Alumni in Action 2014 Dr. Susan Malekpour ’03 Ed.D. Adult Education National Dean of the College of Arts & Liberal Sciences, DeVry University
Christopher Simler ’04 B.A. Applied Behavioral Science Corporate Disability Consultant, Social Coaching Institute
Dr. Susan Malekpour has had a successful career in higher education, having held several key positions at American International University. Her experience there has led her to DeVry University as the new National Dean of the College of Arts & Liberal Sciences. Susan is a member of several groups, including the American Society of Microbiologists.
Christopher Simler has dedicated his career to helping people with autism. As a Corporate Disability Consultant for the Social Coaching Institute, Christopher helps provide training and support to businesses and school districts that serve people with autism. Christopher also serves as a member of the Autism Speaks think tank.
Michael Cobb ’92, ’98 B.A. Applied Behavioral Science M.S. Management Executive Director, Hesed House
Susan Stover ’92 B.A. Business Management Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Centurion Research Solutions
Hesed House, located in Aurora, is the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois. Michael Cobb was recently named the Executive Director of the facility. “There have been times and events in my life that I consider to have great significance. Becoming the Executive Director of Hesed House is clearly one of them for me,” Michael said.
Centurion Research Solutions provides business intelligence and analytics to clients in order to win government contracts. Susan Stover plays a key role in this fast-growing company as its Vice President of Sales & Marketing. One of Susan’s primary responsibilities is creating strategic marketing campaigns aimed at driving brand awareness.
Stephen Cummins ’12 Ed.D. Educational Leadership Director of Public Events, Chico State University
Mary Forristall ’01 M.B.A. President, Forristall Enterprises Mary Forristall is the President of family-owned Forristall Enterprises. Established in 1990, Forristall Enterprises specializes in various types of demolition in the state of Florida. Over the years, Forristall Enterprises has become one of the top demolition contractors in the Gulf Coast Region. Mary runs the business with the help of her husband, Steve (Vice President), her two sons and her daughter-in-law.
Stephen Cummins’ passion for the arts has taken him all the way to Northern California, where he is the Director of Public Events for Chico State University. Stephen manages Chico’s performance programs and the university box office. “I’m really happy to be working for a university that is so committed to serving the community,” Stephen said.
Brenda Lewis ’88 B.A. Business Management Director, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District Brenda Lewis kept her seat on the board of directors for the Monterey (California) Peninsula Water Management District by winning an election last November. Brenda is responsible for the water concerns of residents and businesses of the Monterey Peninsula. Brenda credits NLU for her success. “NLU provided a strong foundation on which to build my life and career,” Brenda said.
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