PBA_TheRinkerReport_2025

The

Rinker Report Palm Beach Atlantic University An Annual Report from the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

2024-2025

What’s Inside Dr. Marcus A. Valenzuela Receives Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award................................... 4 Professor Barbara VanderWerf’s Lasting Legacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University..................................... 5

Business College Highlights 2024-2025 Academic Year

Inside the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall................................. 8-9 American Free Enterprise in Action....................................................... 10-11

723 Undergraduate Students

Sailfish Fund: Investing in the Future..................................................... 16 Building Business Leaders: Inside PBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program......................... 18-19 Melina Willson: First-Generation Student Finds Purpose and Success at PBA..... 21

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MARSHALL E. RINKER, SR. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

844

Total Students Enrolled

121 Graduate Students 26 Total Faculty

A Message From The Dean

It was another banner year for the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business. We set a record for business school enrollment, grew our faculty size, added a third center of excellence (the Raney Center for Free Enterprise), increased student engagement, had a faculty member, Dr. Ariel Viale, serve a Fulbright Scholarship in Vietnam, added advisory board members, and continued construction on a new 125,000 square-foot business school building set to open during the 20252026 academic year. What changes one year can bring!

Undergraduate enrollment in the Rinker College of Business (RCB) has increased 58% over the last three years. Our fall 2025 freshman class is again projected to be the largest in school history. With this growth, we have been adding new faculty to our team. This academic year we welcomed Roy Allem (Information Systems), Emily Eaton (Management), Dr. Daniel Lawson (Finance), Dr. Tim Shaughnessy (Economics), and Dr. Greg Tindall (Accounting) to the RCB faculty.

In addition, six new faculty members, Dr. Andrew Edwards (Data Analytics), Dr. Derek Ezell (Marketing), Martha Flynn (Franchising), Andrew Hibbert (Management), Dr. Nathaniel Hill (International Business), and Dr. Ernesto Lee (Data Analytics), are joining the team in fall 2025. We also said goodbye to Corts Award-winning faculty member, Barbara VanderWerf, who recently retired.

In 2024-2025, the RCB welcomed Jeff Brams, Chad Dorsey, and David Hamilton Nichols to our Rinker College of Business Advisory Board. The board continued exploring the possibility of a human resource management program and discussed the role of AI in our business curriculum. The board’s continued financial contributions have enabled us to increase student engagement opportunities.

Commerce, which allowed us to take 50 students to The Breakers Palm Beach for monthly chamber breakfasts.

The Sailfish Student Managed Fund continued to see success under the oversight of Dr. Scott Pearson. Dr. Alexandra Cook faithfully administered our MentorProtégé Program that lines up juniors and seniors with Christian business mentors.

RCB faculty, spearheaded by Professor Henry Webb, led two successful study abroad trips this academic year.

The first was to Singapore, Malaysia, and Borneo in December 2024. The second was to South Korea and Japan following the spring 2025 semester.

The RCB Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise Speaker Series in 2024-2025 hosted an impressive collection of speakers. This list included executives Michael Ainslie and Jeff Brams; cryptocurrency expert Jimmy Song; and public policy experts Dr. Arthur Laffer, former Wall Street Journal editorial board member Jason Riley, and Michael Solomon.

The 2024-2025 academic year witnessed increased growth, innovation, and engagement in the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in 2025-2026.

Dr. Brian Strow Dean, Professor of Economics Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

In the last academic year, the RCB benefitted from a partnership with the Palm Beach Chamber of

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Dr. Marcus A. Valenzuela Receives Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award The Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business celebrates another faculty member who has been named a 2025-2026 Fulbright U.S. Scholar. Dr. Marcus Valenzuela joined PBA in 2020 and teaches courses in general management with a primary focus on organizational behavior and a secondary focus on human resource management.

Dr. Valenzuela is one of two PBA faculty members named Fulbright recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year, a distinction that highlights the quality of PBA’s professors. Notably, he is the second Rinker College of Business faculty member to receive a Fulbright in two years, following in the footsteps of Professor of Finance Dr. Ariel Viale, who was a 2024 Fulbright recipient.

