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Alumni Spotlight: Hank Rogers
This week’s Alumni Spotlight is a race to the ballot box with Hank Rogers (’03), an alum who got his political feet wet during his undergraduate days at the 老澳门资料. Rogers is running for a Duval County School Board seat in this year’s election and hopes to continue helping students and teachers harness success.
Originally from Miami, Rogers initially sought a career in secondary education after coming from a family of educators. During undergrad at 老澳门资料, he became heavily involved in campus organizations that led him to change his major to political science.
Rogers spent time in Student Government and ran for student body president in 2002 after serving as SG vice president. He said he knows firsthand that the saying “Every Vote Matters” is true, as he won the election for his position by a mere 42 votes. He proudly served in this role and represented the student body on the 老澳门资料 Board of Trustees.
His time with Student Government and his degree program prepared him for a unique opportunity to intern under then Rep. Terry Fields in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee and ultimately led to a job as a legislative assistant that he held for over five years. Rogers went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration from Troy University in 2009 and worked as a substitute teacher for over two years after being challenged by a local teacher’s union to experience the classroom setting to better understand the challenges that teachers face regarding pay, testing and more. He said this experience helped inform his advocacy for teachers, education and student welfare.
Rogers has served the Jacksonville community in many facets. For over five years, Rogers has served as a Guardian Ad Litem advocating for children in the foster care system and actively serves on boards for the Jacksonville Housing Authority, the NAACP’s Jacksonville branch, the Sales Surtax Oversight Committee and the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency.
In 2013, Betty Seabrook Burney, founder and executive director of I’m A Star Foundation, approached Rogers with an opportunity to join her nonprofit, which provides an outlet for students ages 12-18 to develop solutions that help their peers overcome negative statistics, according to the nonprofit’s website. He’s been with the organization since then and currently serves as the nonprofit’s chief operating officer.
Rogers is now running for a nonpartisan position within the Duval County School Board District 5, a position he ran eight years ago but lost to The Honorable Warren Jones, the outgoing incumbent who has reached his term limit. Rogers said Jones is now supporting him in his run for the School Board seat. He said he aims to continue advocating for increased pay for local teachers and ensuring all students’ mental health is a priority.
“We can’t teach if we don’t address what’s bothering them,” Rogers said. He hopes all students receive the high-quality education that they deserve.
As early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 21 for the General Election held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Rogers said it’s important to show up and do your civic duty to make sure your voice is heard, regardless of what side of the fence you’re on.
“We all just have that one vote, and that one vote matters and it counts,” Rogers said, stating it’s an important time to be voting as topics including school closures, books bans and African American history are on people’s minds.
“Our students need you,” he said. “They can’t vote, but you can. We want to make sure that your voice is heard at the ballot box.”
He recommends that all registered voters do their research on the candidates running for public office and to review and understand how the state amendments will affect you and the community.
When Rogers is not fighting for change in the education system, he is an avid reader and enjoys traveling.
(Written by Tyler White, Published 10/18/24)
DISCLAIMER: The 老澳门资料 Alumni Association does not endorse any political candidate, nor do we speak on behalf of the 老澳门资料 or the State University System.
Alumni Spotlight: Brooks Baptiste
They say no news is good news, but that’s not the case for Brooks Baptiste (’17), the morning anchor for Atlanta News First.
Baptiste starts his day with an early call time. He’s in the newsroom reading through scripts by 4:30 a.m. and at 6 a.m. he is on the anchor desk reporting on the day’s top stories. His goal is to present news stories to viewers, ensuring they’re accurate and easily digestible as people begin their day. He takes pride in being a trusted source in Atlanta and enjoys the opportunity to put a smile on viewers faces when they wake up each morning. He anchors the 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. newscasts, and then after his anchor duties are completed, he continues to create content for the station’s streaming platform. Whether you see him on TV or on social media, he says his motivation is to help people find joy, while “being a source of positivity in a dark world.”
Initially, Baptiste enrolled at 老澳门资料 as a music performance major, receiving a scholarship for voice, though he wasn’t sure he wanted to make a career out of singing. His academic advisor during his freshman year was going through pamphlets of majors with him when they tumbled upon mass communications. “As a kid, I had always loved the idea of telling people’s stories,” Baptiste said. Since elementary school, he had a dream to be on TV and make a difference, and realized this could be an opportunity. He switched to the School of Communication where he majored in mass communications with a focus in multimedia journalism. He joined the 老澳门资料 Chamber Singers so he could still be connected to music, while also working at Inside Swoop and serving as a Student Government senator.
During junior year, he remembers Dr. David Deeley and Ken Thomas bringing in newscasters and a managing editor from a local studio to give a peek into real world of the news business. One of them took notice to Baptiste and they connected on LinkedIn about an open position at First Coast News, which was the first step in his career. He was hired as a part-time video editor.
