Florence High School in September of 2017.
Johnathan Edwards (’09) was sworn in as the Florence Rotary Club’s President-Elect in June 2017.
Morgan James (’09) was a member of the Leadership Florence Class of 2017 and represented McLeod Physician Associates.
Jessica Mikell (’09) & Basil Jordan were married in January 2017.
Jed Parker “JP” Tepper (’09) & Blakely Ann Covington (’10) were married on April 22, 2017.
Lauren Benton Stanton (’09, ’13) was promoted to Assistant Director at Florence County Economic Development Partnership.
John Sweeney (’09) was elected to the 2017-2018 FMU Alumni Board of Directors.
Lee Ann Woods (’09, ’16) & Matthew Dunn were married on April 8, 2017 at The Cottage at FMU.
Two Thousand 10s
Blakely Ann Covington (’10) & Jed Parker “JP” Tepper (’09) were married April 22, 2017.
Christy Evans (’10) was featured in the July 2017 issue of VIP magazine for her work with the HopeHealth Diabetes and Nutrition Center Team.
Eboni Fields (’10) lead the Georgia Soul Women’s Basketball team to a championship win in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) in August 2017.
Rachel Gainey (’10) was named Administrator and Vice-President of McLeod Health in Clarendon County in July 2017.
Kendall Grant (’10) & Joshua Talbert were married in May 2017.
Sam McLellan (’10) & Brittney Ann Wallace were married on September 30, 2017. McLellan joined First Mount Moriah Baptist Church as their Student Minister.
Adrienne Smith (’10) was awarded Teacher of the Year (2017-2018) at Brockington Elementary in September of 2017.
Erica Williams (’10, ’15) graduated from FMU in May 2017 with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology.
Emily Benson (‘11) & Kenneth Mosley were married in July 2017.
Lindsay Buchanan (’11) participated in the 2017 Florence Lip Sync Battle and represented SiMT.
Brandon Poston (’11) graduated from FMU in May 2017 with a Masters of Business Administration.
Kayren Spears (‘11) joined the FMU Staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant in Admissions in July 2017.
Patrick Oneal Bryant (’12) & Merritt Victoria Hall were married in March 2017.
Katherine Barnette (’12) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2017. Barnette and her business, Southern Fields Soap Company, were featured in the May 2017 issue of VIP magazine. Barnette was also awarded the 2017 Marvin Lynch Humanitarian Award at FMU’s Annual Staff Luncheon.
Matthew Buchanan (’12) joined PwC as a Senior Risk Analyst.
Jourdan Ashley Winans (’12) & Brock McCallister (’13) were married on October 15, 2016.
Lavon Davis (’12) accepted the position of Assistant Director of Residential Life for Academic Initiatives in Philadelphia, PA.
Richard Smith (’12) graduated from VCOM-Carolinas – Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Ph.D. in May 2017. He accepted the position of Resident Physician, Internal Medicine at Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC.
Tiffany Thomas (’12) and her business, TThomasArts, were featured in the May 2017 issue of VIP magazine. Thomas was recognized as an Empowering Woman in the November 2017 issue of SHE magazine.
Rachel Baggett (’13) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2017.
Ashley Langmo Bell (’13) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2017. She accepted a position with the Bank of Greeleyville in November 2017.
Jasmine Bennett (’13) accepted a position with Verizon Wireless.
Dustin Britt (’13) & Loryn Jackson were married in May 2017.
Matt Drapeau (’13) was named head boy’s soccer coach at Brookland-Cayce High School in June 2017.
Allie Elvington (’13) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Arts in Teaching in May 2017.
Shanae Giles (’13) and Kristen Taylor were married in July 2017.
Tim Laurent (’13) joined Garden City Baptist Church as the Next Generation Pastor.
Brock McCallister (’13) & Jourdan Ashley Winans (’12) were married on October 15, 2016.
Katelyn Poston (’13) & James Robinson were married on September 9, 2017. Poston & James Robinson were married on September 9, 2017. Poston was awarded the Palmetto Gold Nurse Graduate Scholarship for 2017 by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation.
Will D. Thigpen (’13) & Anna Benton Love (’15) were married in December 2016.
O’Neal Kennedy III (’13) & Allison Young Triplett (’15) were married on September 23, 2017.
R. Cody Simpson III (’13) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2017.
Matthew Weiland (’13, ’14) accepted the position of Strategic Supply Management Specialist at Transaxle Manufacturing in Charlotte, N.C.
Christopher W. Barnhill (’14) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2017.
Mallory Brayboy (’14) joined Coldwell Banker Real Estate as a Real Estate Professional.
Paden Capps (’14, ’16) was a member of the Leadership Florence Class of 2017 and represented McLeod Health. He accepted a new position as Business Manager with McLeod Health.
Macey Deanna Owens (’14) & Julian “Rhodes” Dickerson were married in June 2017.
Ashley Lowe (’14, ’15) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology in May 2017.
Grant Toth (‘14) & McKenzie Young were married on June 3, 2017. Toth accepted the position of District Community Development Coordinator at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in August 2017.
Samuel Ankers (’15) & Rachel Droze (‘17) were married in May 2017. Ankers joined Duke Energy as a Radiation Protection Technician.
Summer Bradham (’15) joined Palmetto Disaster Recovery as a disaster recovery case manager in February 2017.
Fath Derrah (’15) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology in May 2017.
Miranda Felder (’15) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology in May 2017.