“I was inspired by Fulbright’s mission to foster mutual international understanding through academic and cultural exchange, which aligns closely with my personal and professional experience, values, and goals,” Valenzuela said.

Dr. Valenzuela’s Fulbright research will take him to Corvinus University of Budapest, a leading institution in Hungary. There, he will collaborate with faculty in the department of organizational behavior and human resource development. His project, titled “Acculturation in a Hungarian Context: Societal and Organizational Implications,” explores how migrant workers adapt to new cultural and workplace environments, with implications for both organizational behavior and human resource practices. This focus reflects his broader academic interest in global labor dynamics and his goal to elevate the discourse on migrant

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experiences in business contexts. By engaging with Corvinus University’s interdisciplinary research ecosystem, including its Empirical Social Research Center and department of international relations, Dr. Valenzuela hopes to strengthen his work as well as PBA’s broader academic community.

Each year, over 800 scholars from the United States participate in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. The goal of the program is to foster mutual understanding between nations through education and collaboration.

“We are so blessed to have Dr. Marcus Valenzuela and Dr. Thomas Parham named as Fulbright scholars,” said PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. “It is a reflection of the quality of their experience and expertise but also demonstrates our commitment to further professional development that enhances what we are able to offer to our students.”

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The Fulbright Program is the world’s largest and most diverse international exchange program. Since its founding in 1946, more than 400,000 scholars, artists, and professionals have participated in Fulbright exchanges across more than 160 countries. Alumni include Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and heads of state.

Professor Barbara VanderWerf’s Lasting Legacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University Once I was at PBA, I knew it was the Lord that led me here.

Nearly 19 years ago, Barbara VanderWerf was recruited to PBA to work as the executive assistant to the provost.

“I was not really looking, but when approached about the possibility, I decided to go ahead and walk through the door God opened,” she explained.

“Once I was at PBA, I knew it was the Lord that led me here. It was nothing short of His divine appointment for that time.”

Almost two decades and several different roles later, Professor VanderWerf has had a profound impact on both students and faculty alike. In 2014, she began teaching as an adjunct professor, and in 2015 she transferred to the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business to teach full-time. She is thankful to have played even a small role in helping shape the lives of her students, and in August 2024, she received the Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching. She was nominated by both students and faculty. In May 2025, she served as Faculty Marshall at her final PBA commencement before retiring.

“Each step of the way, God has been faithful,” she said.

Professor VanderWerf taught several classes at PBA, including Leadership and Ethics, Management, and Financial Literacy, a three-credit elective she developed after watching students struggle with

financial stress. Through the years, she taught over 400 students in that class.

“I studied financial literacy, and I am a financial coach, so I had a deep desire to develop a course at PBA to help our students learn basic concepts so they can make wise decisions,” she said. “I just couldn’t let it go.”

She is a Certified Christian Financial Counselor through the Institute for Christian Financial Health, and she owns her own financial counseling business, Hope Financial Counseling. In November 2023, PBA announced the creation of the RCB’s Center for Financial Literacy (CFL), and Professor VanderWerf became the inaugural director. Since its launch, the CFL has held events, provided financial coaching, and developed relationships in the community.

“My passion to see people break free from the burden of financial stress drew me to become the inaugural director of the Center,” she said.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her time at PBA was the countless relationships she made with her students. Although she is now retired, her legacy at PBA and the impact she had on her students will remain.

“Whether academically, spiritually, being a touchpoint of encouragement, or cheering on our athletes, I count it a privilege to be a small part of a student’s experience at PBA,” Professor VanderWerf shared. “Multiply that impact by thousands of students since I started at PBA, and my heart is full.”

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Center for Financial Literacy A Message from the Director

Counselor (CERTCFC) program. Five students are currently participating in this specialized training, learning how to integrate biblical principles with sound financial practices—reflecting the Center’s commitment to faith-informed stewardship.

