PBA-Rinker-Report-2026

The

Rinker Report Palm Beach Atlantic University

2025-2026

An Annual Report from the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

What’s Inside

the Power 4 Harnessing of Data and AI in the

Classroom and Beyond

Business Hall 6 Rinker Opens New Doors for PBA Students

for Financial 8 Center Literacy Center for 9 Titus Franchising 10 Speaker Highlights Center for 12 Raney Free Enterprise 13 Faculty Highlights 14 Student Highlights Highlight 16 Donor (The Templeton Family) Spotlight 18 Alumni (Jeff Swindell)

Business College Highlights 2025-2026 Academic Year

991

104

Graduate Students

886

Undergraduate Students

Total Students Enrolled

19 Advisory Board Members FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MARSHALL E. RINKER, SR. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

39 Total Faculty

It is a privilege to introduce myself as Dean of the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business and to share this year’s edition of The Rinker Report.

A Message From The Dean

As I have become acquainted with our students, faculty, alumni, advisory board, and friends of the College, one theme has emerged repeatedly: Rinker has always been about more than earning a business degree. It is about preparing men and women to lead with competence, integrity, and a commitment to serving Christ and others through their professions.

This edition of The Rinker Report captures a truly historic year. The opening of the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall marks far more than the completion of an exceptional facility. It represents an investment in future generations of business leaders and provides an extraordinary environment where students can learn, collaborate, and prepare for lives of purpose. Just as important, it places our students in the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic business communities, creating opportunities that few universities can offer.

Throughout these pages, you will also see evidence of something that has long distinguished this College, faculty who invest deeply in their students, centers that extend learning beyond the classroom, generous donors who believe in our mission, and alumni who demonstrate the lasting impact of a Christ-centered business education. These accomplishments are the result of years of faithful leadership and the dedication of many people who care deeply about Palm Beach Atlantic University.

As I begin my service as dean, my commitment is simple: to build upon this strong foundation while working alongside our faculty, students, alumni, advisory board, and business community to prepare graduates who are ready for their future. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen experiential learning, deepen relationships with industry, expand opportunities for our students, and continue developing a business school whose influence extends throughout West Palm Beach and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support in the Rinker College of Business. Whether you are a student, alumnus, parent, donor, or friend of the College, you are an important part of our story. The opportunities before us have never been greater. Together, we will continue preparing graduates whose character, competence, and commitment to Christ enable them to lead with distinction wherever God calls them.

Mike Lavender, J.D. Dean, Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

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Whole person education means that we are not just enlightening the mind, but we are enriching the soul.

-Dr. Madison Ngafeeson 4

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Harnessing the Power of Data and AI in the Classroom and Beyond

An increasingly interconnected world may intimidate some—but for Professor of Data Analytics Dr. Madison Ngafeeson, it’s the driving force behind his academic research.

In the past year, he has focused his research on two major applications of artificial intelligence: using AI to detect financial fraud (published in Algorithms, 2025) and utilizing machine learning to help solve cyber security issues (published in the International Journal of Information Security and Privacy, 2026).

While most fraud detection systems look at transaction behavior or account relationships, Dr. Ngafeeson’s research combined both elements along with changes and trends over time. His research revealed that self-learning AI produces extremely high fraud detection accuracy, which is critical as digital fraud becomes more complex in today’s digital economy.

Despite the complexities of an interconnected world, Dr. Ngafeeson believes it’s critical for people to learn how to embrace digital transformation and use modern technologies. The key is knowing the benefits and risks on both ends.

“A highly networked society is also a highly vulnerable society,” said Dr. Ngafeeson, who is also the chair of PBA’s business data analytics

program. “Now, the question becomes, ‘Since I don’t want to be vulnerable, can I disconnect myself from the network of the society?’ What we should be doing is becoming conscious about the implications of whatever we do in this highly networked world.”

This balanced mindset is especially important for students, with growing concerns over how AI will impact job functions and the entire market. For Dr. Ngafeeson, it’s a conversation he’s prioritizing with his business data analytics students, making sure they understand that problem solving, curiosity, and finding stories and trends that data reveal are far more compelling than raw numbers.

“The value of education is no longer just in learning content, but learning how to learn,” he shared. “Your value cannot be ‘I can memorize the content’—because six months later, the content might be extinct. So, learn how to learn.”

He also says knowing the right answer and knowing what is right about the answer are two different things, as is differentiating between what is truthful and what is not.