John Gathings (’15) joined Hannah-Pamplico High School as a math teacher and football/baseball coach.
Dustin James (’15) was elected Worshipful Master of Hampton Lodge No. 204 in November 2016.
Chaney Kemmerlin (’15) & Jordan Ellis (‘17) were married in May 2017.
Hillary Elizabeth Kirby (’15) & Charles Taylor Powell were married in March 2017.
Michele Letter (’15) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology in May 2017.
Katie Lewis (’15) joined the Law Office of Reuben Goude as an assistant.
Anna Benton Love (’15) & Will Thigpen (’13) were married in December 2017.
Kelsey McGinty (’15) was awarded Teacher of the Year at Southside Middle School in September of 2017.
Katie Mitchell (’15) & Aaron Smith (’15) were married in June 2016.
Andrew Sears (’15) & Chauncéy Tyler were married in October 2016.
Janil Seegars (’15) joined the FMU Faculty as a temporary Administrative Assistant in Speech Language Pathology.
Aaron Smith (’15) graduated from Duke University with a Masters in Medical Physics in May 2017. Smith & Katie Mitchell (’15) were married in June 2016.
Blake Terrill (’15) joined the South Carolina Organization of Rural Schools as the director of communications.
Amber Wasiejko (’15) and Taylor Bennett were married in July 2015. Wasiejko has joined the FMU staff as a police officer in April 2016.
Hannah Williamson (’15) graduated from FMU with a Masters of Specialist in School Psychology in May 2017.
Allison Young Triplett (’15) & G. O’Neal Kennedy III were married on September 23, 2017.
Amber Alsbrooks (’16) and Rian McElveen were married on October 15, 2016. Alsbrooks joined Williamsburg Academy as an English teacher.
Brittany Bradley (’16) joined McLeod Regional Medical Center as a registered nurse in labor and delivery.
Jessica Briggs (’16) joined McLeod Regional Medical Center as a registered nurse in labor and delivery.
Michelle Fix (’16) and Timothy Tedder (’16) were married in June 2017.
Justina C. Jones (’16) joined the FMU staff as an Administrative Assistant – Dispatcher for Campus Police in March 2017.
Rachel Keefe (’16) has accepted a position as the Assistant Director of Fund and Education Development at an orphanage in Ethiopia.
Katrina Moses (’16) joined the Florence Morning News as a reporter.
Caitlin Tidwell (’16) joined Pine Tree Hill Elementary School as a first grade teacher.
Timothy Tedder (’16) and Michelle Fix (’16) were married in June 2017.
Glenn Yoma (‘16) accepted a position as a Administrative Support Specialist at the Pantheon of Florence.
Casey Brown (’17) and Bekah Fazio were married on May 14, 2016.
Christian Brunetti (’17) & Christina Xan (’17) wrote and produced a short film named Glass that dealt with domestic abuse and its repercussions.
Rebecca Cross (’17) has accepted a position as a reporter with the Florence Morning News.
Rebekah Davis (’17) was named South Carolina’s top collegiate journalist for 2016-17 by the South Carolina Press Association.
Jordan Ellis (’17) & Chaney Kemmerlin (‘15) were married in May 2017.
Brady Gladden (’17) joined the Lexington 4 Early Childhood Center as a 3K-5K teacher.
Diamond Hunter (’17) has accepted a position as an assistant news specialist with WMBF.
Anna Jackson (’17) & Oscar Almazan were married in May 2017.
Adam Jacobs (’17) joined Mandy Simpson’s State Farm agency in April 2017.
Mason Jones (’17) & Brandi McBrayer (’17) were married in June 2017.
Brandi McBrayer (’17) & Mason Jones (’17) were married in June 2017.
Tori Peltzman (’17) accepted a position as a registered nurse in labor and delivery at McLeod Health.
Alexis Richardson (’17) and Zach Hughes were married in June 2017.
Tyler Rogers (’17) & Haley Buck were married in February 2017.
Madeline Smith (’17) & Joshua Cooper were married in May 2017.
Jeffrey Tucker (’17) was commissioned as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army.
Drew Wike (’17) joined McLeod Regional Medical Center in patient transport in July 2017.
Christina Xan (’17) joined the FMU staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant in May 2017. Xan and Christian Brunetti (’17) wrote and produced a short film named Glass that dealt with domestic abuse and its repercussions.
Friends & Faculty
Dr. Donald Randall Bailey, professor emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology, passed away on Jan. 7, 2017.
Dr. Frederic Gooding, retired professor of Mathematics, passed away on September 8, 2016.
Ronald P. Flowers, FMU’s director of purchasing from 1988-2008, passed away on March 29, 2017.
Mary Ann Lyon Greene, an administrative assistant in FMU’s office of counseling and testing from 1987-2007, passed away on Jan. 7, 2017.
Pete Johnson, a long-time supporter of FMU, passed away on April 28, 2017.
Passing of a Patriot
Hugh Blair Bryan (’79) passed away on September 29, 2017.
Dwayne “DJ Blaze” Malcom (’07) passed away on July 29, 2017 in St. Ann, Jamaica. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma.
Pearlie C. McCall passed away on January 13, 2018. McCall was a long-time member of FMU’s Facilities Department. She began her career at FMU in 1986.
Margaret Morrow Mimms (’82) passed away on April 4, 2017.
Dr. Robert James Schuster (‘82) passed away on April 21, 2017. He was a dentist in Florence and Darlington and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