In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, the CFL hosted two standout events. Art Rainer, of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, led an inspiring session blending biblical wisdom with financial strategy. Students praised the experience, noting the refreshing emphasis on generosity and practical advice. MBA student Ben Dobulis shared, “It was so inspiring to see the blend of biblical wisdom and money strategies put together!”

This year, the Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) continued to advance its mission: equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make wise financial decisions, rooted in practical skills and faith-based values. Through dynamic programming, new partnerships, and a vibrant student leadership team, 2024-2025 was a year of meaningful growth and impact.

At the heart of student engagement was the student-led FinLit Club. Led by President Bella Bonvisuto and supported by Brooke Thomas (Outreach), Kailyn Pinder (Secretary), Bella Espina (Marketing), and coordinators Audrey Jones and Mateo Lucas, the club created a welcoming space for learning. Workshops addressed essential topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and taxes, along with practical sessions on traveling affordably and understanding compound interest.

Each event broke down complex concepts into relatable, actionable steps, empowering students to open investment accounts, create savings plans, and set clear goals.

The Center also welcomed Jade Warshaw, co-host of The Ramsey Show, for a virtual session on debt elimination, savings, and planning for the future.

Students and faculty alike left inspired and ready to act.

“The event was a pivotal moment for me,” said faculty member Nakisha KinlawWilliams, “inspiring and empowering me to begin the 7 Baby Steps journey.”

Senior Vicente Ferrera echoed the sentiment, walking away committed to consistently investing 15% of his income to build a strong financial foundation.

As the CFL looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to make financial literacy accessible, practical, and transformative.

To learn more or to get involved, please contact us at CFL@pba.edu or follow along on social media: @pbacenterforfinancialliteracy

“Helping build the Financial Literacy Club from the ground up has shown me that financial education can grow into lifelong habits that change the course of someone’s future,” shared Bonvisuto.

Beyond student efforts, the CFL forged a key partnership with the Institute for Christian Financial Health to offer the Certified Christian Financial 6

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Barbara VanderWerf Director

A Message from the Director

Titus Center for Franchising Creating opportunities for students to become business owners or employees of franchise companies are priorities at the Titus Center for Franchising, a selffunded academic center established in 2017 with a $1.5 million gift from the Titus Family of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The center supports RCB’s Concentration in Franchising, the only academic concentration in franchising offered by any university. The center also supports the new business major: Entrepreneurship and Franchising.

More than 100 PBA students have earned a Concentration in Franchising along with their bachelor’s degree. There are ten graduates who are now franchise owners and several more own businesses related to franchising. Nearly 100 students attending PBA in the fall of 2025 have declared the Concentration in Franchising or the Entrepreneurship and Franchising major.

The franchise concentration complements most majors because it provides specific skills that serve a graduate for life. With nearly 4,000 franchise brands in North America, many employers seek college graduates with franchise expertise, and they find them at PBA. However, 97% of our students say their goal is not just a job; ultimately, they want to be business owners!

Annual operating funds for the Titus Center come from a dynamic Advisory Board that represents nearly 100 companies. In addition to providing guidance about our curricula, the Advisory Board mentors students, speaks to our classes, and supports special events. Through dues and sponsorships, board members generously contribute more than $200,000 annually to support the center.

Many board member companies provide internships and use them to recruit our graduates. Board members also help provide seven annual scholarships for franchise students.

If franchising is in your future, come to the Titus Center for Franchising where we are educating franchising’s future generations.

Dr. John P. Hayes Director

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Inside the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall: A Dynamic Hub Offers Real-Time Insights and Opportunities for Innovation

WATCH A RECAP OF THE MARSHALL AND VERA LEA RINKER BUSINESS HALL TOPPING OFF CEREMONY

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Guests wrote notes and Scriptures on one of the walls to cover the students and faculty in prayer.

With rapid technological changes and today’s intricate business landscape, companies need employees with values-driven leadership, integrity, and real-world experience more than ever.