“Whole person education means that we are not just enlightening the mind, but we are enriching the soul,” Dr. Ngafeeson said. “We believe our students will be different; having a foundation that is informed by biblical traditions will help them become better people when they go into the real world.”

The value of education is no longer just in learning content, but learning how to learn.

-Dr. Madison Ngafeeson

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PBA’S BUSINESS DATA ANALYTICS PROGRAM.

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Rinker Business Hall Opens New Doors for PBA Students 6

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Hundreds gathered on March 19, 2026, to celebrate the official opening of the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall. The project was two years in the making—and finally—what were mere renderings became a reality.

Among the celebrants were scores of students from the Rinker College of Business, who took time between classes to be part of a historic moment not only for PBA, but for them. This wasn’t just a ceremonial milestone—the new state-of-the-art facility would soon be home to all their classes.

For Tristan Ireri, a sophomore studying both marketing and entrepreneurship, the moment carried personal meaning. Speaking on behalf of students during the opening ceremony, he reflected on his decision to transfer to PBA after initially choosing another school.

“As soon as I stepped on campus, I fell in love with everything that PBA had to offer, and I knew that this school was where God needed me to be,” he said.

Ireri thanked the donors, faculty, and leaders whose support helped make the building possible.

“Today, we’re not just cutting the ribbon for a building,” Ireri said. “We’re cutting a ribbon for the future. Students are going to come to this school and see how much God can move in their lives, just as I have.”

SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE RECAP.

Ireri’s comments masterfully captured the sentiments of his peers, many of whom were in awe during the tour of the six-story building. The Business Hall will expand access to high-impact learning through the Titus Lecture Hall, a stock trading room with professional terminals, collaborative classrooms, and five PBA Centers of Excellence focused on financial literacy, public policy, free enterprise, and franchising.

A few weeks later, on April 7, students began taking classes in the 125,000-square-foot academic facility,

which houses the AACSB-accredited Rinker College of Business. The classrooms include floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and campus, creating a bright, open environment for learning. They also feature spacious desks, e-learning technology to allow for online instruction, and confidence monitors to support presentations.

The building marks the completion of the first phase of PBA’s God-Sized Dreams Campaign, which recently surpassed $120 million comprehensively. It was made possible through the generosity of many supporters, including the late John Rinker and his wife Sheila, whose generous $26 million gift inspired the launch of the campaign and laid the foundation for the hall.

During the ceremony, Sheila Rinker honored her late husband and the legacy of Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker.

Today is a bittersweet day for me. Sweet, because my husband John’s dream has finally come true; the Rinker College of Business is here, it is real, and it is beautiful.

-Sheila Rinker

The Rinker Business Hall is located in the heart of West Palm Beach, near the growing financial and business district known as Wall Street South.

According to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the county is “anchored by more than 20,000 finance companies and 2,500 technology firms.” West Palm is also among the top five fastest-growing wealth hubs in the world, giving PBA students opportunities to intern or work with these elite companies and business leaders.

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Center for Financial Literacy Helping individuals embody the transformative principles of financial stewardship isn’t just a dream; it’s the focal point of the Center for Financial Literacy under its new director, Dr. Scott Pearson.

With increased focus on collaboration and practical tips, the Center’s free coaching, seminars, and workshops help students and Florida residents gain confidence in budgeting, generosity, and more.

In addition to launching a required financial literacy course for business majors, Dr. Pearson, who is also an associate professor of finance, is finding more research opportunities for students. Last spring, three students presented at the Association for Private Enterprise Education conference in Las Vegas. The 2026 Rinker College of Business Outstanding Graduate Tin Vastic presented on the parallels between the 19th-century Free Banking Era and today’s Stablecoins, Aleyna Can shared about gender differences in financial literacy, and Phelipe Figueiredo presented on retirement preparedness.

With decades of financial management and counseling experience, Dr. Pearson has seen the financial struggles many people face, including rising costs of living.

Students present in the Stock Trading Room in the new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall

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“This generation seems to be much more adept at staying clear of credit card debt,” he said. “As a whole, their generation did better than mine in that area. But now, the more common thing is to get into car loan debt earlier and deeper. The other challenge I see is the affordability crisis, but I call it the affordability challenge, because there will always be challenges like that.”

The Center helped me align my personal values with my financial habits.

