Class Notes
70s
Lanette Crosby ’79 has retired from a 30-year career at FedEx Express in Memphis, Tennessee. Crosby was a professional pilot and flight simulator instructor on the Boeing 727, 757, 767, and 777 jet aircrafts.
80s
Herb Partlow ’83, founder of H.F. Partlow Web Development and Superb Muzic, is publishing a book titled “Dumb America: How Misinformation, Greed, and Tribalism Broke a Nation.”
90s
Renae Bryant ’93, M.A. ’02, an adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, has co-authored a book titled “The Ed Branding Book: How to Build Educational Leadership with Social Influence,” exploring how and why leaders in the education sector should use social influence to amplify stories that will benefit their community and organizations.
00s
Callie Rich Neal ’00, founder of Jo Jo’s Dance & Wellness, has published a book titled “The Voice of Dance,” which shares her journey studying culture and dance in Medellin, Colombia, as a Fulbright teacher. A documentary about her experience will be released in fall.
James McElvain, M.A. ’03, Ph.D. ’06, an assistant professor for the Master of Public Safety program at the University of Virginia, has published a book titled “Practical Statistics for Public Safety Professionals: Data-Driven Results and Artificial Intelligence.” The book demonstrates how to interpret and apply statistical results to real-world challenges and environments.
Kelly Violette ’03, executive director at Tomball Economic Development Corporation, was recognized as Economic Developer of the Year at the 2025 Texas REDnews Real Estate Awards.
Mark Stanfield ’07, a military and airline pilot, has authored an article titled “Dying on the Vine: How Historic Roots Produce Enduring Evolutionary Problems for Army Aviation.” Published in the January-March 2025 edition of “Aviation Digest,” the article outlines the Army aviation’s limitations and offers modern solutions.
Jenifer Nalbandian, M.S. ’09, Ph.D. ’13, an associate professor of chemistry at California Baptist University (CBU), has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Professor of the Year Award by CBU. Nalbandian also chairs the American Chemical Society in the San Gorgonio section.
10s
Cesar Toledo ’13 has been appointed as executive director of the Wanda Alson Foundation, an organization that provides resources to support unhoused LGBTQ+ youth in Washington, D.C. Toledo previously served as the national deputy LGBTQ+ engagement director for the Harris for President campaign.
Marianne Boules ’15, MPP ’17, CEO of Boules Consulting, has published a children’s picture book about immigration titled “I Came Here for You.” The book follows a small seed who leaves his home to find a new place to grow, exploring themes of family and belonging.
Matthew Richardson ’15 has joined the Los Angeles office of Ogletree Deakins as an associate attorney. Richardson earned a Juris Doctor at the University of Texas School of Law in 2019.
Natalie Oh ’17 has accepted a position at the Orange County office of Ogletree Deakins as an associate attorney. Oh earned a Juris Doctor at the University of Texas School of Law in 2021.
20s
Miriam Villazón Valbuena, M.A. ’20, an associate instructor and Ph.D. candidate in Hispanic studies at UCR, has co-edited a book titled “Estudios Asturianos en el siglo XXI.” The volume features a collection of essays exploring different aspects of Asturian language and culture through a modern perspective.