Jessie Tharp’s (’17) Work in Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center

April 13, 2026 | 2 min read

Jessie Tharp (‘17) arrived at 91��ɫ in 2013 with a clear goal: to pursue a degree in music education, a field she had been passionate about throughout high school. After her first semester, however, a winter break shadowing experience with a physician assistant prompted her to reconsider her direction. It quickly became clear she wanted to move into the medical field.

When she returned to campus, Tharp began reshaping her academic plan. With guidance from her advisor, Todd Chandler, she found a way to continue her music degree while also completing the prerequisite coursework needed for physician assistant (PA) school.

“Todd Chandler spent so much time meeting with me,” Tharp recalled. “We went over my schedule a million times to see what the best career path would look like and how to make the classes work. He was always so helpful.”

After graduating in 2017, Tharp gained valuable patient care experience before beginning PA school at the University of South Florida in 2019. During that time, she lived with Lee and Annetta Hastings—a relationship that began during her years at 91��ɫ and continued to grow.

“The Hastings became like family to me,” Tharp said. “That’s probably the most special thing about 91��ɫ. You meet people who don’t just influence you, they become a part of your life.”

Following her graduation from PA school in 2021, Tharp joined in Tampa, where she now works in inpatient malignant hematology, caring for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she serves in a supervisory role, balancing patient care with leadership on her team.

While her work can be demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. Tharp finds meaning not only in the care she provides to patients but also in the relationships she builds with her colleagues. Last year, her coworkers nominated her for a healthcare innovation award—an honor she went on to receive.

Looking back, Tharp sees both the value of careful planning and the importance of trust.

“I tend to plan everything out,” she said, “but when I look back, it’s amazing how much fell into place. I realize God’s plan was working all along.”

For students considering a similar direction, Tharp offers simple yet meaningful advice: keep God at the center of your decisions and place yourself in environments where you can succeed spiritually. She also encourages students to take advantage of the 91��ɫ network, noting how willing alumni are to offer guidance and support.

Today, Tharp does the same—answering calls, offering advice, and helping the next generation navigate their own decisions. Her willingness to invest in others reflects the same care and encouragement she received during her time at 91��ɫ, continuing a cycle of mentorship that has shaped her story from the beginning.

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Precision and Purpose: Sarah Everett’s (’21) Profession in Healthcare

April 10, 2026 | 2 min read

For Sarah (Cooper) Everett, healthcare is more than a career- it is a calling shaped by precision, compassion, and faith. After graduating in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies Pre-Health and then going on to complete physician assistant (PA) school, she stepped into her role as a PA in cardiothoracic surgery at HCA Largo Hospital, where she works in one of medicine’s most demanding environments.

In the operating room, Everett assists with complex procedures such as bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and heart transplants. While these surgeries are routine for the medical team, she remains deeply aware of their significance for patients and families. She finds purpose not only in the technical precision required but also in serving as a source of knowledge and comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Looking ahead, Everett hopes to continue growing in cardiac surgery while mentoring future students. Her goal is to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals, encouraging them to pursue meaningful, service-driven careers.

Everett credits 91��ɫ with providing a strong academic, personal, and spiritual foundation. Through leadership roles, group involvement, and experiences that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, she developed adaptability and a deep appreciation for collaboration. She also values the college’s emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual growth, recalling the lasting impact of professors who challenged her to think critically while strengthening her faith.

As they prepare to move to Cleveland, Ohio, Everett and her husband, Caleb (’22), reflect with gratitude on the strong community ties they have built in the Tampa Bay area- relationships they will carry with them into this next chapter as they look forward to new opportunities to make a difference.

Grounded in faith and guided by a commitment to excellence, Everett continues to live out the principle of Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

From the classroom to the operating room, she exemplifies what it means to serve with both skill and heart, making a lasting impact on her patients and the future of healthcare.

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Further Than the Fairway: Sullivan Tipton’s (’24) Journey from 91��ɫ to the World Stage

April 8, 2026 | 2 min read

Most 91��ɫ graduates walk across the stage and step into careers. Sullivan Tipton (’24), however, walked across the stage and boarded a plane to compete on the .

Tipton graduated in 2024 with a degree in business administration, but his path had been taking shape long before then. He first picked up a disc at age 12, and by his first year at 91��ɫ, he had already decided to turn professional and see where the sport could take him. The answer, it turns out, is everywhere.