-Brooke Thomas, junior

Notable workshops last year included a college student tax preparation workshop, a panel on the affordability challenge, and a special event with Gen Z financial advisor Kyla Scanlon (co-sponsored with the Raney Center for Free Enterprise). The Center also partnered with the School of Education & Behavioral Studies to bring Dr. Mark Schug, author of “Teachers Can Be Financially Fit,” to speak to education students and local teachers.

“The Center helped me align my personal values with my financial habits,” said Brooke Thomas, a junior studying business administration. “This isn’t just for finance majors—everyone needs to learn how to manage their finances. As Christians, we’re supposed to be good stewards of our money; we shouldn’t shy away from talking about these topics.”

As the Center grows, Dr. Pearson says they hope to collaborate with other organizations to provide financial literacy curriculum training to current and future K-12 teachers, especially as more states require such courses.

“You can’t let your money control you,” he said.

“Whether you’re getting ready to buy your first home or nearing retirement, you always have to be making conscious decisions.”

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTER FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY.

Titus Center for Franchising Franchising is a cornerstone of free enterprise, and PBA offers unique academic accreditation and practical experience to students through its Titus Center for Franchising.

Established in 2017 with a generous $1.5 million gift from Ray Titus, founder and CEO of United Franchise Group, the self-funded academic center equips students to become employees or business owners of franchise companies, offering internships, mentorship, a degree in entrepreneurship and franchising, and the only concentration in franchising available at any university in the U.S. This year, PBA celebrated its first cohort of the entrepreneurship and franchising degree program.

The three graduates gained dynamic skills to launch their own startups or become franchisees by partnering with a company and adopting their business model. The latter is a more secure option for business owners, said Center Director Martha Flynn.

“The truth is, a lot of businesses fail, so how do you take precautions?” said Flynn. “The franchise programming and the entrepreneurship programming are heavily focused on operations and marketing, so students understand what it takes to run a business and launch a business and how to attract customers through marketing and sales.”

Students in any program can earn a concentration in franchising, and over 100 students have, ranging

from health sciences to arts majors.

The concentration empowers students to approach their area of interest through a business lens, opening career opportunities within that chosen field.

“The beauty of the concentration in franchising is that it layers on top of all of the other degree programs,” Flynn explained.

“You could be a dance major, you could be a pharmacy major— you’re not limited to traditional business areas. In today’s day and age, every business is seeing growth via franchising.”

Internships are an important part of both the degree program and concentration. Advisory board members, who generously fund the Titus Center through donations, help students find internships.

They also provide scholarships to exemplary students. This year, advisory board members Geoff and Sherri Seiber of the Seiber Family Endowment awarded a record-setting $10,000 scholarship; twice the amount the surprised awardee hoped to receive.

Mentorship and engagement through events are also encouraged, with multiple opportunities provided for students to build their networks at franchise events, including the International Franchise Association conference.

In today’s day and age, every business is seeing growth via franchising.

-Martha Flynn, Center Director

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Each year, the Center celebrates the expanded opportunities available to its growing classes of students who are ready to embrace franchising in their careers.

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Speaker Highlights This year, the Rinker College of Business welcomed a total of 14 speakers who shared their expertise in democratic capitalism, economic and financial industries, entrepreneurship, and other topics geared to guide and equip students on their paths to success.

September 9, 2025

October 30, 2025

Jonathan Famery-Mariani, former professional soccer player turned co-founder and managing partner of Dchained Capital, spoke on the blockchain and digital asset revolution.

Kyla Scanlon spoke on her debut book, “In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work,” a New York Times bestseller. As an economic commentator, speaker, educator, author, and creator with more than one million followers across platforms, she educates and inspires a new generation by reshaping how people understand money and markets.

September 24, 2025 John Crossman, leader, author, and PBA parent, discussed his award-winning book, “Career Killers, Career Builders.” With decades of leadership experience, Crossman encouraged students to avoid common pitfalls, embrace wise choices, and build a strong foundation for lasting success.

October 7, 2025 Andrew Alfano shared his talk on “Building a Global Brand—Lessons from Inside Starbucks,” drawing insights from his 16-year career with the Starbucks Corporation and more than 30 years of experience in the consumer sector, having spent the majority of his career within a Fortune 500 company.

October 28, 2025 Doug Bartolf, co-founder and president of Atticus Wealth Management and PBA parent, spoke on “Success and Failure” in business, drawing on his experience as a founding member and principal of Bartolf Wealth Advisors and more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.

