15 Within 15 Announcement | University of Montevallo

Montevallo Alumni Achieving Greatness within 15 Years of Graduation

The University of Montevallo National Alumni Association Junior Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2025 class of 15 Within 15. This honor was established to recognize driven UM graduates who have demonstrated strong leadership and career passion within the first 15 years after earning their degree.

These rising stars have shown that they have what it takes to rise above the rest—those who have shown what it truly means to have a degree from Alabama’s only public liberal arts university.

Criteria for selection included leadership skills, creativity, sustained career progression, dedication, trailblazing/entrepreneurship, and unconventional wisdom.

After a nomination period in the fall, the selection process was conducted by the Junior Board Nominations & Awards Committee, a UM staff member and a member of the Awards & Recognition Committee of the UMNAA Board.

Those selected for the 2026 were honored at the UMNAA Founders’ Day Awards Dinner on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

2026 Class of 15 Within 15 are: 

(listed in alphabetical order)

Dr. Abigail Bradley-Tyler ’14

Assistant Director for Student Life and Engagement, University of South Florida St. PetersburgDr. Abigail Bradley-Tyler works in Student Activities at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where she oversees the Rocky Mascot Program, directs assessment, and plans major campus events. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from USF, specializing in how campus symbols affect student belonging. Off campus, Abigail enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, and spending time with her two cats.

Shelly A. Butler ’13

House Supervisor, Cullman Regional Medical CenterShelly is a House Supervisor at Cullman Regional Medical Center with over a decade of dedicated healthcare experience. A Registered Nurse since 2019, she balances bedside clinical excellence with leadership and nursing education. Shelly serves on the University of Montevallo’s Nursing Leadership Advisory Council and remains deeply honored to support her patients, colleagues, and community through compassionate, high-quality care.

Shaina Crimes ’18

Enrichment Specialist at Hoover City Schools & Founder of Spiraled BakeryShaina Crimes is an eighth-year educator and Enrichment Specialist in Hoover City Schools, guiding gifted students and leading her school’s faculty wellness initiative. A member of the Milken Visionary Partnership, she collaborates with national leaders to elevate classroom instruction. Shaina is also the founder and owner of Spiraled, a boutique Birmingham bakery delivering specialty cinnamon rolls with the support of her husband, Chris.

Thomas Dillard ’21

Practice Administrator, Children's HealthThomas Dillard is the Practice Administrator for Pediatric Pulmonology at Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from the University of Montevallo, he earned his M.S. in Health Administration from UAB before embarking on a career focused on expanding specialty care access and building healthcare leadership networks. Outside his executive work, Thomas is an avid marathoner who loves traveling with his wife, Katie.

Ashlee Elliott ’11

Elementary Instructional Technology Coach, Shelby County SchoolsAshlee Elliott is a 14-year educator and Instructional Technology Coach for Shelby County Schools. A University of Montevallo alumna, National Board Certified Teacher, and CTO Academy graduate, she recently authored The ABCs of Computer Science. Beyond her work in digital learning, Ashlee serves as Assistant Producer for the Miss Alabama Organization and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Molly E. Green ’18

Attorney, Carr AllisonMolly Green is an attorney in Carr Allison’s Chattanooga office, where she provides clients with high-quality legal representation. Committed to service and equity, she routinely volunteers to help transgender individuals navigate pro bono legal name changes. Molly is also an active member of the Southeast Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women and the American Inns of Court, promoting civility across the legal profession.

Tianna Hill ’17

Assistant Director of Division I Governance and Member Services, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)Tianna Hill is an NCAA compliance specialist, former student-athlete, and University of Montevallo alumna holding a master's degree in Sports Business Management from Alabama. Drawing on nearly a decade of Division I athletics experience, she interprets complex regulations, advocates for student-athletes, and protects collegiate sports integrity. Tianna is deeply passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and opening doors for future generations.

Aryne Elise Hudson ’19

Attorney, Phelps Dunbar LLPAryne Hudson is a litigation attorney in Phelps Dunbar LLP’s Mobile office, representing clients across complex tort, commercial, employment, and defamation matters. A graduate of Montevallo and the University of Alabama School of Law, she serves on the boards of the Vernon Z. Crawford Bar Association and the Community Foundation of South Alabama. Aryne has been recognized among Mobile Bay’s 40 Under 40 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Clark Maxwell ’13

Public Relations & Communications Manager, FleetioClark Maxwell ’13 is the Public Relations and Communications Manager at Fleetio, where he led PR for high-profile NASCAR campaigns and $450M in funding while founding a maintenance technician scholarship. He previously spent eight years driving record attendance as Marketing Director for the Birmingham Zoo. Clark’s University of Montevallo student leadership background continues to shape his collaborative, results-driven approach.

Dr. Anthony Melton ’13

Assistant Professor of Biology, University of MontevalloDr. Anthony Melton is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo. After earning his B.S. at Montevallo and completing his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, his research focuses on plant evolution in stressful environments and conservation biodiversity. On campus, he enjoys teaching courses like Plant Systematics and Field Botany while mentoring undergraduate students through hands-on field research.

Ryan Moriarty ’15

Video Producer, MicrosoftRyan Moriarty is an experienced videographer and producer specializing in high-impact digital marketing and social media storytelling. Over his career, he has crafted dynamic visual content for major global brands and institutions, including Microsoft, Starbucks, Time Inc., and the University of Washington. His work blends creative production with strategic branding to build compelling narratives across diverse platforms.

Dr. Jasmine D. Newsome ’15

Postdoctoral Psychologist at Focus Forward Counseling & Founder of the CHAMP CollectiveJasmine Newsome, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist and advocate dedicated to culturally responsive mental health care and equity in higher education. Her work spans youth, collegiate, and elite professional athletes, prioritizing performance, wellness, and holistic growth. Through clinical practice, research, speaking, and mentorship, Jasmine actively serves Black communities and leverages psychology as a tool for driving systemic, lasting change.

Arnee’ Odoms ’18

Deputy Director, City of Birmingham, Department of Youth ServicesArnee’ Odoms, J.D., serves as Deputy Director of the City of Birmingham Department of Youth Services, guiding departmental strategy, operations, and youth initiatives. A University of Montevallo and Birmingham School of Law alumna, her decade-long civic career spans Black Voters Matter, Birmingham Promise, and an appointment to Mayor Woodfin’s 2024 Crime Commission, advancing educational access, community development, and public safety.

Jade Rice '12

Script Supervisor, IATSE Local 480Jade Rice is a dedicated Script Supervisor based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A 2012 University of Montevallo graduate with dual degrees in English and Theatre, she credits her alma mater for shaping her passion for the performance arts. With a decade of film industry experience, Jade takes immense pride in contributing to New Mexico’s vibrant creative community and pursuing collaborative storytelling in cinema.

Stephanie Strength ’16

Allowance for Credit Losses Manager, Pinnacle Financial PartnersStephanie Strength is the Allowance for Credit Losses Manager at Pinnacle Financial Partners, overseeing credit loss estimation, financial reporting, and risk management. A 2016 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Montevallo, she earned her CPA in 2018 following career roles at KPMG, Protective Life, and Synovus Bank. Stephanie resides in Bluff Park with her husband, Reed, a fellow Montevallo alum.