Since PBA was founded in 1968, students have been empowered to tackle the challenges of their day with godly character, open arms, and a servant’s heart.

As PBA builds on its 57-year legacy, the future isn’t just bright—it’s already taking on a new shape.

In April 2025, students, faculty, staff, donors, and other community members gathered to celebrate a “topping off” ceremony, marking the final stages of the construction of the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall. The ceremony included a behind-the-scenes tour of the building, and a special time of prayer. The University also honored Sheila Rinker, whose support of PBA, along with her late husband John, inspired the launch of the God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022.

At six stories and 125,000 square-feet, the facility will enhance elite business education in West Palm Beach, aptly named Wall Street South.

Complementing our AACSB-accredited Rinker College of Business programs, the state-of-the-art hall will prepare tomorrow’s leaders to navigate an increasingly complex global market.

Inside the complex features a fully equipped trading room, giving students access to real-time market data. A 300+ seat Titus Lecture Hall and several PBA Centers of Excellence, including the LeMieux Center for Public Policy, offer a unique blend of politics, public policy, and business—catalyzing collaboration. The hall will also include the American Free Enterprise Reading Room, multi-use classrooms, and executive-style conference spaces.

Less than 18 months ago, ground was broken for the facility, which is now only months away from completion. The project is the first under the God-

Sheila Rinker writes a note to encourage students.

She and her late husband John have been instrumental to PBA’s growth.

Sized Dreams campaign—made possible by the generosity of the Rinker family.

These milestones have created a chain reaction of support. Thanks to Buddy and Connie Raney, the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall will have another exciting feature. Their $5 million gift will establish the Raney Center for Free Enterprise. This Center of Excellence will create a space for students and industry leaders to exchange meaningful ideas and engage in opportunities rooted in free enterprise.

Through the visionary guidance of leadership, supporters, and the City of West Palm Beach, PBA is shaping the future of South Florida. With a pulse on today’s opportunities, the new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall stands as a symbol of what’s possible when the community comes together.

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American Free Enterprise in Action: Buddy and Connie Raney Pay it Forward

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American free enterprise is more than a system; it’s a cornerstone of America’s identity, symbolizing the spirit of innovation, hard work, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It empowers individuals to turn dreams into reality— fostering economic growth and enriching lives within the United States of America and beyond.

PBA is not just committed to celebrating free enterprise but teaching it.

Through PBA’s required Faith, Roots, and Reason curriculum, students can enroll in one of two courses: Freedom in American Society or American Free Enterprise, exploring topics like the roots of American liberty and the interdependence between political and economic freedom.

Buddy Raney, who was honored as a 2023 American Free Enterprise Day companion medalist, exemplifies the pursuit of free enterprise well. As a young man he battled with addiction, eventually giving his life to God. This enabled him to refocus his life. He then launched Raney Construction Inc. in 1997.

Despite challenges during the 2008 global financial crisis, Raney embraced vertical integration and automation to streamline his company’s construction, minimize errors, and enhance quality. By 2019, Raney Construction had numerous divisions and hundreds of employees. That year, he sold the company to Builders FirstSource, Inc. Now, he and his wife Connie are dedicated philanthropists, sharing their powerful testimonies with the next generation of leaders.

“I recall encounters with two students who reminded us of the power of sharing our journey,” said Raney. “A student from Finland told me she called her parents to share the message she’d heard. Another said she decided then and there that she also needed to change her mission to pursue her heart.

Those responses remind us that we can be a vessel for Jesus and the Christcentered teachings at PBA.”

Buddy and Connie Raney aren’t just inspiring future leaders— they’re empowering them. In April 2025, President Schwinn announced their $5 million gift to launch the Raney Center for Free Enterprise. It will offer a comprehensive program of study on the moral foundations of free enterprise, supported by mentorship to help students as they navigate college and career choices. The Center will also provide resources and learning opportunities on how human flourishing blooms in a free market, underscoring PBA’s commitment to a comprehensive education rooted in free enterprise and biblical values.

