Keiser University: Spotlighting Notable Alumni and Leadership

Keiser University has a rich history of fostering leaders and professionals across various fields. From its humble beginnings as a night school to becoming a powerhouse for academics, the university has produced alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. This article highlights some of Keiser University's notable alumni and the leadership that guides the institution.

Academic and Professional Successes

Keiser University alumni have achieved success in diverse fields, reflecting the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education.

Peter Crocitto III: A Golfing Achievement

Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) graduate Peter Crocitto III recently passed the 36-hole PGA of America’s Playing Ability Test. Administered at the par-72 Reunion Resort Golf Club Nicklaus Course in Orlando, Florida, Crocitto shot rounds of 79 - 70 = 149 to pass by eight strokes. Made up of nearly 29,000 professionals the PGA of America’s mission is to help golfers navigate their journey as far as they’d like to go. One of the organization’s most notable contributions to the world of golf is the hosting of the Ryder Cup and its championship events including the PGA Championship, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The mission of the KUCOG is to educate the future leaders of golf by providing a well-rounded golf education.

Lauren Waide: From Nursing Student to Healthcare Professional

As a Jupiter High School Medical Program participant, Keiser University West Palm Beach campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate Lauren Waide credits Sharleen Scarafia as being an outstanding mentor who influenced her career choice. Waide became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while in college, with one of her rotations being in the emergency room. “The fast-paced environment and constant moving were exactly what I was looking for. After the experience, I searched for programs to become a registered nurse and Keiser’s accelerated program was the perfect fit for me,” she said.

Waide earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Marist College in New York while also competing as a Division One volleyball player. After graduation, she attended Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Campus and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She then joined the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse while also accepting travel assignments. Now employed as a Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room Nurse, she is thankful to serve the field of healthcare and recently completed certification in Holistic Nursing with plans to bring further awareness to the importance of a healthy lifestyle. “My recommendation for aspiring nurses is to keep striving for the best. We have the most amazing calling to help others and give back to our community.

Barbrielle Harper: A Leader in Healthcare Administration

Barbrielle (Ray) Harper, an Associate of Science in Nursing graduate from Keiser University’s Tallahassee Campus is thankful that the seeds of success instilled by instructors are coming to fruition. After serving as Director of Tele-Neuro, Transition Unit, and Nursing Inpatient Rehabilitation at HCA Florida Capital Hospital, Harber is now the Director of Acute Services for Phoebe Putney Health System in Georgia. As a Keiser University advocate, she has been a clinical preceptor for graduating senior nurses and continues to inspire the next generation of learners while serving on the Keiser University Tallahassee Campus College of Nursing Advisory Board.

Alexis Colichon: Advancing in Radiologic Technology

As a proud Keiser University alumna with a degree in Radiologic Technology, Keiser University Miami campus graduate Alexis Colichon is thankful to have made a brave career change as a single mother while in her mid-twenties. Drawn to pursue a career in healthcare due to her desire to serve patients in a hospital environment, she now oversees the day-to-day operations of six different modalities, including X-ray, CT, MRI, and more as a Radiology Supervisor at Jackson West Medical Center. Colichon shared that she’s thankful her responsibilities have grown as she continues to play an instrumental role in patient care. “After spending several years as a technologist, I aspired to move into a leadership role. That opportunity came when I was selected to be part of the inaugural team to open Jackson West in Doral.

Rebecca Hickey-Patrick: Excellence in Forensics

A 2024 recipient of Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie Campus Advisory Board Award, Rebecca Hickey-Patrick has always had an interest in the field of Forensics and shared that she decided to enroll as a Bachelor of Science in Forensics student after sitting in one of Detective Derek Brieske’s classes. Once enrolled in the program, she was mentored by Dr. Babu Thomas who she said ‘took me under his wing and shaped me into who I am today.’ Long employed by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office as a Certified Crime Scene Analyst and a Certified Latent Print Examiner, Hickey-Patrick also graduated from the National Latent Print Examiner Academy in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Bob Blum: A Lifelong Dream Realized

Bob Blum, a veteran of the Air Force Reserve, always regretted not earning a college degree. “I spent 70 years applying for jobs and the only thing I could list in the ‘education’ section of those applications was a high school diploma,” said Blum. He was a successful salesman in the 1950s in the Washington D.C. area selling Valley Forge Beer for a distribution company owned by his mother. However, he says the one achievement that always eluded him was earning his college degree.