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November 3, 2025 Peter Fluhrer explored details of “Building a Brand That Accelerates Growth: The Entrepreneurial Branding Loop.”

November 19, 2025 Todd Hopkins, founder of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services and international best-selling author, presented on his book “Replace the B Word: Overcoming Distractions by Replacing Busy with Productive.”

February 3, 2026 Magatte Wade delivered “Africa Needs Free Enterprise, Not America’s Handouts,” exploring how business regulations and bureaucracy often prevents local entrepreneurship in Africa. This event was sponsored by Young America’s Foundation.

February 17, 2026

April 8, 2026

Dane Paul, Forbes-recognized Top CPA in the State of Florida (2025), financial educator, and member of the Center for Financial Literacy’s advisory board, explored values-based budgeting and how to align one’s spending with what actually matters—without guilt, restriction, or overwhelm.

David Hamilton Nichols, speaker, author, impact investor, producer, and Rinker College of Business advisory board member, discussed the importance of entrepreneurship in his talk, “Investing in the Future of Humanity: Solving World Problems through Entrepreneurship.”

February 25, 2026

April 16, 2026

Steve Sargent explored “Business as a Ministry: Bridging the Sacred Secular Divide,” driven by his experience as the principal chair with C12 Business Forums in South Florida, the world’s largest peerlearning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives.

Dr. Mark Schug spoke on how “Teachers Can Be Financially Fit,” sharing insights from his 37 years of experience as an educator and 13 years of experience managing an economic and financial education and research consulting business.

March 3, 2026 John Rawley, a member of the City of West Palm Beach Public Art Committee, sales consultant, and former art consultant and advisor, discussed “The Business of Art.” March 19, 2026 Phil Gramm, former senator, professor, and economic consultant, presented on his book, “The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism.”

April 20, 2026 Aaron Menitoff, co-CEO and co-founder of Boarderie Cheese & Charcuterie, shared his journey of building a successful company, offering insights into entrepreneurship, startups, and marketing.

April 21, 2026 Matt Rubel spoke on “Designing a Life You Can’t Predict” based on his personal perspective and key takeaways from his career, which spans more than 35 years building and transforming consumer and retail brands as an operator, board director, investor, and strategic advisor.

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Raney Center for Free Enterprise The Raney Center for Free Enterprise at PBA is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and the community better understand the principles and impact of free enterprise. Through research opportunities, student programs and public events, the Center seeks to highlight the role free enterprise plays in promoting human flourishing.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RANEY CENTER FOR FREE ENTERPRISE.

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The Raney Center for Free Enterprise, established by the generous $5 million dollar gift from Buddy and Connie Raney, supports undergraduate research through its student scholar program. Students are selected to conduct research related to free enterprise alongside a faculty mentor and are compensated for their work. At the conclusion of their projects, scholars travel to academic conferences to present their findings on behalf of the Center.

One of the Center’s key resources is its free enterprise reading room, where students can explore influential works by leading thinkers such as Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman. The Raney Center also hosts a student book club in which faculty members lead weekly lunchtime discussions centered around a selected book each semester.

In addition to student programs, the Raney Center organizes a robust speaker series focused on free enterprise and entrepreneurship. Economists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs are invited

to campus to share their professional experiences and discuss the value and impact of free enterprise with students, faculty, and members of the public.

The center also plays a role in American Free Enterprise (AFE) Day, a PBA tradition dating back to 1984, where the importance of American free enterprise and its influence on innovation, opportunity, and economic growth is celebrated. Each year, AFE features a medal ceremony for individuals whose hard work and achievement exemplify the best of the American free enterprise system.

Past AFE Medal recipients include S. Truett Cathy (1990), Rich DeVos (2000), H. Wayne Huizenga Jr. (2011), and Steve Forbes (2022), to name a few.

Through research, discussion, and real-world experiences, the Raney Center continues to equip students with valuable knowledge and practical opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Emily Webster is Preparing Marketers to Take on a Digital World It has been a remarkable year for Dr. Emily Webster, assistant professor of marketing at the Rinker College of Business.

She received the 2026 PBA Service Award for her community collaborations and was named a 2026 honoree for South Florida Business & Wealth’s Prestigious Women in the “Mentoring Champions” division. Dr. Webster, who holds a Ph.D. and a master’s in marketing from Georgia State University, also continued advancing her research, publishing peer-reviewed articles and presenting on generative AI, student retention, influencer marketing, and digital consumer behavior.

