Alumnus Takes Ownership in His Community and Alma Mater

Jason Wheeler '99, '03M chose to pursue a career in finance not just because he found the subject matter interesting, he also wanted to help others. Learning to appreciate the value of a dollar at a young age while witnessing his parents scrape by, he acknowledged the lack of personal finance education available in the first 12 years of school. He knew that this was an important subject to learn, and he was good at it.

Jason and his wife, Ashley

Two separate, but consequential events presented themselves while Jason was a student. The first was a job posting through which he met his current business partner at Pathfinder Wealth Consulting. Initially working together at a different firm, the two quickly connected and formed the partnership after Jason had completed his MBA. They committed to serving the local community; a philosophy that is at the core of the company's business model.

The second significant event took place when Jason had nearly completed his MBA. He was approached about joining the alumni Board of Directors. As his first volunteer role with the university, Jason recalls, "I received an education in higher education." His guidance and support proved instrumental with the association, helping it to achieve higher levels of alumni engagement.

Jason, as an alumni leader, was selected to participate on the search committee for not only the Alumni Relations Director in 2007, but also the Athletics Director position in 2010 and recently, the search for UNCW's new Chancellor.

"I think there was around 7,000 or 8,000 students at UNCW when I was an undergrad and then nearly 12,000 students when I was finishing my MBA. You're talking about growing the university by a third. I think people appreciate my history. I've seen the university from an alumni perspective and internally as well." Jason refers to his experience not only as a volunteer, but as a member of the adjunct faculty. He has been teaching finance courses at UNCW for the past three years.

Jason attained a new volunteer role, as a member of the Foundation Board, due to his history and experience providing sound guidance to the university.

When speaking with Jason, it's easy to see his passion for UNCW and its students. "Some of the idea of coming to UNCW not knowing anybody and finding myself is, still today, part of my story. Just being on the board itself, speaking up and meeting people has allowed me to succeed in my own personal mission of becoming a larger part of where I live."

No Feat Too Large for Dedicated Alumnus

Showcased as one of the most beautiful alumni facilities in the south, the Wise Alumni House can attribute its grand appeal, in part, to the passion and dedication of a small group of alumni. Donated to the university by Ms. Jessie Hargrave Kenan Wise's grandchildren, the historic mansion had to undergo considerable renovations in order to become the home of the Alumni Association. Renovations so substantial, that the alumni association secured a $400,000 loan to make them possible. For one of the devoted supporters, Jim Stasios '70, this type of commitment was nothing new. 

Jim's history with UNCW includes many of our most memorable achievements, including the day that the university, then Wilmington College, became part of the UNC system. Jim remembers modifying and combining a few car decals to form UNC Wilmington on the back window of his Volkswagen the day he heard the news.

Jim with his wife, Maria

It wasn't long after graduation that Jim first became involved with the Alumni Association. After attending several events, Jim joined the Board of Directors and later served as chairperson. During Jim's time on the alumni board the association developed the UNCW license plate program, supporting student scholarships. It was also during this time that the Wise Alumni House renovation project took place. Efforts to raise funds to retire the note included a home decorators showcase with celebrity Martha Stewart, automobile auctions and "hard hat parties" where donors would sponsor a particular room or structure of the house.

The volunteers celebrated when they had finally collected all the funds to retire the loan, and then again years later when the house achieved it's centennial. "That was a very proud moment for all of us. To have that come about and having the historical marker put out on the front of the house." Jim stated.

Jim has had an impact in many areas at UNCW, and his volunteer roles weren't always singularly focused or consecutive, sometimes he was juggling multiple organizations. "At one time I sort of overlapped, where I was a member of the alumni board, involved with the Seahawk Club board and I was on the Foundation Board." said Jim. Similar to the duration he was involved with the alumni board, he appreciated the experiences with these organizations immensely. "I met a whole other group of people who had involvement with the university, but in a different perspective. I enjoyed that very much."

How Lucky We Are to Have Alumni Like You

UNCW boasts more than 53,000 alumni living around the globe. Teachers, nurses, business executives, scientists, lawyers, film makers and entrepreneurs are among those who call themselves Seahawks.

We couldn't be more proud of our alumni and their accomplishments. To hear stories about days on campus and how those experiences have shaped their lives today is fascinating. To feel the empathy and encouragement our alumni have for our newest graduates is inspiring. To see the generosity, time and financial support contributed to the university, benefitting the needs of our students is heartwarming.

We are thankful for all alumni, whether a 1947 graduate from Wilmington College or a former student who received their diploma just last May. In the spirit of the holidays and giving thanks, we would like to take an opportunity to feature some of our alumni all-stars, people who persistently show their Seahawk love and passion for UNCW.

Former UNCW Student Body President Supporting Entire N.C. University System from Nation’s Capital

Bradley Ballou ’06 did not stop his political career in student government. Originally coming to UNCW for the smaller Southern hospitality atmosphere of the university, he has found himself in the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C.

His education and experience as Student Body President and a member of the Board of Trustees, taught him “more about politics and policy than any other prior experience,” said Bradley. To have “studied politics before practicing it has been enormously beneficial to me.”