Leadership and Faculty Contributions

Keiser University's faculty and leadership are dedicated to providing students with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Read also: Keiser Nursing Tuition Explained

Mary Jane Moore: Associate Vice Chancellor of Academics

Mary Jane Moore is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academics for Keiser University. As an instrumental member of the team establishing Keiser University as a valuable healthcare resource to the state of Florida and beyond, Moore says she is thankful for the opportunity to combine her extensive experiences in the fields of medicine and education. She loves education and caring for people and remains passionate about transforming the lives of women and men in her role as she works with deans who manage Keiser University’s academic programs. Moore received her medical degree in Ohio in 1968 and began working for Keiser University after meeting Dr. Arthur Keiser at an educational board meeting in Florida several years later.

Belinda Keiser: Vice Chancellor

Belinda Keiser has devoted her career to advancing Florida’s economic and workforce development, global competitiveness, education, and healthcare communities. Under her leadership, KU has grown into Florida’s largest, non-profit university, serving 20,000 students pursuing degrees in many of Florida’s targeted industries. Keiser is a member of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, appointed by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody in 2020, and was recently appointed to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women by Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis in March 2022. She is a passionate advocate for Keiser University’s students and established the Keiser Mills Foundation which provides unique scholarship and learning opportunities to students seeking international, entrepreneurial, leadership and civic engagement experiences as part of their college education.

Terry Reid Paul: Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

Terry Reid Paul has worked with Keiser University for over 25 years and is currently the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. She believes in hard work, honesty, self-awareness, and living up to her commitments. She prides herself on the university’s ability to reach out to students and show them ways to achieve their educational goals. She says that Keiser University truly believes in students’ ability to overcome challenges.

Jacqueline Wright-Cole: Nursing Program Director

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and nurse for 29 years, Jacqueline Wright-Cole’s love for nursing blossomed at an early age when as the eldest of seven siblings, she often assisted her mother in caring for her younger brothers and sisters. This experience ignited a deep passion within her for nurturing others and ensuring that their immediate needs were met. No stranger to working in diverse clinical settings across the globe, Wright-Cole is originally from Jamaica, where she worked as a Registered Nurse for five years at the Kingston Public Hospital. Her journey continued to London, England, where she worked in the London Chest Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for three years, and later to the United States while employed at Florida Hospital, now Advent Health Hospital Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit for 13 years.

After obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing degree at Chamberlain University, Wright-Cole joined the field of academia when she taught Leadership, Capstone, Med-Surgical, and Human Growth and Development courses for five years as part of the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Gwinnett Institute. Wright’s passion for teaching grew deeper after seeing the smiles on student’s faces after passing their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and realizing its life-changing impacts. She then earned her Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DCP) degree in Healthcare System Leadership at Chamberlain University to better serve students and peers. Wright joined Keiser University in 2017 as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor and became a full-time faculty member in 2018 while teaching Roles and Practicum classes. She then became the campus Nursing Program Director in 2022. She shared that she loves the role due to the intimate class sizes, which allow meaningful connection with each student, the team support, and the family-like atmosphere. Wright-Cole also maintains a presence in the field of nursing as she practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner on the weekends.

Kanitha Wooten: Medical Assisting Program Director

As Program Lead and Director of Keiser University’s New Port Richey Campus Medical Assisting Program, Kanitha Wooten is known for her dedication and passion for empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Beyond the classroom, Wooten is committed to serving the community through various efforts including the Pasco County Library Healthcare Initiative as she hosts nutritional seminars and shares healthy cuisine with attendees. She also volunteers at the Agriculture, Science, Education, and Technology (ASET) group by joining to build garden food beds which promote community collaboration and demonstrate sustainability. Wooten earned her Keiser University Associate of Science in Medical Assisting and Bachelor of Science in Health Service Administration degrees before earning her Liberty University Master of Education degree in Education in Online Curriculum.

Dr. Jamie Donnelly: Psychology Department Chair

As Keiser University’s New Port Richey Campus Psychology University Department Chair, Dr. Jamie Donnelly is also a Learning Center member who enjoys promoting community engagement. By collaborating with a variety of nonprofit and community support groups, Donnelly is thankful to foster students volunteer opportunities while also regularly advising learners as they work to achieve their academic goals. “I take the opportunity to connect with my students so I can best help them proceed through the program and beyond. In addition, I have increased our internship sites and expanded our advisory board to include more community members,” she said.

