DBA 11 Candidates

Akinsulere Arikawe

Akinsulere Arikawe II completed his undergraduate degree in mathematics at Philander Smith College (now Philander Smith University) in the state of Arkansas. He has over thirteen years of experience within the healthcare industry focusing on payer reimbursement and financial analysis.  In addition, his background includes software implementation, project management, staff management, and conducting technical trainings for both internal employees and external clients.  He is currently pursuing his DBA, focusing on management and entrepreneurship. 

 

 

Scott Bacon

Scott Bacon serves as Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Jacksonville University. He currently oversees University Advancement, Marketing & Communications, Government Relations and Community Relations. Bacon joined the President’s Cabinet in 2018. 

Hired as Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations in June of 2016, Bacon oversaw the athletic development, sponsorships, and marketing departments, as well as media relations. Additional responsibilities included developing and executing a strategic marketing and business plan, engaging stakeholders, determining appropriate budget allocations for chosen initiatives and ensuring a cohesive approach to brand awareness.

Prior to joining Jacksonville University, Bacon served for five years in a similar capacity at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. While at Longwood, Bacon was elevated from the Director of Development for Athletics to Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations. When he wasn't in the office, he could be caught in the broadcasting booth where he served as the Voice of the Lancers. Prior to Longwood, Bacon was the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Lynchburg Hillcats, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.

A Cleveland native, Bacon earned his bachelor's degree in communications and broadcasting from Otterbein University in 2005. He received his Master of Education in Sport Leadership in 2015 from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Christopher Current

Christopher Current is an experienced construction manager. In his current role as a senior bridge and road inspector for the Parsons Corporation, he has worked on multi-million-dollar projects, including at the Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson International Airport.

Christopher earned his BS in Construction Management from Missouri State University and his MBA with an emphasis in supply chain management from Maryville University in St. Louis. He is now pursuing his DBA to enhance his evidence-based decision making skills and progress in the construction industry. 

 

Christionna Griffin

Christionna Griffin is a Senior Manager at CSX Transportation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.  She has worked with CSX for over a decade in various roles within Operations and Finance. Currently, Christionna serves as Co-Chair for the Leadership Development committee for the CSX African-American Inclusion Business Resource Group (AAIG) which serves to sustain a community of African-American employees that supports CSX vision and values, recommend strategies to create a culture that embraces inclusion and strives to maximize the African-American representation at CSX.

Christionna is a Certified Lean Manager and a 2021 National African American Women’s Leadership Institute (NAAWLI) graduate. Christionna commits her professional and personal time to volunteer at MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, City Year, the Salvation Army and local organization and schools.

Christionna earned a B.S. in Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and earned a Masters in Business Management from the Coggin College of Business at University of North Florida. She is a graduate and former facilitator of the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) located in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Alireza Hassani

Alireza Hassani is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in technology, project management, and business development. He holds a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering and a Master’s in Technology Management, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).

With a strong background in software development, Agile methodologies, and digital transformation, Alireza has led successful projects across various industries, including banking, healthcare, and automotive. He previously worked as an Organization Manager for one of the largest banks in Iran, where he played a key role in business process optimization and organizational development.

Alireza spent part of his childhood in Japan, where his father was pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and later became a professor at Kobe University. Growing up in an academic environment in Japan sparked his curiosity for learning and technology and gave him an early appreciation for problem-solving and innovation.

In addition to Japan, Alireza has lived in Turkey and Malaysia, where he gained valuable insights into diverse cultures, business landscapes, and global market trends.

Monica Exantus Jhon

Monica Exantus Jhon is a dynamic professional with a robust background in sports management, communications, and media relations. She holds a Master's degree in Sports Management from Université Paris Créteil and a Bachelor's in Journalism from the University of Florida, with a minor in Psychology. She was also awarded a certificate in Sports Management.

With experience across various sectors, including sports organizations like ESPN, media outlets, and communication agencies, Monica has successfully contributed to projects with prominent sports clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais and FC Fleury 91. She has also played a pivotal role in managing media relations, creating content, and facilitating internal communication strategies. Her work includes handling press releases, organizing events, and developing communication plans that align with organizational values.

Monica's multicultural background adds a unique dimension to her work. Growing up in a Haitian household while living in the U.S. and France, she has developed strong intercultural communication skills. Fluent in French, English, and Haitian Creole, she excels in adapting to diverse environments, both professionally and personally. Her global perspective, combined with her passion for sports and media, has positioned her as a versatile professional ready to make an impact in the world of sports management and communications.