Upon graduation from UNCW and after receiving his master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University, Bradley worked for Senator Elizabeth Dole. He served as her scheduler and later an advisor on Energy and Environmental policy. After the 2008 election and end of the campaign, Bradley experienced an especially difficult time finding another job, like other Republicans in Washington D.C. His persistence and experience earned him an opportunity with the American Council of Life Insurers as part of their government relations team for a year following the election. From there Bradley started his current role for the University of North Carolina system.

Currently the Director of Federal Relations for the University of North Carolina, Bradley acts as a lobbyist for all 17 UNC system campuses and as a liaison between the University and Congress as well as all branches of the Federal government.

Bradley enjoys having networking opportunities with other alumni during events in D.C. as well coming back to visit Wilmington. “Living in this concrete jungle, I really miss the fresh sea air,” says Bradley, who goes to the south end of Wrightsville Beach every chance he gets. Visit Bradley and other alumni in the area at the Washington D.C. Area Alumni Reception on December 1 for a chance to welcome Chancellor Gary Miller and Mrs. Georgia Miller to UNCW.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Hannah Miller

UNCW Alumna One of Charlotte's Most Influential Women

Each year since 2009, the Mecklenburg Times names 50 of the most influential women in the Charlotte area. Honorees represent women in business, government, education and the nonprofit fields, and are selected based on professional accomplishments and community involvement. UNCW alumna Shawn King ‘99M, has been a recipient of this award.

Shawn, recently promoted to Sales Vice President at Wastequip in Charlotte, reflects back on her experience through the MBA program at UNCW. “I learned a lot from my classmates on the benefits of having a diversity of viewpoints and skill sets from the team projects we worked on together. The faculty, Dr. Becky Porterfield, Dr. Claude Farrell and Dr. Howard Rockness, always encouraged students to stretch goals and [taught] the benefits of continual learning on the job. “ stated Shawn.

She believes that working in her chosen career prior to and while pursuing her MBA has taught her valuable time management as well as life balance skills. “I encourage people to have a few year’s working experience before pursuing their MBA – it will just mean more to them going through it.” Shawn’s diligence and a referral from Dr. Porterfield and Rick Sears, a member of Cameron’s Executive Advisory Board, earned her a new position at Precision Fabrics in Greensboro, just before graduating. She later moved on to hold two additional director roles at different companies before joining Wastequip in 2009 as the Marketing Vice President.

When Shawn is not traveling for her new position as Sales Vice President or working on local nonprofit projects, she enjoys coming back to Wilmington with her son and spending time on their boat, Blue Magic, on the Bradley Creek Marina.

As evident by the progression of her career and being honored as a woman of influence, Shawn keeps an extensive professional network. “I appreciated the recognition as well as being in the company of other fantastic women here in Charlotte. Many are women I have worked with on local nonprofit projects, have met through the Charlotte Women Executives’ group and others are leaders from whom I learned something new.”

UNCW Alumni Relations/ Kirsten Matz

Alumna with Heart of Teal Excited for UNCW Event in Triad

Julie with her daughter on campus in August.

If you have ever been to Wilmington, NC you have been on I-40. Starting in California, there are hundreds of beautiful stops from coast to coast, but none are as beautiful as the city where I-40 ends: Wilmington. Julie Landen '02 feels that same way. UNCW’s eye candy campus and renowned academic departments stole her heart the fall of 1997.

Her love of the university and passion to stay connected is so strong that Julie is the UNCW Triad Area Chapter President. She works in Greensboro as the Alumni House Manager and Assistant Director of Local Alumni Programming for UNCG. Prior to this position, Julie worked in minor league baseball as a Director of Community Relations.

 As UNCW Triad Area Chapter President she chairs the steering committee, the chapter's group of alumni volunteers, and hosts events such as the Triad Area Chapter Fall Reception, on October 27. Not only is Julie excited about talking to other alumni in the area, but she is also looking forward to welcoming Chancellor Miller and the opportunity to “hear from him what the future holds for UNCW.”

Julie’s favorite part about being the chapter’s president is staying in touch with UNCW and finding out what is happening on campus. Visiting Wilmington every chance she has, that drive on I-40 instantly brings back memories of her college days.

Hannah Miller, UNCW Alumni Relations Intern

Technology Entrepreneur Next CSB Alumni Breakfast Speaker

Shaun Olsen '02 is the owner of Olsen Enterprises, which established its first company, BBXComputers, in 2002. Shaun later created AcoustiCreations, Inc. and Opterex, Inc., Cape Fear businesses focused on network administration, systems integration and product management. In 2009, Shaun won both a Coastal Entrepreneur Award and a UNCW Entrepreneurship Award in the category of technology. Shaun graduated from UNCW with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Information Systems.

The Alumni Association selected this dynamic entrepreneur as the 2011 Young Alumnus of the Year due to his successful launch and management of three growing businesses and passion for helping students excel in the Cameron School of Business. As a successful business owner, mentor within the Cameron Executive Network and recipient of numerous entrepreneurship awards, Shaun has quickly become one of the area’s most up-and-coming young professionals.

Shaun will be speaking at the next CSB Alumni Chapter Breakfast on Thursday, October 26. His presentation, "The New Epoch of Technology and Entrepreneurship" is sure to be informational and inspiring. The CSB Alumni Speaker Breakfast series, which started in 2010, has grown in popularity over the last year and is open to both alumni and community members.

Melissa Mackay, UNCW Alumni Relations Intern