The Raneys’ generous contribution isn’t just a financial investment—it’s a powerful testimony of perseverance in the free market and paying it forward.

Located within the new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, opening this winter, the Raney Center—alongside the many Fortune 500 companies and community organizations just minutes away from campus—will better enable students to navigate today’s market and transform into global business leaders.

“We hope and pray that this gift will encourage students to think outside the box and pursue their God-given dreams,” shared Raney.

“Entrepreneurs are dreamers who figure out how to make it happen. We want to be a part of that… We believe that having faith and Jesus at the forefront can build the business landscape beyond what we’ve seen.”

We hope and pray that this gift will encourage students to think outside the box and pursue their God-given dreams.

President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn with Buddy and Connie Raney at the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall Topping Off Ceremony.

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Your Gift Matters Give to support transformative, Christ-first education at PBA!

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LEARN MORE

Contact PBA’s Development team to learn more about supporting the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall and to explore naming opportunities. Call 561.803.2777 or email development@pba.edu.

GET CREATIVE

You can support PBA through gifts of stock, securities, or matching gifts! Learn more online at pba.edu/giving.

GIVE ONLINE

at pba.edu/rsbgive or scan the QR code.

The Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall is scheduled to open in early 2026.

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Celebrating Outstanding Faculty

Dr. Emmanuel Mwaungulu

Dr. Cora Barnhart

Dr. Scott Pearson

RCB 2025 Teaching Award

RCB 2025 Research Award

RCB 2025 Research Award

Congratulations to Dr. Emmanuel Mwaungulu, recipient of the 2025 Rinker College of Business Teaching Award. He is recognized for his strong commitment to student learning and innovative approaches in the classroom.

Dr. Cora Barnhart received the 2025 Rinker College of Business Research Award in recognition of her ongoing contributions to academic research.

Dr. Scott Pearson was honored with the 2025 Rinker College of Business Service Award for his ongoing contributions to faculty development and community outreach.

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Student Highlights RCB students launched a Data Analytics Club this year with support from Dr. Madison Ngafeeson. The club’s first guest speaker was Michael Castellano, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of Engajer, an innovative AI-driven interactive video and analytics company that helps businesses optimize their sales messaging.

Dr. Art Laffer, economist, author, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, spoke at PBA on November 13, 2024. The event, co-hosted by Young America’s Foundation (YAF), RCB, and PBA’s LeMieux Center for Public Policy, was followed by a luncheon where students, board members, and guests continued the conversation with Dr. Laffer. Dr. Laffer is pictured here with RCB YAF Chapter presidents Preston Hale, Mitchell Nolan, and Keegan Peterson.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, RCB students attended a luncheon hosted by The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The featured speaker was General David Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.), former CIA Director, and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute.

In March, RCB students presented a paper they wrote with Dr. Ariel Viale, Professor of Finance, in the final round of the CFA Institute Research Challenge at the University of Miami. Pictured from left to right: Agustine Iusem, Tin Vastic, Frida Alsterhem, Fabio Podmelle, and Leandro Santoro.

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Sailfish Fund: Investing in the Future

By Stanford Penrod, MBA Student and President of the Sailfish Fund, and Dr. Scott Pearson, Associate Professor of Finance and MBA Program Director

PBA recognizes the importance of free, open markets as the key to prosperity.

The American free enterprise spirit is captured within the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, which makes understanding the market economy central to its mission and supporting the free enterprise system as a fundamental value.

The free market is a mainstay of economic growth; it allows supply and demand to set prices, prevent shortages, and allocates resources to their best and highest use. The stock market is a great reflection of this market economy and a great investment in the future. Stocks fluctuate daily as investors continually reevaluate the worth of companies and reassess their value. This competition of thoughtful analysis by all participants helps markets assign the correct value over time. In countries without well-functioning capital markets, it is difficult to start a business. Capital must be raised individually, making large businesses nearly impossible to launch unless someone is super wealthy. In less developed economies, a local person might start a small shop, but you’ll hardly ever see an elaborate, capital-intensive manufacturing business launched by local citizens when there are no accessible capital markets.