Melissa King

Melissa Nicole King is a dynamic doctoral candidate specializing in Finance. A native of New York City, she earned her Bachelor of Science from the City College of New York, a prominent public research institution, where she majored in Psychology and Biology.

Her academic journey continued at Rutgers University Business School, where she earned an MBA with concentrations in Financial Management and Strategy & Leadership. Her international exposure was further enriched by a semester abroad at ESCEM in Tours, France, where she honed her understanding of global business practices. In addition, Melissa has a strong interest in Cognitive AI and Natural Language Processing; in her spare time, she has a earned specialization in Deep Learning.

Professionally, Melissa began her career in the commercial real estate sector, where she managed the business operations for the world’s #1 investment properties brokerage team. Under her management, the team achieved the top global rankings in sales volume and revenue year after year. Melissa most recently has transitioned back to her interests in finance with a role at Allegis Global Solutions in Jacksonville, where she merges her financial acumen and analytical expertise.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Melissa is also dedicated to personal growth. She is an artist with a passion for acrylic painting. Her work has been showcased in various NYC venues, including a six-month installation near Rockefeller Center in 2010. Melissa also takes electric guitar lessons during her off time.

Driven by a desire to contribute to both academia and industry, Melissa is focused on advancing research in organizational financial management. She aims to leverage her expertise to bridge the gap between theory and practice, aspiring to become a thought leader who shapes the future of finance and business.

Travis Lower

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Statistics, Travis started out with a career in personal finance.  He later returned to UofM to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and shifted his focus to institutional asset management.

 

Over the next 16 years, Travis advanced through increasingly senior roles, culminating in his 2021 promotion to Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan.  In this role he is responsible for leading a team of investment professionals who manage over $4 billion in invested assets.  He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, and the Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF) designation.

Since 2019, Travis has also served as an adjunct professor of finance at Northwood University, where he shares his passion for finance with undergraduate students.  In 2023, he was recognized as the recipient of the Otis Wilson Teaching Excellence Award.

Committed to giving back, Travis is actively involved in charitable work, including serving on the board of a regional nonprofit that supports grieving children who have lost a parent or sibling. Travis also volunteers his home, as he and his wife are licensed foster parents and have cared for numerous foster children over the years.

In addition to his community involvement, Travis owns and manages several rental properties and enjoys time with his wife and their three young children. He is also a certified private airplane pilot, certified firefighter, and has maintained his Emergency Medical Technician license since 2003.

Randall "Hayes" Morgan

After years in the healthcare industry, Hayes Morgan transitioned to consulting. He now serves as the Director of Strategy and Performance for the Ankura Consulting Group, leading healthcare and technology-focused projects and process improvement initiatives. 

Hayes earned his BS in Healthcare Administration and MS in Healthcare Leadership and Innovation at Trevecca Nazarene University before earning his MBA from Vanderbilt University. He is a certified Project Management Professional and Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner. 

Hayes is now pursuing his DBA to further strengthen his knowledge in management, organizational behavior, and strategy to continue to maximize value for his clients and his firm and position clients on a sustainable, successful trajectory. 

Muyideen Olowu

Muyideen Olowu is a Veteran Service Representative with a diverse background spanning military service, federal employment, and leadership roles in the private sector. With experience in both public and corporate environments, he has developed strong expertise in team development, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.

Before transitioning to federal service, Muyideen held management positions in major corporations, where he gained valuable experience in leading teams, optimizing business operations, and driving performance improvements. His time in the military further reinforced his ability to navigate complex systems, adapt to evolving challenges, and lead effectively under pressure.

Now, as a Veteran Service Representative, he is dedicated to advocating for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they’ve earned, and improving processes to enhance service delivery. His passion for business strategy and organizational improvement drives him to seek innovative ways to streamline operations and create lasting impact.

Muyideen earned his MBA from Jacksonville University, where he deepened his understanding of corporate strategy, leadership, and operational management. He is now continuing his academic journey as he pursues a Doctorate in Business Administration, further refining his ability to develop high-performing organizations and effective leadership frameworks.

Originally from Nigeria, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and four children, traveling, and exploring new places together. He has a deep passion for agriculture and food, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge of sustainable farming, culinary arts, and the broader food industry. Whether he's working the land or experimenting in the kitchen, he finds joy in the connection between food, nature, and community.

Shivaughn Osborne

Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, Shivaughn attended Brickdam Secondary School, where she majored in Business Administration. After completing her two years at Critchlow Labour College, she entered the University of Guyana; however, after her first year, she migrated to the United States and moved to New York City in 2002.

