Alumni Updates
Professional updates and achievements from our graduates during the past year
Every year, the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education’s Distinguished Alumni Awards honor graduates who, through their service, contributions, and accomplishments, bring distinction and honor to the College and beyond.
This year, eight graduates were recognized for their exceptional career achievements and community leadership. The awards honor both practitioners and researchers in the early and mid-points of their careers and also include lifetime achievement awards and an award for outstanding service.
Congratulations to our 2021 honorees!
Three alumnae of the College were named to UGA’s most recent 40 Under 40 list. Released in summer 2020, the list celebrates the personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements of UGA graduates who are under the age of 40.
Laine Bradshaw (B.S.Ed. ’07, M.Ed. ’07, Ph.D. ’11) is focused on developing and improving psychometric methods for educational assessments. A faculty member in the College of Education, she received all three of her degrees—a bachelor’s and a master’s in mathematics education and a doctorate in research, evaluation, measurement, and statistics—from UGA.
In 2017, Bradshaw founded Navvy Education, LLC, which is a flexible, diagnostic assessment system for students in grades 3-8 learning high school mathematics and English language arts. Using novel psychometric methods, the web-based system provides real-time feedback about students’ competencies of state academic standards.
“I am grateful for the people who have helped me grow as a person, researcher, and entrepreneur and for the opportunities that have allowed me to contribute to the field of education and communities across our state,” says Bradshaw. “I thank the College of Education’s support of my mission to reimagine K-12 assessment systems, as well as the classroom teachers and educators who have journeyed with me to build Navvy.”
Brittany Kisner (B.S.Ed. ’07) served as a speech pathologist at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia for three years, providing clinical services, evaluation, and treatment of infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders.
While there, Kisner—who received her bachelor’s degree in communications sciences and disorders from the College—participated in weekly case study meetings to discuss, strategize, and implement different care delivery strategies. As vice president of the Kevin and Brittany Kisner Foundation, an organization aimed at creating positive learning environments for youth, Kisner is responsible for supervising employees and board members, coordinating the Foundation’s annual fundraising weekend, and leading stewardship strategies.
"It is a great honor to be recognized alongside the remarkable 2020 UGA 40 Under 40 Class,” says Kisner. “My experiences at the University of Georgia, particularly in the Mary Frances Early College of Education, affirmed my passion for creating positive learning environments for youth to build solid foundations for successful lives.”
Samantha Livingstone (B.S.Ed. ’05, M.Ed. ’08) is an Olympic gold medalist swimmer who holds 10 national NCAA titles. For six years, she served as a biology teacher and swim coach at Norcross High School, where she also led professional development opportunities.
Today, Livingstone—who received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science education from the College—helps athletes and coaches cultivate and develop the fundamental skills needed to be leaders. As the CEO of Livingstone High Performance, she offers and facilitates two, multi-module online courses about coaching and community support. In addition to private and group coaching, Livingstone works with organizations and teams to design and implement holistic approaches to supporting athletes.
“It means so much to me that the work I’m doing to elevate mental well-being is being recognized as impactful and important,” says Livingstone. “It’s a sign of hope that we can and are shifting the culture inside the athletic arena to one that honors the development of the whole human, where greatness and health can coexist.”
Five companies linked to the College were included on UGA’s 2021 Bulldog 100 list. This annual recognition honors the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. This year, all five businesses made the list two years in a row.
ADD’s Personal Care Pharmacy, Bogart, Georgia (Rachel Florence, B.S.Ed. ’05): ADD’s Personal Care Pharmacy specializes in long-term care support for nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home-bound patients, focusing on personal, face-to-face interactions with customers and their families.
“It is an honor to be named alongside so many successful UGA businesses,” says Florence. “I offer my sincerest gratitude to the Mary Frances Early College of Education and to my professors without whom this experience wouldn’t have been possible. Serving my community has been a joy and a privilege that I am grateful for every single day.”
ASW Distillery, Atlanta, Georgia (Kelly Chasteen, B.S.Ed. ’00): ASW Distillery is Georgia’s largest whiskey maker, combining Scottish traditions with Southern style to make its award-winning products. ASW has expanded with two additional buildings in Atlanta’s West End and one near Truist Park.
“At ASW Distillery, we pride ourselves on not only providing customers with an excellent product, but also a fun and educational experience,” says Chasteen. “Our primary marketing tool is our tasting rooms, which allow our guests to learn about the history of whiskey and the manufacturing process for craft spirits.”
Buckhead Beans, Marietta, Georgia (Matthew Ades, A.B. ’94, M.Ed. ’96): Buckhead Beans provides locally roasted and sourced artisan coffees and other breakroom products to offices in the Atlanta area.
“This year has been tough for the majority, if not all of us, and it was a welcome bright spot to be named back to the Bulldog 100 for a second straight year,” says Ades. “Buckhead Beans has withstood the test from the pandemic and is poised to move forward in 2021. Go Dawgs!”