When asked what she’d advise to those who are working to realize their dreams, Donnelly said, “You need to find the mentors around you, learn as much as you can about as many different topics as you can, and just keep going. Someone asked me a long time ago, when I first earned my PhD, what do you do when you’ve accomplished all your goals? I told them, and I still believe this, you continue to set goals. You should always have something to strive for,” she said. Donnelley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Holyoke College, her Master of Science degree and Sixth Year Certificate in Psychology from the University of Hartford, and her PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University. Her research areas included complementary and alternative medicine, alternative education, fitness, nutrition, and mental health. As a Florida licensed school psychologist holding national certification in the field, she served as a school psychologist for over 16 years and is most proud of her work in alternative education. A native New Englander who transplanted to Florida in 2009, she is a strong Red Sox and Patriots fan and mom of two very sweet cats - Molly and Bellamy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, competing in 5Ks, and anything involving the outdoors.

Evelyn Rudd: Nursing Faculty

As an invaluable member of Keiser University’s academic community, Nursing faculty member Evelyn Rudd’s dedication extends far beyond the classroom. As a professor of Care Management II and Professional Nursing I & II in the BSN program at Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie campus, she brings both expertise and passion to teaching, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and engaging education that prepares them for success in the field of nursing. Beyond her role as an educator, Professor Rudd serves as a mentor and advocate for students, actively supporting the Student Nurses Association (SNA). Her guidance helps shape the next generation of nursing professionals, fostering leadership, collaboration, and professional growth. Professor Rudd’s impact is deeply felt in the broader community. She participates in numerous outreach initiatives and events, proudly representing Keiser University and strengthening the institution’s connection to the public. Her commitment to service reinforces the university’s mission of making a meaningful difference in healthcare and beyond. In addition to her contributions to students and the community, Professor Rudd is a trusted resource for new faculty, offering support, guidance, and encouragement. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience helps cultivate a positive and collaborative academic environment.

Delia Edson: Nursing Faculty

With a love of lifelong learning and a passion for education, Delia D. Edson began her nursing career in the United States Navy and was deployed during the Iraq Freedom War in 2003 while serving as a casualty-receiving nurse. Throughout her 24-year military and civilian nursing profession, she served a variety of departments including maternal-infant, medical-surgical, critical care, and acute care/emergency while focusing on nursing performance improvement, informatics, strategy, patient experience, and clinical education. Prior to her arrival at Keiser University’s Tallahassee Campus, Edson served as Director of Clinical Education in the Organizational Effectiveness Department at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute. There, she assisted with the programmatic development of orientation and onboarding programs, the Oncology Nurse Residency Program pilot, basic life support and mock codes, service excellence training, student support and affiliation agreements, and more.

Evelyn C. Keiser: A Legacy of Educational Excellence

The Keiser University community deeply mourns the loss of its esteemed co-founder, Evelyn C. Keiser, a visionary, and highly respected leader in higher education. Evelyn’s unwavering perseverance and tireless efforts have profoundly shaped the higher education landscape in Florida and beyond. She co-founded The Keiser School which, following years of dedication, blossomed into Keiser University. From a modest two-room storefront in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Evelyn played a pivotal role in expanding Keiser University into one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit universities. Evelyn’s journey was distinguished by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education. Her commitment has indelibly altered the lives of innumerable graduates, paving the way for them to realize their educational and career aspirations. Evelyn was born and raised in Philadelphia and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Temple University, later completing her master’s degree at Florida International University. She began her career in 1956, teaching laboratory sciences at the Franklin School of Science and Arts. In 1961, Evelyn moved to Hallandale Beach, Florida, and took up the medical director role at Charon Williams College in Hollywood, Florida. Evelyn’s passion for high-quality instruction was evident in her routine; she was often the first to arrive on campus each morning. In recognition of her commitment to effective teaching, Keiser University’s highest faculty honor, the Evelyn C. Keiser Teaching Excellence Award, is named in her honor. Evelyn’s life and work powerfully remind us of education’s ability to transform lives.

Athletics at Keiser University

Keiser University's athletic program has also garnered national recognition. The Seahawks Women's golf team have won four NAIA Women's Golf National Championships (2003, 2015, 2016, 2021). Both the Seahawks Men's and Women's soccer teams have won national championships. The Women's soccer team won back-to-back national championships in 2019 and 2020. The 2019-20 season marked the inaugural year of the Keiser men's wrestling team. This marked the first time Keiser competed at the national level in both competitive cheer and competitive dance collegiate events. Keiser football defeats Northwestern College in 2023 NAIA National Championship game. Keiser Claims First Team and Individual National Titles. The university won its third straight national swimming championship. No. 1 Men's Swimming Claims Fourth Straight NAIA National Championship. Keiser (Fla.) Win First Women’s Swimming & Diving Red Banner. Keiser Captures First NAIA Learfield IMG College Directors' Cup.