With the world advancing technologically and causing major disruptions, uncertainty about the economy’s path has increased volatility in the stock market and made many investors nervous. Everyday Americans feel the market’s direct impact on their household balance—through retirement planning (401ks and IRAs), mortgage rates, and home equity—which affects their lives. However, freely pricing assets allows the market to find market value. It’s a strenuous process, but far better than some central authority setting asset prices and risk.

Present-day market turmoil results from so much uncertainty about what the economy will look like after the dust settles and what value each investment holds—all part of the process of finding valuation. PBA’s comprehensive approach teaches students how to recognize value. Based on that, they learn how to invest.

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RCB offers students the opportunity to participate in the market through the Sailfish Fund, PBA’s student-managed investment fund. The Sailfish Fund gives students experiential learning through trading securities and managing real capital. Students gain the confidence to navigate today’s financial landscape, honing risk management, research and analysis, and ethical stewardship through the fund.

Committed to teaching students to be good stewards of God’s gifts, PBA instills that wealth is a tool for God’s kingdom. “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth,” (Deuteronomy 8:18). PBA entrusts its students with the resources needed for real-world investing strategies, investing in future business leaders who will carry their convictions confidently, foster community, and promote a godly culture through the freedom given in part by our market economy.

PBA’s Partnership with the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

Connects Students with Local Businesses

At PBA’s Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, education is more than textbooks and lectures—the focus is on real-world readiness for students. With this in mind, the University established a partnership with the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce in the last academic year, allowing students the opportunity to connect directly with business leaders.

“This is truly an incredible opportunity for students,” said Eloise Judy, a junior studying marketing and pre-law who attended the breakfast meetings. “Seeing how people interacted, seeing how business leaders corresponded with others, how they connected, how they shared helpful insights or offered services that another person might be looking for. It’s all about connections, and that’s been huge.”

Each month, 50 business students from PBA attend the Chamber’s monthly breakfast, engaging in timely discussions with thought leaders across sectors.

From finance to tech to entrepreneurship, these events provide insights and opportunities—sparking connections that can lead to internships and career starts. The monthly engagement offers keynote speakers, allowing students to hear directly from decision-makers, build their professional networks, and gain a critical understanding of market trends. The partnership also allows local business leaders to meet students in PBA’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited business school.

“Education has always been at the forefront of everything we do at the Palm Beach Chamber. We believe that a well-informed community is a strong, resilient, and innovative one,” said Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce President Douglas C. Evans. “From workforce development to youth mentorship, our initiatives are rooted in the power of knowledge. We strive to bridge the gap between business and education, fostering partnerships that prepare the next generation for success.”

As one of only 10 universities in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) to receive AACSB accreditation, PBA is committed to elevating the experience it provides to students whether that comes through partnership or infrastructure developments. This investment in providing exceptional business education results in well-rounded leaders who can navigate the contemporary business landscape.

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Building Business Leaders: Inside PBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program

“The Mentor-Protégé Program challenged me to create the best version of myself as a student, follower of Christ, and as an aspiring businessman,” shared Dylan Evans, a PBA senior studying Business Management. “The program paired me with a mentor who encouraged me to reflect on not only my strengths but also my weaknesses. I learned that it is not embarrassing to ask for help and that humility is crucial for the development of a person. This program not only taught me business, but it grew me as a human and showed me that the American free enterprise system can benefit society greatly.”

Dylan is one of the students who recently completed PBA’s Rinker College of Business Mentor-Protégé Program, which began in 2014.

The core goal of the program is to provide upper-class and graduate business students with opportunities to establish connections and gain vocational discernment through a mentoring relationship with an established business leader. The program supports over 40 student protégés per year, matching each with a mentor from a growing pool of vetted business professionals.

Kasey Dick, Managing Partner at Chick-fil-A West Palm Beach and PBA alumna, hosted her mentee, RCB student Hannah Dorn, for a cooking class at Sur La Table.

