Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) recognized 40 exceptional young alumni during its inaugural 40 Under 40 Awards Lunch on April 25 at Jackson Terminal in Knoxville. The event honored alumni under the age of 40 who are demonstrating leadership, professional achievement, and service to their communities and alma mater.
Dr. Kelsey Metz, dean of LMU’s School of Business, delivered the keynote address. Hosted by the Office of University Advancement, the event spotlighted alumni from a range of fields including law, medicine, education, business, veterinary medicine, and public service.
“These individuals are shaping their communities, advancing their professions, and carrying the LMU mission forward in remarkable ways,” said Dr. Frank Woodward, vice president for university advancement.
2025 LMU 40 Under 40 Honorees:
Dr. Ryan Alexander ('17, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine): Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder Programming at McNabb Center and Assistant Professor at UT Graduate School of Medicine. Actively involved in LMU as a clinical professor and former PM&R Club President.
Jessica Amburgey ('22, Doctor of Medical Science): Chief Acute Care Advanced Practice Provider at Appalachian Regional Healthcare. Named LMU Outstanding Clinical Leader in 2022.
Charity Avery ('13, MBA): Senior Program Director at Oracle, leading healthcare IT software implementations. Balanced full-time work and study while at LMU.
Brittani Bannert ('14, '15, '22, ASN, BSN, MSN): Nursing Instructor at LMU. Volunteers with KARM, Random Acts of Flowers, and Campbell County Food Bank.
Jessica Barnard ('14, BS in Medical Laboratory Science): Laboratory Director at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. Actively supports LMU's continuing education and student mentoring.
Tara Barron ('21, '25, MS in Veterinary Biomedical Science, DVM): Soon-to-be Associate Veterinarian at The Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida. Held leadership roles in SAVMA and founded LMU-CVM’s Women’s Veterinary Leadership group.
Marcel Barwanietz ('15, '17, BBA, MBA): Head of Product Satisfaction at Volkswagen Group of America. Former student athlete and involved in SGA, Enactus, and coaching.
Shannon Bohnenberger ('18, '20, '25, ASN, BSN, MSN): Graduate nursing student at LMU with multi-state experience as a travel nurse.
Autumn Brehm-Goldberg ('22, DVM): Associate Veterinarian and Medical Director in training at Rowland Veterinary Services. Mentors CVM students and participated in TNR events.
Chris Brown ('18, MS in Business Analytics): Lead Cost and Information Analyst at Clayton Homes. Active with the Salvation Army and Make-A-Wish.
Dr. Dana Brown ('15, DO): Family Medicine Physician at High County Community Health. Former DCOM SGA officer and Alumni Board President.
Cortney Bryant ('19, DMSc): Orthopaedic PA at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. Involved in sports clinics, nutrition programs, and outreach.
Adam Bullock ('14, JD): Partner at Bullock Law Firm. Active in local nonprofits and a former DSOL SBA President.
Tyler Cosby ('16, JD): Senior Counsel and Legislative Liaison for TN Department of General Services. Leads legislative efforts and organized LMU Day on the Hill.
Dr. Cortney Curtis ('20, DVM): Assistant Professor at LMU-CVM and former SGA President.
Abigail Daniels ('16, '18, '19, BS, M.Ed., EdS): Dean of Students at Surgoinsville Middle. Founded LMU Sisters in Christ and is active in multiple honor societies.
Katie Beth Dean ('19, '22, BS in Vet Health Science, MBA): CEO of Creekside Canine and Dean Properties. Member of LMU Pre-Vet Club and community leader in Pineville, KY.
Dr. Caleb Deaton ('21, DVM): Owner of Deaton Veterinary Clinic. Former Dental Club Rep at LMU-CVM.
Rebekah Evans Leatherman ('13, BS in Psychology): School Psychologist, Logan County Schools. Active in state psychology associations and mentoring.
Dr. Jade Gallimore ('15, MBA, DO): Surgery Residency Program Director and Assistant Professor, WVU.
Christopher Graves ('11, '13, BBA, MBA): Group Director of Merchandise Finance at Walmart Inc. Mentor with The Mayfly Project.
Amanda Haeffner ('10, BBA): Senior Director of Customer Success at First Stop Health. Former Enactus VP and youth sports volunteer.
Jackilyn Heller ('16, '19, BS, M.Ed.): Associate Principal at Kingsport City Schools. Leads math, robotics, and community outreach initiatives.
Daniel Herrera ('19, JD): Partner at Herrera Still, PLLC and former Chair of the Knox County GOP.
Dr. Audrey Kinder ('13, BS in Biology): Owner of Kinder Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Leads local and international service projects.
Dr. Daniel Kish ('20, DVM): Emergency Programs Veterinarian for NC Department of Agriculture. Active with LMU-CVM and national veterinary organizations.
Eric Kitts ('11, BBA in Accounting): CFO at System Improvements, Inc. Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and local ministries.
Rachel Kohn ('18, '25, MMS, DMSc): PA faculty at LMU. Involved in international missions and student outreach.
Dr. Aaron Kuzel ('19, DO, MBA): Emergency Medicine Physician and Director at University of Louisville. Former DCOM class president and current clinical faculty.
Adam Long ('14, '16, BBA, MBA): Director of Strategic Sourcing at Covenant Health. Former LMU golfer and residential staff member.
Dr. William McCrary ('16, '22, MMS, DMSc): Didactic Director at MTSU PA program. Leads international medical mission work.
Bridgett McMahan ('15, JD): President of BESCO and Engert. Active in CASA, Knoxville Chamber, and multiple civic boards.
Casey Merrill ('17, M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling): Executive Clinical Director at HopeNation. Leads mental health programming for colleges.
Dr. Kelsey Metz ('16, BBA): Dean, LMU School of Business. Founder of the C.O.R.E. program and Business Case Study Competition.
Emily Roark ('23, BS in Biology): Science Teacher at Halls High School. Former SGA Treasurer and Honors Scholar.
Ashley Russell ('11, '12, BS, MBA): VP at Petfolk and founding member of LMU-CVM. Multiple academic and athletic honors.
Judge Tori Smith ('17, JD): General Sessions Court Judge, Hamilton County. Active in youth mentorship and adoption advocacy.
Dr. Daniel Snyder ('14, DO): Pathologist at Knoxville FNA Clinic. Chief Resident and KnoxBiz 40 Under 40 alum.
Amanda Sutton ('13, BS in Medical Lab Science): Lab Manager at Methodist Medical Center. RAM Clinic volunteer.
Victoria Voiles ('11, '16, '17, BS, M.Ed., EdS): Director of Advancement at Lakeway Christian Schools. Former LMU cheerleader.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