Outstanding as these accomplishments are, Dr. Webster said none of these wins matter to her.

She chooses to measure her success not by her achievements, but by her students. As faculty adviser for PBA’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, she helped the chapter triple its membership, achieve Highest Honors status, and secure a scholarship for a PBA student.

“My most enduring legacy will always be the dedicated mentorship of the next generation of marketing leaders,” Dr. Webster said. “I want to help students reach their full potential so they graduate not just as skilled marketers, but as ethical leaders who elevate the organizations they serve.”

New Business Faculty Member is Focused on Expanding Students’ Perspectives on Global Business Dr. Nathaniel Hill, assistant professor of international business, joined PBA in July 2025 after earning his Ph.D. in international business from the University of South Carolina.

In his first year at the Rinker College of Business, Dr. Hill has focused on helping students expand their view of business beyond the United States and think critically about trade, globalization, tariffs, and international strategy.

Drawing from 11 years of professional experience, including work in economic development and two years living in the Republic of Congo, Dr. Hill brings a global perspective to the classroom. By engaging students in debates, case studies, and various role-plays, this professor is focused on challenging students to think independently, consider different perspectives, and prepare for leadership roles shaped by a strong sense of ethics and a biblical worldview.

READ MORE ABOUT DR. NATHANIEL HILL.

Rinker College of Business Teacher of the Year Empowers Students to Think Beyond the Textbook In 2026, Dr. Emanuel Garcia Munoz was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Rinker College of Business, an honor he called his greatest accomplishment of the year. Dr. Garcia Munoz is an assistant professor of economics in the Rinker College of Business. He teaches principles of microeconomics, American free enterprise, international economics, and growth and development economics. He earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Florida in 2023.

“We have such wonderful and beloved faculty at the Rinker College of Business, so being recognized as Teacher of the Year was truly an honor,” he said.

In the classroom, Dr. Garcia Munoz helps students move beyond formulas and theories to develop an economic way of thinking, preparing students to make real-world decisions. For him, there is no expectation that his students remember every formula or technical concept in his economics classes. Rather, he hopes they remember how to think.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT FUELS THIS PROFESSOR.

READ MORE ABOUT DR. EMILY WEBSTER’S TEACHING APPROACH.

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Student Highlights

Prepared to Lead on and Off the Field By the time Tin Vastic graduated from PBA in May 2026, the 24-year-old finance major had a resume of accomplishments. He was named the Outstanding Graduate of the Rinker College of Business, helped PBA’s team place fourth in the Chartered Financial Analyst Research Challenge, tutored classmates in international economics, statistics, and college algebra, and earned scholarships while competing as a student-athlete.

In fall 2026, he will continue on his path as a student-athlete at Boston College, where he plans to play soccer at the Division I level and earn a master’s degree in finance.

“I definitely felt amazing; there are a lot of great students at PBA,” Vastic said of being named Outstanding Graduate. “To receive this honor means a lot to me. As an athlete, I always try to be the best I can be at everything I do. It’s nice when hard work and commitment pay off.”

Vastic’s love for soccer first brought him from Croatia to Florida after he was recruited by the PBA Men’s Soccer team. He came to PBA in 2023, far from home and unsure of what life in the U.S. would be like.

“My time at PBA was amazing,” he said. “I came here in 2023 as a freshman from Europe, not knowing anything about life in the U.S. or Florida, and got off to a really good start.”

Though he was far from home, Vastic quickly found community. His teammates became family, and his professors became mentors. He

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To receive this honor means a lot to me. As an athlete, I always try to be the best I can be at everything I do.

-Tin Vastic also attended Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings and built friendships that helped him feel grounded in a new country.

Off the field, Vastic took his work just as seriously. He was involved in the Sailfish Fund, PBA’s student-managed investment fund, and joined several peers and Professor of Finance Dr. Ariel Viale at the Chartered Financial Analyst Research Challenge. He also completed summer internships at Marina Kaštela in Croatia, where local business leaders mentored him and introduced him to the working world.

Dr. Claudia Strow, who has taught economics for 26 years, said Vastic’s dedication is evident.

“Tin stands out as one of the most exceptional students I have encountered,” she said.

“What helped me a lot was having a mentality of ‘everything happens for a reason; there is a plan for you,’” he said. “When things maybe don’t go the way you want them to go, there is a reason why—and it will probably turn out even better than you could have expected.”

important contacts and accessing realworld experiences through internships.