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Frida Alsterhem

“Many of our protégés and mentors stay in touch with each other even when the program ends and form a long-term bond, both personally and professionally,” said Dr. Alexandra Cook, PBA Associate Professor of Accounting and Advisor of the Mentor-Protégé Program. While addressing short term goals is part of our mission, we want this experience to have a life-long impact on our students as they prepare to join our Christian business community and become leaders within it themselves.”

Protégés meet with their mentors approximately once per month during the academic year, allowing five to six meetings. The focus of the meetings is determined by the student and their mentor, and the program facilitates a wide range of activities, including but not limited to prayer together, Bible study, career reading or research, fun outings, workplace tours, mock interview practice, resume crafting, and job applications.

Mentors, too, benefit from the experience, and it is PBA’s goal that they grow in their personal wisdom through the process, form a valued relationship with a student, and become immersed in the PBA family.

To learn more about the program, scan the QR code.

Master of Business Administration and Data Analytics, Class of 2026

This year, I had the privilege of being mentored by Michele Marquis—a strong, successful, and kind businesswoman.

My time with my first mentor, Erik Amick, who is a Chickfil-A owner in Savannah, Georgia, was a great experience.

Whether discussing life, career aspirations, or simply enjoying great conversations, their guidance has been invaluable. Both of them have played a crucial role in developing my leadership skills, equipping me with strategic and valuable tools to lead and manage big teams. Their expertise and mentorship have been truly transformative. This program is a remarkable opportunity that helps students grow, develop professionally, and build strong networks for the future. It has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey at PBA, and I highly encourage others to take full advantage of it.”

Dylan Evans

Class of 2026, Business Management with a concentration in General Management

The Mentor-Protégé Program challenged me to create the best version of myself as a student, follower of Christ, and an aspiring businessman. The program paired me with a mentor who encouraged me to reflect on not only my strengths but also my weaknesses. I learned that it is not embarrassing to ask for help and that humility is crucial for the development of a person. This program was not just a program that taught business, but it grew me as a human and taught me that American free enterprise can benefit society greatly.”

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RCB Study Abroad Trips My first trip abroad to IndoChina, which included Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, allowed me to experience a very different way of both city and rural life. Visiting temples, learning about local customs, and witnessing how different ideologies and war shaped the development of countries. The experience opened my eyes to see the world not through a single lens but from a more global perspective.

The second trip to Singapore, Malaysia, and the island of Borneo gave me a whole different experience even though the countries are relatively close by. The fastpaced city life of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur contrasted with the island life of Borneo. I saw how diversity comes together to thrive in a melting pot of culture. The hospitality of the people and the march of progress mixed in with cultural preservation was amazing. Both trips abroad allowed to me expand my horizons and respect different yet similar experiences and ways of life.

The beauty of travel is not just in what you see, but in how it transforms what you value.

Chemal Chevannes RCB Student

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Melina Willson: First-Generation Student Finds Purpose and Success at PBA When faced with the daunting decision of choosing a university as a first-generation college student, Melina Willson relied on prayer and the support of her family to guide her. After much prayer and consideration, she began her academic journey at PBA in 2019, and she now holds two degrees from PBA’s AACSB-accredited Rinker College of Business.

Melina was actively involved with Workship, PBA’s unique community service program. She helped coordinate, plan, and lead student groups on community outreach projects. Serving as a Workship leader, she shared, was one of her favorite experiences at PBA and a factor in her decision to remain at the University. During her senior year, she was named a Fleming Service Scholar for her exceptional role as a community service leader, serving over 500 volunteer hours during her time at PBA. “I was honored to be a part of a community service program that responds to human needs with Christlike action in our community and beyond,” Melina said. “Serving the community was a large part of my life growing up, with my parents running a food

distribution ministry in Palm Beach County that began before I was born and continues today.”

My ultimate goal is to glorify God through my work and to make a meaningful impact in society.

