UCU Announces Final Ten Honorees in “50 Under 50” Alumni Program

Maisie Nelson • August 28, 2025

Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Over the past several months, the initiative has spotlighted Union graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and society at large.


“This closing group of honorees continues to reflect the best of Union,” said Maisie Nelson ’11, Vice President of University Relations. “They are leaders and innovators who embody the Bulldog spirit—pursuing excellence, giving back to their communities, and making an impact across industries from business to healthcare, education to public service.”


Representing industries from ministry to law, healthcare to education, this final class of ten showcases the breadth of impact Union alumni are having across the country and around the world.



The ten honorees for August are:

Ken Fritz ’02 Principal Solutions Consultant, Thesis

With over 19 years of experience in higher education and educational technology, Ken has held leadership roles at Union Institute & University, Hobsons, and Anthology. At Anthology, he earned the Circle of Excellence Award in 2022 for outstanding performance.

August Mangeney '07 Civil Litigation Attorney, Gobel Flakes LLC.

August represents clients across Florida and serves on the Florida Bar Association Member Benefits Committee. At Union, he held leadership roles in both student government and the alumni association.

Dr. Jeff Howard ’10  General Surgeon, Norton Healthcare

A practicing surgeon and former Health Commissioner for Kentucky, Jeff has been widely recognized, including being named to Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 and the de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Leaders Under 40 in Public Health in the U.S.

TJ Wesselman ’06 Athletic Director, Owen County High School

Since 2010, T.J. has led Owen County athletics, earning the NIAAA State Award of Merit and Kentucky Athletic Administrator of the Year. Under his leadership, the department became the first in Kentucky to earn the NIAAA’s Quality Program Award.

Caity Merritt ’13, ’15 Licensed Psychological Associate, Heather Risk PsyD & Associates PLLC.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Caity specializes in evidence-based therapy and psychological testing. She also serves as adjunct faculty at Bluegrass Community & Technical College.

Jeri Cook '03 Director, Be the Light Ministries (Malawi, Africa); Founder, Be the Light Ministries USA

Jeri has dedicated her career to global ministry, leading feeding programs, orphan care, and community development initiatives in Malawi while also overseeing the U.S.-based nonprofit she founded.

Mallory O’Neal ’09 Director of Quality Assurance, Coca-Cola Consolidated

After earning her MBA, Mallory rose to senior leadership within Coca-Cola, where she now directs quality assurance operations. A Union Hall of Fame honoree, she was part of the 2007 softball team recognized as a Team of Distinction.

Monica Hurd  '11 Senior Manager, Digital Media, Pampers (Procter & Gamble)

Monica has built a strong career in digital marketing, earning recognition for her creative strategy at St. Elizabeth Healthcare before joining P&G, where she now leads digital media for one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Courtney Mahan ’09  Strategic Financial Planning Analyst, Baptist Healthcare System

Courtney supports financial forecasting for one of Kentucky’s largest healthcare systems. She has been recognized as an Emerging Leader and received the 2023 Baptist Health Excels Roundtable Chairperson’s Award.

Nelson Price ’15 United States Secret Service

After serving in the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment with deployments in Africa, Syria, and Iraq, Nelson transitioned to a career in federal service with the Secret Service.

The “50 Under 50” program has now highlighted 50 alumni who embody the values of Union Commonwealth University and inspire the next generation of students and leaders.


To learn more about these alumni and read their full profiles, please click the button below.


50 Under 50
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