2025 Recipients | University of Montevallo

The 2025 Class of 15 Within 15: 

(listed in alphabetical order)

Cowan Angel ’17

Cowan is a public health consultant in Washington, DC, specializing in Medicaid and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. She holds a bachelor's in kinesiology from UM, a master's in exercise physiology from UAB, and a master's in global health from Georgetown University. Between degrees, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda, focusing on adolescent health and HIV. Cowan is also an avid runner and has completed the Sydney and New York City Marathons and is currently working to complete all seven World Majors.

Wesley Archer ’10

After graduating with a degree in business, Wesley became a freelance camera operator. Since then, he has been a camera operator for major sporting events, employed by networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. He is a two-time Emmy award winner and has captured live coverage from events including the Super Bowl, Olympics, Masters, and NCAA National Championships.

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Kira Bochard ’21

A former student athlete, Kira graduated magna cum laude from UM with a B.S. in biochemistry. She went on to earn her MSFS degree. She now works as a toxicology analyst at the largest private forensic science laboratory in the U.S., where she leads the My Green Lab – Green Chemistry Team, promoting sustainability in laboratory practices. Committed to advancing the field, she is also the youngest member inducted into The Vidocq Society, a prestigious non-profit assisting law enforcement with cold cases.

Frank Deming III ’17

Frank Deming has become a sought-after Company Manager for major Broadway tours, including To Kill A Mockingbird starring Richard Thomas, Pretty Woman starring Adam Pascal, and the current production of Life of Pi. He's been gracious enough to return to UM multiple times to share his knowledge with theatre students. Frank dedicates tonight’s honor to his late father, Herndon Deming, and thanks his family, manager Katie Cortez, and UM faculty Jen and Marcus Lane for their unwavering support of all his theatrical endeavors.

Jacob Gordon ’16

It's fitting we honor Jacob tonight, as he was instrumental in establishing this very award alongside our Alumni Director and Junior Board leaders just a few short years ago. He earned a B.S. at UM, double majoring in History & Political Science. After progressive fundraising experience, he now serves as the Vice President of Major Gifts at United Way of Central Alabama. In this pivotal role, he leads a team that annually raises more than $24 million to support vital nonprofit agencies. Jacob shares this same level of commitment with his family: his wife, Amie (Class of 2015), and their two children, Henry and James.

Philip Green ’11, M.Ed. '18

Philip discovered his passion for higher education as a student worker in UM’s Business Affairs Office and later as an admissions counselor. With a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and sociology, he built a career focused on creating strategies to recruit, re-engage, and retain students. In his role as Director of Strategic Enrollment Management for the Alabama Community College System, he oversees statewide efforts that have fueled consistent enrollment growth and elevated awareness of the opportunities at Alabama’s 24 community colleges. Philip has held multiple positions on the executive committee of the Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, culminating in his service as president. Above all though, his favorite titles are Karly’s husband and Wren’s dad.

Arrielle Jones ’11

Arrielle is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, who earned her BS in child and family studies from Montevallo and her MSW from The University of Alabama. She has held multiple roles with different populations in the social work field including medical, behavioral health, and geriatrics. Currently, she practices medical social work nationwide as a travel social worker. A recognized voice in her field, Arrielle has shared her expertise with professional audiences, appeared on podcasts, and recently added “published author” to her list of accomplishments.

Mary Light ’19

Mary graduated from UM with honors degrees in communication studies and political science. She serves as a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where she manages the congressional portfolio for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Mary is currently pursuing a master's degree in international Affairs at Columbia University. Her focus is on international security policy, concentrating on intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, and risk assessment in Russia and former Soviet States.

Pablo Martel ’14

Pablo is founder and CEO of Alpine Mar, a dynamic, Florida-based accounting and advisory firm. Over five years, he’s grown the team to 40 professionals worldwide. Holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Montevallo, Pablo directs Alpine Mar in providing trusted expertise and forward-thinking solutions to a diverse range of businesses, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families. Away from work, he enjoys time with his wife and two young daughters.

Yamuna Meleth ’10

Yamuna is a powerhouse vocalist with an extensive musical theater background. She was the first person-of-color to portray Pam in the off-Broadway hit The Office! A Musical Parody and its national tour. She also performed in the Broadway-bound Secret Garden, directed by Warren Carlyle. Yamuna is now a Los Angeles-based session singer whose vocals can be heard on the title track of HBO's Angel City and several upcoming TV shows.

Charles Tyler Smith ’13

Tyler is a design leader and Product Design Manager for ESPN's Commerce, Growth & Design Systems team, focused on transforming ESPN into the ultimate destination for sports fans. He’s nearing a decade with The Walt Disney Company, including work on Disney Parks. Tyler holds a master's degree in interactive design and game development from SCAD and a bachelor’s in mathematics from UM. In his spare time, he enjoys gaming and time with his wife and dog.

Justin Smith ’13

As Principal Developer Relations Manager at NVIDIA, Justin specializes in leveraging AI for chemistry and materials science. A computational chemist by training, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida after graduating magna cum laude from Montevallo. His work has advanced machine learning for drug discovery and materials design, recognized by the Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship and an NVIDIA - GPU Award. Justin credits Montevallo for sparking his scientific curiosity and remains committed to mentoring and advancing innovation in science and technology.

Emily Kirby Long Stewart ’16

At UM, Emme earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Studies, with a concentration in public relations, as a University Honors graduate. She is currently the senior communications manager in the UAB Department of Surgery, where she has served for the past three years. Prior to her current role, she was a police public information liaison and municipal public relations specialist in North Alabama. In her spare time, she loves soaking up every moment with her family, which includes her husband, Christopher, son, Jonathan, bobtailed cat, and English Setter.

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Patrick Talley ’11

Just 12 years after graduating with a BBA in Marketing from Montevallo, Patrick Talley is a Vice President at Regions Bank, holding both an MBA and an MS degree. A dedicated leader, he continues his campus involvement, advising students and working with the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter. Patrick demonstrates his commitment to the Birmingham community through his roles as Vice President of the Norwood Neighborhood Association and as an award-winning member of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, consistently fostering meaningful opportunities for others.

Neal Van Marter ’15

Originally from Anniston and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Neal is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran with a bachelor's in world languages from UM. He currently serves as the Military & Veteran Liaison and Regional Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. His previous roles include Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff to Georgia State Senator Nikki Merritt. Neal also serves on multiple boards, including the Georgia Veterans Network and the Alliance for Fort Gordon. He resides in Norcross, Georgia, with his husband, Heath.