MEET THE ALUMNI BOARD

Michael is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps Purple Heart Combat Veteran, is the driving force behind The Adversity Academy, serving as its Founder, CEO, and Executive Chairman. With over two decades of leadership experience and strategic business acumen, he has a proven track record of steering organizations toward seven-figure success, earning him recognition as an award-winning INC 5000 entrepreneur. In addition to his military service, Michael holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Security. He is also the winner of the National & Global 2022 Distinguished Alumni of Indiana Wesleyan University recipient, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field.

During her time at IWU, she spent three years playing for the college volleyball team on the main campus, while pursuing Elementary Education with a science focus. Following graduation, she obtained her real estate license and currently resides in Indianapolis. She works as a real estate assistant at F.C. Tucker Company and recently made a team transition to work more independently. By getting in touch with IWU alumni, including Micheal Moffitt, she discovered networking opportunities in Indianapolis. Thanks to his connections along with other IWU staff, she helped organize an IWU Indy Alumni gathering at her office in February.

God used his IWU experience to change the trajectory of his life in ways he never dreamed of. He earned a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies in 2009 as part of the doctoral program in Organizational Leadership. It was a defining catalyst in his life, as it propelled him to lead the organizational development efforts for one of the fastest-growing medical device companies in the world. It opened doors that allowed him to serve as a team chaplain, and ultimately a People & Culture Coach, in professional sports. Most recently, it has equipped him with lifelong research skills and the discipline to write, guiding him towards becoming a published playwright. Equally significant, his experience at IWU resulted in lasting friendships and valuable life lessons, with the most crucial one being that God's plan surpasses my own!

Simon is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Prairie Lakes Church in Iowa. A Wesley Seminary alumnus (Masters of Divinity), Simon is passionate about helping people share the story of God’s actions in their lives. He believes the most effective strategies for reaching new people for Jesus involve empowering the invitations and storytelling of Christ's followers. Simon is married to Laura, and they have two daughters. He is a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan and loves spending time on the family pontoon boat with his girls.

Jared attended IWU for four enriching years, from 2019 to 2023, where he pursued his passion for Physical and Health Education. His time was incredibly rewarding, providing him with a solid foundation and comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices in this field. Following graduation, he embarked on his professional journey as a Physical and Health Education teacher. Currently, he is proud to serve as the PE teacher at Howard Elementary School. In this role, he is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment where students can thrive both physically and mentally.

When Sharon moved to Marion in the 1970s, she worked as the Administrative Assistant for the Academic Dean. She and her husband lived close to Marion College where they raised their two sons. Sharon graduated in 1987 in the first cohort of the College of Adult & Professional Studies with a BS in Management and then earned the MSM while she was an Academic Advisor. She began the Chaplaincy Program for Adult Students in 1995, then earned her PhD at Regent University and became Dean of CAPS and taught in the PhD in Organizational Leadership for six years before retiring and moving to Florida in 2016.

Ellis earned his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2012, further enhancing his leadership skills. His unwavering dedication and hard work led to a series of promotions within DCS. His career progression continued as he assumed the role of Supervisor in the assessment division for Lake County and Division Manager in December 2012. In January 2014, he achieved the position of Deputy Director of Region 1, Lake County, and in 2016, he was selected as the Regional Manager of Region 1, Lake County, overseeing the second-largest region in the state.

Across his career, Ellis G. Dumas earned The Times “Top 20 Under 40” award, the Indiana University 20 Under 40 award, the Journey Fellow Title, and the Purdue Northwest Minority Leadership Achievement Award. Most recently, Ellis received the Exemplar Alumni Award from the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University and the Distinguished Alumni Award – National & Global from IWU. Amidst his professional and community accomplishments, Ellis treasures his most precious achievements: his loving and supportive wife, Jervai, whom he met at IU, and their four children — Ellis IV, Jaci, Jamie, and Julie. His dedication to his family is a testament to his character and values.

Nancy Blanche Fisher was born and raised in New York City. She currently lives in Baltimore, MD, and is a mother of five. She has three biological sons and two adopted daughters. Her career in corrections started in 1989 in South Florida. She was a corrections officer and then promoted to Sergeant. She then founded and operated a non-profit organization for at-risk youth from 2001 through 2007. From 2007 to 2009, she held the Director position for a youth homeless shelter in New Jersey. In 2009, she pivoted her career toward juvenile justice. She was the Deputy Superintendent of Operations at one of the agency's treatment facilities. This is where she gained and developed her management skills and techniques. She provided direct oversight and supervision over all aspects of youth rehabilitation and treatment services, care, custody, control, and safety of 60 committed youth and supervised 120 direct care staff. Currently, she represents the agency as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Coordinator. She oversees the implementation/prevention/detection and response to the sexual safety of incarcerated juveniles. Working with youth is her calling. Her link to IWU revolves around discovering a school that resonates with and nurtures her faith in God while pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. Just as simple as that.

She attended IWU from 1998-2002 and graduated with a Communications degree. She enjoyed her time at IWU and grew academically and spiritually during her years there. After graduating from IWU, she spent a year in Costa Rica as a missionary and has used her Communications degree in various ways since then. She currently works at the Tennessee Kidney Foundation as the Director of Programs and Outreach. She loves this job because she not only uses her degree from IWU, but she also tangibly helps and serves kidney patients and community members in Middle Tennessee.