FTM Travel, Brentwood, Tennessee (Christy Shadday, B.S.Ed. ’93): FTM Travel specializes in turning vacation dreams into dream vacations. Whether it’s a Disney destination, Universal Parks & Resorts visit, or overseas, FTM is a one-stop shop for all-inclusive resorts, custom tours, honeymoons, cruises, and more.
“I’m so grateful for my education and how it has helped me turn a dream into a reality,” says Shadday. “I sincerely appreciate every person who has supported our business by trusting us with their vacation plans and for those who have poured their knowledge into us to be the travel agency we have grown to be today.”
The Brokery, Forsyth, Georgia (Denise Emami, B.S.Ed. ’97, M.S.W. ’00): The Brokery serves residential and commercial property sales and recently expanded operations to include both company-held commercial real estate and home renovations.
“George and I are honored for our business to be named two years in a row to UGA’s Bulldog 100,” says Emami, who co-owns The Brokery with her husband and UGA alumnus George (A.B. ’01, M.B.A. ’10). “We work hard to run an honest, knowledgeable, and steadfast business for our employees, clients, and community.
Leading the pack
Meet three alumni who are waving the banner of excellence in higher education
Melissa Shivers
Senior vice president for student life
Ohio State University
Melissa Shivers (Ph.D. ’11) often uses the phrase, “bloom where you are planted,” when speaking with students.
She believes that wherever they go—with the right care, hard work, perspective, and time—their lives can be a source of joy and support for others.
Shivers, who was named senior vice president for student life at Ohio State University last year, oversees the university’s Office of Student Life and its constituent departments, leading the operations of numerous areas that affect students, including residence halls, food service, student activities, student leadership development, mental health counseling and crisis intervention, career direction, disability services, and more.
"I often think back on my own life experiences and how the communities in which I have lived, engaged, and served have provided the ‘nutrients’ to prepare me for my role at one of the largest institutions in the nation,” says Shivers, who received her doctoral degree in counseling and student personnel services from the College’s Department of Counseling and Human Development Services. “I will always be grateful for the ways UGA added just the right amount of sunshine and plenty of space for me to grow, particularly through the mentorship, support, and lifelong inspiration from faculty members.”
Shivers, who is a first-generation college graduate, attributes much of her success in graduate school to the guidance and leadership of professor Diane Cooper, associate professor Merrily Dunn, and professor Laura Dean. After graduating, she spent seven years at the University of Tennessee, where she held various roles, including associate vice chancellor for student life and dean of students.
Before her current role at Ohio State, Shivers held positions at the University of Iowa, the University of Georgia, Clemson University, and Georgia Southern University.
Loren Blanchard
President
University of Houston-Downtown
Loren Blanchard (Ph.D. ’91) can state without hesitation that his educational experience at UGA played an instrumental role in his personal and professional development.
Last year, he was named the seventh president of the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) after serving as the executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at California State University (CSU).
At CSU, he developed and oversaw educational and student affairs policies for the 23-campus system; guided and supported campus administrators on curricula, program design, and student service matters; and led the Graduation Initiative 2025 to increase graduation rates for all students while eliminating equity gaps.
A first-generation college graduate, Blanchard fully embraces the life-changing value of higher education. As president of UHD, he ensures the university is fully committed to providing quality academic programs for diverse populations.
“My aspirations to lead an institution of higher education such as the University of Houston-Downtown were greatly enhanced not only by the doctoral curriculum at UGA’s Graduate School, but also the great care and support provided by the faculty and staff,” says Blanchard. “I am proud to hold a Ph.D. in educational psychology from UGA’s College of Education, which empowers me daily in a career dedicated to serving and supporting students to become leaders themselves in their professional fields and communities.”
From 2008-2015, Blanchard served as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Xavier University in Louisiana directly following Hurricane Katrina. He also served as associate vice chancellor for academic and multicultural affairs at Louisiana State University’s Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, as well as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and vice president for accreditation, leadership, and accountability for the University of Louisiana System of Colleges and Universities.
Joseph Cooper
J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair of
Sport Leadership and Administration,
Special assistant to the chancellor for Black life,
Associate professor in the College of
Education and Human Development
University of Massachusetts Boston
Joseph Cooper (Ph.D. ’13) uses his experiences and knowledge to engage in critical conversations and courageous culture-shifting actions—skills he applies every day as the inaugural special assistant to the chancellor for Black life at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
“Having the opportunity to serve as the inaugural special assistant to the chancellor for Black life is an honor because it provides direct access to senior-level administration for influencing institutional policies and practices,” says Cooper. “I plan to further promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at the university through intercultural collaborative efforts centered on anti-racism and health promotion.”
Cooper’s newly created position brings greater focus on issues of inequality, racism, and social justice to the UMass Boston community. In addition to advising the chancellor on matters of importance to Black faculty, students, and staff, Cooper works with the administration to develop new practices and structures for the university.