A Christ-Centered College Experience Today’s business landscape is complex. A fast-paced market, increased globalization, and emerging technologies like AI mean future business leaders will have a lot to juggle.

But Kailyn Pinder isn’t worried. She’s ready to tackle whatever comes her way—while keeping Christ at the center of everything.

Pinder, who is pursuing a 3+2 business administration degree with concentrations in Franchising and Leadership, was drawn to PBA’s Christfirst approach, after having spent her entire childhood in public school.

“Having an education is important, but growing in your faith and having the opportunities to implement that in so many ways, surrounded by a loving community, is something that I would recommend to anyone,” she said.

A Place to Grow Pinder was also attracted to the opportunities at the Rinker College of Business and Titus Center for Franchising, from living and learning in downtown West Palm Beach—also called Wall Street South—to meeting

Last summer, she interned at the FranServe Annual Convention in Orlando. During the internship, she learned about different career paths available through franchising and observed consultant training sessions.

Pinder also had the opportunity to speak in front of the entire conference, which led to multiple connections with business leaders for internships and potential job opportunities.

PBA has taught me the importance of keeping the Lord at the center of everything that I do.

-Kailyn Pinder

“For me, internships have the ability to bring what is being learned in the classroom to life,” she said. “Throughout [this] internship, I learned about different sectors of franchising that I didn’t even know existed, and franchise brands that I never would have thought of.”

She was also selected for PBA’s Presidential Leadership Honor Society. Led

by President Dr. Debra Schwinn, the invitation only, seven-week seminar focuses on pouring into 12 students with servant-leadership potential.

When College Becomes Home “Everyone, from the students, faculty, staff, and the administration make life at PBA feel more like a home than just ‘taking classes,’” she shared.

“PBA has helped me understand that your purpose extends past just your future job or career. Your purpose is to advance God’s kingdom using the skills and talents that God has gifted you with.”

After earning her degree in 2028, she hopes to pursue franchising as a possible career path.

“PBA has taught me the importance of keeping the Lord at the center of everything that I do,” Pinder said. “Many people believe that in order to have a successful business, you have to keep your religion and work separate. However, when I start my career, I want to make sure that my faith is integrated into the work that I am accomplishing daily.”

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Donor Highlight

The Templeton Family’s Lasting Impact on Palm Beach Atlantic University 16 PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

The Templeton family has been connected to PBA for over four decades, not merely as neighbors but as partners committed to investing in the next generation. Through longstanding mentorship and philanthropy, Steve Templeton and his son, John Templeton, have helped create opportunities for the University’s aspiring accountants.

Steve Templeton’s connection to PBA began in the 1980s, while working for Coopers and Lybrand in West Palm Beach. One of his clients was Marshall E. “Doc” Rinker Sr., a visionary benefactor of PBA. After the sale of Rinker Materials Corp. in 1988, Steve worked with Rinker to establish the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Foundation and support some of its earliest grants to PBA.

Steve Templeton

In 1996, Steve was invited to join the advisory board for what was then the Rinker School of Business, when Rinker served as chairman.

“I have been a member of the board ever since and have thoroughly enjoyed it!” he said.

Steve’s relationship with PBA eventually became a family legacy, with all four of his children attending for a time, and two becoming PBA alumni. His son John graduated from PBA in 2002 with degrees in accounting and communication.

Giving Back to the Next Generation of Business Leaders “My time at PBA was foundational,” John said, reflecting on his time. “The professors were intelligent, engaging, and passionate about what they were teaching. They took my passion for learning to new heights.”

After transferring from another university, John quickly immersed himself in PBA campus life, restarting the debate team, joining the student newspaper, and participating on the golf team.

The Templeton family’s investment in PBA recently expanded through their support for the Templeton Classroom in the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, which opened in spring 2026.

“It was a meaningful way to invest in the next generation of learners,” John explained.

John Templeton

For Steve, leaving a legacy at PBA is ultimately about helping students grow in both faith and purpose. He encourages students to remember Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)

“It felt like the land of opportunity,” he recalled. “Doors kept opening, and I just said yes.”

Though John originally planned to pursue law, he enjoyed his experience in accounting and decided to pursue his CPA, eventually becoming CEO and managing partner of Templeton Advisors—the CPA firm his father founded in 1990, which now includes two South Florida offices and 100 staff members. Today, the firm partners closely with PBA by mentoring and recruiting students for internships and careers.