In 2015 and 2022, respectively, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting, both from Columbia College of Missouri.

After serving 20 years in The United States Navy, she retired and decided to pursue additional studies. She is pursuing her DBA with a concentration in accounting and is interested in earning her CPA and CMA license.

Having been retired for a year, her current hobbies include gardening, reading, and going to the beach.   

Lisa Owusu-Antwiwaah

Lisa Owusu-Antwiwaah is an ambitious Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student with a passion for representation and driving meaningful change in the corporate world. Currently working as an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Consultant, Lisa has a strong background in the development and Enterprise-wide implementation of ERM methodology and framework. She also supports management teams in the identification, assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of critical risks that impact the achievement of Enterprise Strategic Objectives. She conducts research on emerging and disruptive risks, provides risk consulting for new and special projects, and supports the knowledge and use of risk evaluation tools within an Enterprise. Lisa has also spent several years in Client Lifecycle Management and Nonprofit Strategic Implementation and Management.

Lisa is originally from Toronto, Canada, was raised in North Carolina and her family is from Ghana. She is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree. She also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from American University. She currently lives in Jacksonville, FL and enjoys spending time with family and friends and learning more about the Jacksonville community.

Motivated by her own cultural background and the growing importance of diversity, sustainability, and innovation in global business, Lisa is pursuing her DBA to learn and contribute to innovative strategies and frameworks that can be applied in real-world settings, be a part of research that addresses contemporary business challenges, teach and mentor future business leaders, researchers, and change agents, and contribute to the body of knowledge that bridges the gap between theory and practice. She looks forward to merging her practical experience with rigorous academic research to become a practitioner-scholar in a rapidly changing business environment.

Carlos Salazar

Carlos obtained both undergraduate degree in finance and his MBA at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) While pursuing his MBA degree, Carlos had the opportunity to work as teaching assistant for the marketing and management at UTEP. As a teaching assistant he had the opportunity to assist professors by helping them prepare the class materials, proctor the exams, and met with the students to discuss class performance. He had a great experience and developed an interest in making a career in higher education.

Carlos received his MBA on May 2020. That was a challenging time for recent graduates since the pandemic was at its peak. But Carlos was able to obtain full time job offer at ADP working their retirement plan division. 

After some time at ADP, Carlos received a job offer from his alma matter (UTEP) to work as an accountant. From the first day he loved the job. He has found the perfect place to build a career. Right now, he is charge of the collection division. He works with 3 different collection agencies trying to collect past due balances. Carlos wants to obtain a DBA degree to move to an upper management position within the university.

On his free time, Carlos enjoys going to the movie theater. He is a fan of 3D and IMAX films. He also enjoys traveling as he has visited both Europe and Asia. 

Matthew Vogelsong

Matthew Vogelsong is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in business development, marketing, strategy, and competitive intelligence. He holds an MBA from Saint Leo University . With extensive experience in industries such as finance, marketing, and logistics, Matthew is skilled in utilizing data-driven insights to drive strategic decisions and enhance business performance.

Before venturing into the business world, Matthew served as a Logistics Manager in the US Army, where he led a team of 25 to navigate complex challenges, manage multimillion-dollar equipment, and streamline operations. His leadership, combined with a keen eye for data and financial analysis, helped him thrive in high-pressure environments and deliver impactful results.

Since then, Matthew has contributed to a variety of organizations, including Expedia and Orek. Currently Marketing and Strategy Consultant at SunCoast Pest Control, he oversees digital marketing campaigns, optimizes SEO efforts, and has increased company revenue. Additionally, his background as an Independent Trader allowed him to manage diversified portfolios and identify untapped financial opportunities, yielding significant capital gains during the pandemic.

Katie Yost

Katie Yost has over 10 years of experience in healthcare management, project coordination, and process improvement, with a strong focus on efficiency and team dynamics. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Texas with a concentration in healthcare leadership and holds certifications in project management. Passionate about optimizing processes, she is dedicated to creating better working environments for staff.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Katie has extensive experience in dental healthcare operations and now applies her expertise at UF Health Radiology. Her research explores diversity within operational teams and the role of recognition programs in corporate entrepreneurship. She is deeply committed to leadership, organizational behavior, and the mental health of military families, striving to make a meaningful impact in both the healthcare industry and academia.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her daughter, Elizabeth. She currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. She is dedicated to education and professional development, continuously seeking ways to bridge research and practice.