In 2019, Cooper was appointed the inaugural J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair for Sport Leadership and Administration at UMass Boston. His research agenda focuses on the intersection between sport, education, race, and culture, emphasizing sport involvement as a catalyst for holistic development.
Additionally, Cooper founded Collective Uplift, an organization designed to educate, empower, inspire, and support individuals to maximize their holistic potential both within and beyond athletic contexts. He has presented research at international, national, and regional conferences and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, edited books, and op-ed contributions.
Watch UConn's Collective Uplift video
Alumnus and then-Ph.D. student Terence Ryan (left) and kinesiology professor Kevin McCully prepare to scan then-Ph.D. student Melissa Erickson with an MRI machine in UGA’s Coverdell Building.
Alumnus and then-Ph.D. student Terence Ryan (left) and kinesiology professor Kevin McCully prepare to scan then-Ph.D. student Melissa Erickson with an MRI machine in UGA’s Coverdell Building.
Changing the game
Terence Ryan and Kevin McCully perfect mitochondria test for diseased populations
The mitochondrion is known as the powerhouse of a cell. It’s also vital for nearly all cells in the body to survive.
In fact, mitochondrial health is so important that there’s a growing need to develop easy and accessible tools to study this area in populations with health issues ranging from muscle weakness and fatigue to diseases, such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and more.
Up until recently, the two primary mechanisms used to study mitochondria required using either a specialized MRI unit or an invasive muscle biopsy procedure. This changed in 2017 when Kevin McCully, a professor in the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, and alumnus Terence Ryan (Ph.D. ’13), an assistant professor at the University of Florida, received a patent for a blood volume correction to fix a blip in the mitochondrial test.
“This patent covers a new methodology for measuring skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, otherwise known as mitochondrial capacity, using near-infrared spectroscopy,” says Ryan. “We were able to establish and validate a method that measures the recovery rate of muscle oxygen consumption following a brief muscle contraction, which has now been established as a very strong index of mitochondrial health.”
Ryan and McCully’s non-invasive test requires an inflatable pressure cuff to cut off blood circulation in the arm or leg and uses near-infrared light to measure oxygen levels in the muscle. After the cuff is inflated and released multiple times, the results from the measurement form an exponential curve, which can be analyzed to determine an individual’s muscle health.
Terence Ryan (Ph.D. ’13), assistant professor, University of Florida
Terence Ryan (Ph.D. ’13), assistant professor, University of Florida
Last year, with the help of Innovation Gateway—a unit of UGA’s Research Office that helps move new technologies to the marketplace—the two received a second patent that extends the coverage of the 2017 test, so it can be more easily translated into a final clinical product.
Like most innovators, Ryan and McCully faced a few challenges when developing the patent. They noticed the device they were using kept producing erratic results when measuring oxygen in the tissue. To resolve this issue, Ryan wrote a series of correction methods and codes to make the test viable.
“Terence immediately went to work and wrote the program, and it worked,” says McCully. “Terence’s program is what we got two patents for, and one of the reasons we received the patent is that Terence figured out three ways of making the necessary correction and wrote the code for each one. Terence is a self-taught programmer; he did what he knew he needed to do to be successful.”
After Ryan developed the blood volume correction, he and McCully continued to expand the analysis algorithms and codes, producing several studies to establish the test’s validity. The patent not only corrected the errors caused by the inflatable pressure cuff, but made it easier for researchers, doctors, and clinicians to diagnose and treat patients with a variety of problems, including peripheral vascular disease and heart failure. Since the initial stages of developing this procedure, several other research labs have adopted the approach, successfully using it in a wide variety of patient populations.
“The ability to easily and accurately measure and track mitochondrial health in patients in a non-invasive manner is critical to expanding the technology to the broader medical community,” says Ryan. “As this happens, it may become possible to identify patients early that are at risk for certain diseases or poor health outcomes, refine medical treatment approaches by following mitochondrial health over time, and assist health care providers with personalized health care plans.”
Thanks to McCully’s guidance and mentorship, Ryan’s passion for mitochondrial biology grew tremendously during his time at UGA, and he has since formed his own lab focused on mitochondrial health at the University of Florida.
“Kevin was and is a phenomenal mentor, and there are many aspects about the way I view scientific questions that stem from my time in his lab,” says Ryan. “His passion for science, research, and teaching are easy for anyone to see, even with a brief interaction. He encourages students to develop their own ideas, to critically think about problems, and provides support and encouragement when things fail in the laboratory, which is often.”
Ryan and McCully’s most recent patent moves them one step closer to reconfiguring the blood volume correction into an easy one-click analysis for doctors to use on patients with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more. By decreasing the amount of time and technical expertise it takes to complete tests on diseased populations, their technology may soon be used by medical practitioners around the world.
—Kathryn Kao
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