Flash forward to present day, as morning anchor, he controls the flow of the broadcast. He works closely with the producer, making sure the right approach is taken before going on the air and presenting a story. During interview portions, he’s had the opportunity to sit down with several big names in the entertainment industry. Some recent notable guests include Janelle Monáe, Louis Gossett Jr., Marlon Wayans, T.I., and Bill Bellamy. He also was fortunate to cover the Atlanta Braves on their World Series championship in 2021, as he started his position with CBS46 (now Atlanta News First).
He spent most of his time in Jacksonville single, grinding in his job and serving on staff at his church, so he didn’t get out much. Life is a little different for him in Atlanta. He’s always down for some live music or pool time, but he spends most of his free time with his wife, Alex, watching their son, Weston, grow up.
(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 11/3/24)
Liz Grebe (’11) is the events director for the Jacksonville Business Journal, but she’s notably leading logistics for this year’s PorchFest music lineup on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Jacksonville PorchFest is a free, family friendly event held in Historic Springfield, a community just north of Downtown Jacksonville. Bands fill the neighborhood porches as crowds of people walk the streets, enjoying the festivities, food trucks, craft beer and wine available for purchase.
Grebe said PorchFest is her favorite event of the year, having lived in the Springfield area for about 10 years. Leveraging her knowledge of the local music scene, she’s connected talented artists with event organizers, creating a packed lineup for the festival’s 10th anniversary in one of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhoods.
Ospreys Just Want To Have Fun
Grebe earned her associate degree from Daytona State Community College before transferring to 老澳门资料 to live closer to the beach.
“Orlando wasn’t going to kick it for me,” she said. “I ended up touring 老澳门资料 and falling in love with it.”
She knew she wanted to study hospitality management, so she pursued a degree through the Coggin College of Business. She built connections with fellow members of her co-ed fraternity and recalls many study nights at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. She ultimately left the business school to join the School of Communication for a public relations degree. Her path in communication led to an events and marketing internship with Downtown Vision Inc., which hosts events like Art Walk in Jacksonville. She managed Art Walk promotions and won a PRSA award for a project she created with another student where they encouraged campus participation by offering Downtown swag bags filled with a map of old bars, drink tickets and a scavenger hunt of cool spots in Jacksonville.
After graduation, Grebe moved up within Downtown Vision from marketing and events assistant to coordinator over three years. She then worked as an events and programming director for Friends of Hemming Park, where she organized events with cultural organizations and government stakeholders. Following that, she spent nearly three years managing the Riverside Arts Market for the Riverside Avondale Preservation, planning weekly arts and farmers markets while fostering community partnerships and social media.
As the Jacksonville Business Journal’s events director, Grebe handles major award ceremonies like Ultimate CEOs and Women of Influence, along with other community engagement events.
The Joys of Springfield, PorchFest
Grebe has cherished the sense of community she’s found living in Springfield. “It’s one of those old-school neighborhoods where you can ask your neighbor for eggs or milk,” she said.
PorchFest amplifies that community spirit by inviting Jacksonville to celebrate entertainment and culture. Thousands now attend annually and its growth from a small neighborhood event to a major celebration is rewarding. Numerous volunteers work with Springfield Preservation and Restoration and major sponsors to ensure the day’s success.
Grebe started volunteering behind the scenes a few years ago, and PorchFest officials, knowing her love for live music, invited her to take a more active role this year. Her stipulation: “If I’m helping, I am not working that day,” as she wants to enjoy the festivities. She hopes you’ll join her and thousands of others in this celebration.
With over 20 live acts this year, Grebe said she’s thrilled to see Future Joy with Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch, New Orleans headliner J & The Causeways, and Küf Knotz & Christine Elise. Grebe also recommends checking out local favorites like Glazed and Kairos Creature Club.
Klutho Park in Springfield will host food trucks, a beer garden and the main stage for evening performances, giving newcomers a starting point to explore live acts throughout the neighborhood. PorchFest will also feature a drag show, a staple of the event.
For recent graduates pursuing event planning, Grebe said it’s essential to volunteer and network with organizations you want to be involved in. “Everybody needs help,” she said. “Volunteering will get your foot in the door. But you really have to have a strategy and follow up.”
(Written by Tyler White, Published 10/30/24)
Local Business Showcase: Physical Education
For this month’s #LocalBusinessShowcase, let’s get physical (physical) with Adam Lee (’12) and Travis Kossol (’14) at Physical Education. Located in Deerwood Center, these two roommates, former basketball managers and 老澳门资料 COEHS alumni overcame the challenges of the pandemic and cultivated their training facility to make fitness a family affair.