Keiser University and The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

Throughout your college career, you may be invited to a number of different honor societies. Sadly, in some situations, scammers may pose as fraudulent honor societies to take advantage of college students. Accreditation ensures an organization meets the minimum standards of quality that are set by a qualified and credible accreditation institution. The NSLS is fully accredited by Cognia. The organization should be transparent about its member selection criteria, accountability, and purpose. Legitimate honor societies should be registered with the Better Business Bureau and maintain the highest rating possible. The organization maintains strong relationships with highly successful, legitimate leaders across a variety of industries, which brings value to its members. A legitimate honor society will have testimonials and member success stories readily available. The NSLS works with your university to develop the criteria needed to be invited to join your local chapter. While the NSLS helps guide the selection process, it ultimately comes down to who your school thinks will benefit the most from our programming. These criteria are usually based on GPA or leadership potential. As a legitimate honor society, we value providing leadership programming to anyone who wishes to become a leader and take the reins of their success. Members must meet specific nomination criteria that are specified by local chapter leaders (usually based on GPA and/or leadership potential). You're considered a pre-inducted member once you have paid your one-time registration fee. As a member, you have access to a wide range of training resources, networking events, and learning opportunities designed to develop your leadership skills. The NSLS helps members develop the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce. Becoming an NSLS member is not only a nationally recognized honorable achievement that looks good on resumes, it also shows your commitment to self-development. Yes, the NSLS awards over $400,000 in scholarships and awards every year. Yes, the NSLS is a real, legitimate honor society. The NSLS’s leadership programming is delivered through a high-quality, thorough curriculum. Our program builds upon itself and requires the completion of culminating projects or activities that reinforce key lessons. Our leadership programming inspires members to think critically, develop a core purpose, build resiliency, and collaborate with empathy. The fee to join the NSLS helps us continually develop our curriculum and deliver new and engaging content to our members. Without a fee, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many future leaders as we do.

Keiser University and PGA National

PGA National is home to the Keiser Men’s and Women’s Golf teams. In 2017, Keiser hosted the NAIA Women’s Golf National Tournament on the Squire Course. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio for major tournament play, The Champion course at PGA National Resort & Spa was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014 and hosts the Honda Classic each spring on the PGA TOUR. Although The Champion has generous landing areas and spacious and accepting TifEagle greens, golfers are presented with course management challenges throughout the round. This South Florida golf resort course has five sets of tees to make the course more playable for golfers of all levels. A must-play on any avid golfer’s list, The Champion features the Bear Trap, which spans three demanding holes designed by Jack Nicklaus - listen to the designer describe it in his own words. Considered one of Florida’s most notable golf challenges, on what is unquestionably one of the best golf courses in Florida, USA Today calls the Bear Trap “one of the toughest stretches in golf.”-feel. PGA National Resort is proud to present the new Fazio course. The Fazio is a reinvention of The Haig, PGA National Resort & Spa’s original 18-hole course that opened in 1980. The Haig was designed by George and Tom Fazio in tribute to five-time PGA champion Walter Hagen, and its renovation is being led by third-generation designer Tom Fazio II, who emphasized modernizing the course layout. Named after its designer, Arnold Palmer, this course is one of the more forgiving at PGA National Resort from tee to fairway, known as a risk/reward game. The open fairways and larger “Champion Bermuda” greens can be quite accommodating and invite players to take a chance if they dare - as golfers are not overly penalized for missing the fairway or primary rough on most holes here. There is a considerable amount of undulation through the fairway, presenting the opportunity for uneven lies and creative shot-making. Named after the immortal Gene Sarazen, the first golfer ever to win the professional Grand Slam, “the thinking man’s course” is the ultimate test of accuracy and precision. Designed by Tom and George Fazio, The Squire is the shortest and most exacting of the courses at PGA National Resort. Accuracy with fairway woods and long irons is tested on many tees, and the new smaller “Emerald Bermuda” greens demand precise approach shots. Several doglegs provide a risk/reward opportunity for any longer hitter as well. Designed by Karl Litten, The Estates course presents an enjoyable mix of challenging and docile holes. The course sets up for any level of player as it is one of the shorter courses at PGA National Resort & Spa. Where golfers are tested is in the formidable placement of fairway bunkers and water hazards. Generous fairways at this course will often make stray tee shots more manageable, and the large, inviting greens help keep the course fun for the high handicapper. Forced carries to many of the greens over either hazards or bunkers create a test that makes each round more enjoyable than the last. With an open feeling created by the property-wide housing setbacks, the course seems almost like a core golf course.

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