Melina also served as PBA’s first Discipleship Leader for commuters.

It is a role which she trailblazed to help fellow commuters find community on campus. By facilitating Bible studies, mentoring students, and planning events that catered to commuter schedules, she created opportunities for other commuters to feel at home despite not living on campus.

In 2022, Melina was honored as the outstanding graduate for RCB and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management. After a formative undergraduate experience, Melina felt that pursuing her Master of Business Administration at PBA was a natural next step.

Melina completed her MBA in 2024, and she is currently a staff auditor at Templeton & Company, a respected accounting and consulting firm founded

by PBA alumnus John Templeton. She credits her

time there—first as an intern and now in a full-time role—as instrumental in bridging her academic learning with real-world applications.

Melina also currently serves as a member of the RCB Advisory Board. It’s a full-circle moment that reflects her desire to give back and her vision for what is ahead.

“My ultimate goal is to glorify God through my work and to make a meaningful impact in society,” she said. “One day, I hope to earn my doctorate and return to PBA to teach. I want to offer students the same mentorship and encouragement that meant so much to me.”

THE RINKER REPORT 21

Speaker Highlights September 17, 2024 Michael Solomon shared “Shaping Your Mind for Greater Success,” offering students practical strategies for personal growth and achievement drawn from his experiences as a former NYPD Detective, entrepreneur, and best-selling author.

November 13, 2024

March 26, 2025

Dr. Art Laffer explored “Does Taxing the Rich Work?” presenting a compelling economic analysis of taxation and its impact, informed by decades of policy experience. This event was sponsored by Young America’s Foundation.

Jason Riley shared insights on politics, economics and social inequality from his extensive work as a Wall Street Journal columnist, encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with public policy issues.

October 24, 2024

February 25, 2025

March 27, 2025

Jeff Brams, General Counsel at Drink LMNT, delivered a talk on “Disruptive Innovation: Winning by Launching Game Changing Products,” encouraging students to embrace innovation and think deeply about entrepreneurship and market disruption.

Michael Ainslie discussed his memoir A Nose for Trouble, reflecting on leadership, adversity and his career as former CEO of Sotheby’s, inspiring students to lead with integrity.

Jimmy Song delivered “What is Bitcoin?,” offering a deep dive into the history of money, financial responsibility, and the transformative potential of decentralized currencies. This event was sponsored by Young America’s Foundation.

22 PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Rinker College of Business

Advisory Board Members John Adams

Gil Kemp

Scott Roads

Gary Adkin

David Light

Darlaine Sisk

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

Chris Markgraf

Michael Sothen

Jeffrey Brams

Christy Markgraf

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

Frida Alsterhem

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

Managing and Founding Principal, Spectra Investment Management Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark 5 Consulting Chief Financial Officer, Nation Safe Drivers

Director, Total Rewards Carrier Corporation

Jeff Swindell

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

David McClymont

Nancy Tallent

William Cummings

Brian McPherson

Steve Templeton

Chad Dorsey

Patrick Nickler

A.J. Titus

Justin Girard

Lisa Perino

Adriana Willmutz

Douglas Reader

Melina Willson

General Counsel, Drink LMNT Inc.

Jorge Cabrera, Jr.

Real Estate Broker, Century 21 America’s Choice Commercial Insurance Agent, Insurance Office of America Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Girard & Associates

David Hamilton Nichols

Chief Executive Officer, Palm Beach Symphony Attorney and Shareholder, Gunster Law Firm Managing Director, Ameriprise Financial Services, The Nickler Group HR Business Partner, NextEra Energy

Investor and Advisor

President and Chief Executive Officer, Arizona Nutritional Supplements

Robert Johnson

Rayk Riechmann

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

SVP Finance, Walt Disney World Founder and Principal, Strategic Human Resources Consulting Founder and President, Templeton & Company President, Signarama, United Franchise Group Alumni, Rinker College of Business Alumni, Rinker College of Business

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

THE RINKER REPORT 23

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

PBA.EDU