She graduated from IWU with an Education degree and earned her Master’s in Education from Eastern Kentucky University, while her husband Stan attended Asbury Seminary. At the beginning of her career, she taught elementary school in Kentucky and Indiana, with a focus on fourth grade. In 2001, they moved to Annapolis, Maryland, and Debbie was asked to take a position with World Hope International (WHI) as the Hope Corps Director. Her job included building an overseas volunteer program and developing and leading a relief program after Hurricane Katrina. A highlight of her career at WHI was facilitating several US teacher mentoring teams in Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Haiti, and Bosnia. Another assignment included assisting the IWU nursing team efforts in Zambia. She also served as the Country Offices Director and International Program Director. She ended her career working for the Chesapeake District of the Wesleyan Church. She is now retired and lives in Florida. She and her husband Stan have two married sons and two daughters-in-law who have four children. Just last December, God blessed them with their first great-grandson. Including her husband’s family and her own, they have 28 relatives who have attended IWU.

He spent four years (2004-2008) at IWU, and God used the classroom, professors, students, chapel, student development experiences, local churches, and his dorm experience (Hodson Hall Lifer!) to shape him dramatically. His experiences at IWU provided growth and development opportunities that still translate today. He remains close friends with many of his classmates and still interacts with a couple of his professors. When looking for a way to continue his studies, he returned to his roots for another four years (2019-2023) as an MDiv. student with Wesley Seminary. Once again, God used every component of this degree path as a means of grace to challenge, encourage, and train him for His Kingdom work. He is deeply grateful for the lasting impact of IWU/Wesley Seminary and thankful to be part of introducing others to the opportunity God may have for them here! After spending 15 years serving two local churches in PA and SC (Youth Ministry, Residency Director, and Care Pastor), he moved into the position of Editor II at David C Cook (Youth and Young Adult Discipleship Resources) in the spring of 2022. It is his joy and privilege to work as part of a great team to provide resources to local churches that are discipling young people.

She is originally from Allendale, MI, and moved to Indiana for her education. She earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from IWU in 2004. It was during her time there that she met her husband, who was also studying Business Administration and Management. They are the proud parents to their lovely 10-year-old daughter, Cadence. Currently, she serves as the Vice Chancellor of Finance for Ivy Tech Community College for the Muncie and Richmond campuses.

He attended IWU from 1989 to 1993 and graduated with a degree in Political Science, History, and Economics. He ran on the cross country and track & field teams all four years and made lifelong friends with his teammates. Upon completion of law school in 1996, he began working for the first of five different members of Congress. Despite leaving Capitol Hill twice for other jobs, he returned both times and is currently in his fourth year as Chief of Stafffor Congressman Bob Good of Virginia. He and his wife Keirsten live in Arlington, Virginia, and have four children ages 14 to 21.

It was during her years at IWU that the Lord prepared her for the kingdom work to which He has called her. She attended the Marion campus from 1992-1996 and graduated with a BS in Pre-Med Biology. She played on the IWU Women’s Soccer team for all 4 years and remained as an assistant for the following season. Currently, she is an executive coach with Novus Global, a soccer chaplain to the USWNT / Kansas City Current, and she coordinates chaplains serving the National Women’s Soccer League. Her daughter Mallory is currently a student at IWU and also plays on the Women’s Soccer team.

He was not only focused on academics during his time in college but also dedicated to being a student-athlete, competing on the Men’s Soccer team. Balancing the demands of athletics and academics taught him valuable time management, teamwork, and leadership skills that have been instrumental in my professional journey. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration that laid a solid foundation for his career. He is currently thriving in his role at Van Ausdall & Farrar as a Sales Team Lead.

Prior to joining Van Ausdall & Farrar, he had the enriching experience of business ownership and held executive roles in various organizations. These roles provided him with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and financial management. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership abilities have always propelled him to seek new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Jason attended IWU from 2020 - 2022 and graduated with a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Assessment. After attending that graduation ceremony, he was compelled to continue his education, and he knew it needed to be with IWU. From 2022 - 2024 he completed the Educational Specialist Degree. Being a Global Student, he has enjoyed participating with the MESA group through IWU and Dr. Dowling. He has also enjoyed spending time with the online chaplain John Lee. Many of the wonderful IWU professors have become friends along the way. He is in my 24th year of teaching in the Philadelphia School District, the last 12 in Kindergarten. Currently, he uses his multiple IWU degrees to mentor resident teachers through Temple University in Philadelphia.

He sought a way to pursue his Master's degree while working as an Industrial Engineer at GM/Kokomo. IWU offered the ideal program that accommodated his schedule and aligned with his Christian values. The management course, emphasizing servant leadership in the business realm, was particularly impactful. After graduating, he has been dedicated to being a world changer and reflecting God's Kingdom. Last year, he retired after 31 years.

Dr. Curtis A. Thompson accepted his call into ministry in the Fall of 2001 and was ordained as a licensed minister in July 2005. His educational background includes being a Graduate of Tennessee State University, with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and a M.Div. from Wesley Seminary at IWU. Dr. Thompson completed the doctorate program at Wesley Seminary for Transformational Leadership in May 2020. His cohort was the first D.Min. graduating class in the history of Wesley Seminary. In August 2022, Dr. Thompson became a Faculty Advisor for the Black Leadership in Ministry Doctoral Program at Nazarene Theological Seminary and in 2024, a Doctoral Adjunct Faculty Advisor for Wesley Seminary.

Dr. Thompson has a passion for his family and the people of God. He is dedicated to transforming lives by teaching and preaching that an intimate holistic relationship with God is the most important relationship in our lives.

Starla takes great pride in being an alumna of IWU, and from the outset, she knew that pursuing an MBA was part of her educational journey. During her graduate school research, she came across IWU, and its status as a Christian University resonated deeply with her faith, making it an ideal choice. The team-based approach, a hallmark of IWU's educational philosophy, has proven invaluable in her professional career. While at IWU, she honed her leadership and communication skills, and the experiences she gained have continued to benefit her in her role as an Auditor at Simon Property Group. The enduring friendships she formed with classmates further highlight the lasting impact of her time at IWU.