“They always come in humble, hardworking, eager to learn, and easy to coach,” John said about PBA graduates. “Humility is a consistent trait that every employer wants.”

My time at PBA was foundational.

The professors were intelligent, engaging, and passionate about what they were teaching. They took my passion for learning to new heights.

-John Templeton

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Alumni Spotlight

Jeff Swindell: Building a Legacy from PBA to Disney Leadership When PBA graduate Jeff Swindell walked across the commencement stage in 1997, he had no idea a temporary job at The Walt Disney Company would become a 28-year career with one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved brands.

Today, Swindell serves as senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer of Disney Signature Experiences, overseeing a portfolio that includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, and Storyliving by Disney.

Swindell joined Disney in 1998, just as Disney Cruise Line was getting off the ground. Starting as an hourly employee, he steadily rose through the company’s ranks, eventually becoming chief financial officer of Disney Cruise Line after 16 years with the division.

His career later took him to California as the CFO of Disneyland, then to Disney’s International Parks and Resorts before he returned to Florida as CFO of Walt Disney World.

But long before the executive titles and leadership roles, Swindell found a foundation at PBA. The son of Christian school educators, Swindell transferred to PBA for his final two years of college after attending junior college and a state university. He remembers late-night pickup basketball games, close friendships, and professors like Dr. Bob Myers, who sparked his passion for economics and business.

“I don’t think I would be where I am today if it weren’t for my time at PBA,” Swindell said. “My faith is instrumental to who I am, how I conduct myself, and how I try to lead every day. It has sustained me through many ups and downs in business.”

Now, Swindell is giving back to the University that shaped him. After serving on the Rinker College of Business advisory board, he recently

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accepted an invitation to join PBA’s board of trustees.

“I’m looking forward to getting more involved with PBA,” he said. “It reminds me of Disney in this way: it’s a great organization, but it’s the people who make it special.”

Looking back, Swindell’s advice to his younger self is simple but wise: “Trust your instincts. Have confidence. Work hard no matter what your job is, but don’t forget to slow down and spend time with the people you love. Life goes by fast.”

I don’t think I would be where I am today if it weren’t for my time at PBA. -Jeff Swindell

Rinker College of Business

Advisory Board Members John Adams

Gil Kemp

Rayk Riechmann

Gary Adkin

David Light

Scott Roads

Student Advisory Board Member, MBA Student, Rinker College of Business

Chris Markgraf

Darlaine Sisk

Jeffrey Brams

Christy Markgraf

CPA and Owner, Bridgewater Tax & Financial Consulting Director of Investments, Stifel

Frida Alsterhem

General Counsel, Drink LMNT Inc.

Jorge Cabrera, Jr.

Founder and Retired President, Home Decorators Collection Director Healthcare Advisory Services, Daszkal Bolton, LLP Owner and Partner, SIMPLY Brands Director, Total Rewards Carrier Corporation

Vice President, Accounting, Technology and Materials Management, The Breakers Palm Beach

Philip Mark Martini

William Cummings

Chief Executive Officer, Palm Beach Symphony

Real Estate Broker, Century 21 America’s Choice

Chad Dorsey

Commercial Insurance Agent, Insurance Office of America

Justin Girard

Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Girard & Associates

David Hamilton Nichols Investor and Advisor

Robert Johnson

Former CFO, J.M. Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors

Wimbeldon Global

David McClymont Brian McPherson

Attorney and Shareholder, Gunster Law Firm

Patrick Nickler

Managing Director, Ameriprise Financial Services, The Nickler Group

Lisa Perino

HR Business Partner, NextEra Energy

Douglas Reader

President and Chief Executive Officer, Arizona Nutritional Supplements

Student Advisory Board Member, MBA Student, Rinker College of Business Managing and Founding Principal, Spectra Investment Management Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark 5 Consulting

Michael Sothen

Chief Financial Officer, Nation Safe Drivers

Jeff Swindell

SVP Finance, Walt Disney World

Nancy Tallent

Founder and Principal, Strategic Human Resources Consulting

Steve Templeton

Founder and President, Templeton & Company

A.J. Titus

President, Signarama, United Franchise Group

Adriana Willmutz

Alumni, Rinker College of Business

Melina Willson

Alumni, Rinker College of Business

THE RINKER REPORT 19

Palm Beach Atlantic University equips students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.

PBA.EDU