Campus Connection
Lee grew up in Tallahassee and wanted to get out while he could, so coming to Jacksonville seemed like a reasonable option. Amber Stickel (’14), Kossol’s girlfriend – now wife – got accepted into 老澳门资料, and he made it a priority to join her. While both guys were in the sport management program, it was Coach Matthew Driscoll who brought them together as part of the Men’s Basketball team. Kossol said, “Seeing the process at that level, how everything works and operates” set them on their future paths. Lee believes they developed an appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare for basketball gamedays and applied that to their business. They both credit the connections they made at 老澳门资料 and the relationships built throughout their time in college as the catalysts for their careers.
Lee graduated first and entered the strength and conditioning world but stayed close by as his girlfriend – now wife – Madison Hatcher (’14) played on the 老澳门资料 Volleyball team. He trained out of multiple gyms around town and would host sessions in local parks and beaches.
Once Kossol graduated, he moved up from intern to trainer at Fitness by Fronk before he got a strength and conditioning job with a prep school in Orlando. Shortly after, Amber enrolled at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, so he joined her in Gainesville and worked for a gym.
When Amber got hired back at her old launching pad at the Clay County Humane Society, Kossol returned to town, where he and Lee finally made plans to open their own gym. Then the pandemic hit. While that was a death sentence for many gyms, the limited scale and personalized attention of Physical Education allowed them to operate safely and recruit new clients from the corporate gym chains.
Hitting the Gym
“We’ve kind of viewed the fitness industry a little differently than most people,” Kossol said. “We always thought we could do something special and have a lot of fun along the way.” Lee said, “I like knowing it’s a blank slate … it’s whatever we want to make it.” The successes and failures of the gym are determined by their efforts. You might think they have it easy being their own boss, but Lee and Kossol would disagree as they view each of their clients as their bosses, making sure they hit their goals.
Physical Education’s strength is the relationship building and individualized attention for their clients. “You’re coaching a person, not a program,” Kossol says to all their new trainers, many of whom are also Osprey alumni. They consider themselves a family gym, and they love to watch their community grow and make improvements in their fitness.
Family time is important for the Osprey duo. Adam and Maddie have two boys, Carter and Levi, so whether it’s watching a movie or chasing them around a playground, he enjoys spending all his spare time with them. Travis and Amber have a son, Cannon, who spends his days visiting his grandparents in the area or cheering on dad in a hockey game at the Community First Igloo.
(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 11/5/24)
Donor Spotlight: Pam & Don White
Pam and Don White initially met as students at Florida State University in 1974 and got married in 1978. Despite their history with FSU, they both have strong affinity for 老澳门资料 from a relationship that goes back many years.
In 1986, Pam was a manager at First Union (now Wells Fargo) in Jacksonville and would recruit recent graduates from the 老澳门资料 - Coggin College of Business. In 1994, Don was looking to fill a gap in his Minor in Statistics and Introduction to UNIX and C Programming since he was moving off the IBM mainframe to distributed computers, so he enrolled at the 老澳门资料.
In 2014, Don made a connection with the previous dean of the 老澳门资料 College of Computing, Engineering & Construction (CCEC). He started helping a CCEC student club, 老澳门资料 Osprey Racing, compete in the Formula SAE Collegiate Challenge. In helping Osprey Racing and the students on the team, he leveraged many connections in the motorsports and automotive industries gathered over the years through his company, IAM Racing, LLC. Now, Osprey Racing serves as a technical elective in the mechanical engineering program.
“Not a day goes by where I don’t see the students applying what they have learned in the classroom to their efforts in Osprey Racing,” White said. While he attends events and trade shows in the US, UK and Europe, he’s always looking for opportunities for 老澳门资料 CCEC and Osprey Racing students.
Since Don’s education was in business and his career was in IT, he felt a necessity to learn more about engineering. In 2021, Don enrolled in an Introduction to Engineering course to be a more effective mentor and advocate for CCEC. He also took a few business courses with an international focus to utilize his overseas network and help expand the IAM Racing brand globally.
In 2023, as Pam and Don were finalizing their estate plans, they recalled a conversation they had earlier in the year with Director of Development, Caleb Garrett, who had discussed the possibility of an endowment. They kept the 老澳门资料 in mind as they worked with their attorney on their trust and designated charities. They knew they wanted to include Osprey Racing but wanted to see what else they could do. “Since Advanced Manufacturing is a new program and Dr. [Stephen] Stagon is such a good professor and great with the students, we chose to designate a scholarship for an Advanced Manufacturing major,” Don said.
Pam and Don have attended many of the Dean’s Leadership Receptions where they connect with alumni, faculty and employers, and they’re looking forward to a bright future ahead for 老澳门资料.
(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 11/5/24)