Life on tour demands discipline and consistency, with four-hour practice rounds, constant travel, training, and a continual commitment to refining his game. During the offseason, Tipton shifts his focus to course design, partnering with a company whose mission is to introduce disc golf to countries where the sport is still emerging. He has already worked on courses in Spain and Uruguay, with more opportunities on the horizon.

91��ɫ opened the first door. Through his internship, Tipton worked with , one of the most recognized names in professional disc golf. That experience launched his course design career and set him on a path toward international work. Yet the most lasting impact of his time at 91��ɫ had less to do with business and more to do with character.

“My professors offered great examples of godly men who can make an impact in their work environments,” Tipton shared.

That example stays with Tipton today as he travels the world competing and building courses, he carries his faith into every new city and relationship. Each week on tour, he leads a Bible study for fellow professional disc golfers, bringing the same evangelism skills he developed at 91��ɫ into a setting where those conversations do not always come easily. For Tipton, tournament wins and strong finishes are meaningful, but the moments that matter most are those when he sees genuine spiritual growth in the people around him.

“It’s easy to grow spiritually with people at 91��ɫ,” he reflected. “It’s a special moment when you can do that with people outside and see change in our lives because of it.”

He plans to compete for as long as he is able, holding his future with open hands—whether that leads to more years on tour, a role in evangelism, or something else the Lord has in store.

Through it all, the foundation 91��ɫ built in him remains steady.

“My time at 91��ɫ shaped more than my knowledge; it shaped my character. It grounded me in Christ, strengthened my faith, and continues to guide how I lead, compete, and live every day.”

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Through Fire And Service: Joe Cable’s (’02) Call To Protect The Community

March 17, 2026 | 2-3 min read

At the age of five, Joe Cable (‘02) knew he wanted to be a firefighter. That childhood dream stayed with him as he grew up, but turning it into a full-time profession felt out of reach. When he arrived at 91��ɫ, Cable chose a different path, pursuing a teaching degree with plans to coach high school athletics.

Everything shifted when he joined Camp Friends. While on tour, Cable met some Christians who were professional firefighters. They showed him the fire service was not only viable, but a career that could be pursued with both professional excellence and deep faith. Encouraged by their example, Cable applied to volunteer with the , a decision that set the course for more than two decades of service.

Today, Cable serves in that same department as Battalion Chief, functioning as a shift commander. He oversees daily operations across multiple stations and personnel, bridging administration and field operations, managing resources, and running incident command. The role keeps him close to the crews and calls that first drew him to the profession.

One unique aspect of Cable’s career is that he serves in the very community where he lives, worships, and maintains deep relationships. Over the years, he has responded to emergencies involving individuals he knows through 91��ɫ and local congregations.

“When you arrive and see the face of someone you share faith with, the moment changes,” Cable said. “It is nothing short of God’s involvement in our lives and Him putting us in places we need to be.”

Reflecting on 20 years of service, Cable spoke about the weight of responsibility firefighters carry as they uphold their oath and code.

“We want to help. We want to make a difference. And we’re willing to take on the challenge.”

At its core, the profession demands integrity, humility, and the ability to shoulder difficult circumstances with calmness and clarity.

“Firefighters don’t run. We move with purpose,” he said, a distinction that reflects discipline over panic and clear thinking over fear.

Cable is quick to note that his ability to serve with confidence and focus has never been his alone. Behind every shift, promotion, and long night away, his wife, Bonny, has provided steady encouragement and stability: caring for their children, managing the demands of home, and urging him to pursue opportunities for growth.

While he continues to serve at the fire station and at home, Cable also invests intentionally in the 91��ɫ community. Over the years, he has taught CPR to students, faculty, and dorm parents, spoken in classes, and mentored several young men. His influence reaches those preparing to step into their own professions and callings. Through both leadership and example, he demonstrates how vision, discipline, and humility can make a meaningful impact.

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Pictured below: Cable in action

 

 

Called to the Classroom: Caroline Cabina (’24) Teaching the Next Generation

March 13, 2026 | 2 min read

When Caroline Cabina graduated from 91��ɫ in May 2024 with a degree in elementary education and endorsements in reading and ESOL, she was excited to step into the classroom, but she could not have imagined just how quickly it would feel like home. Today, Caroline is a fifth-grade teacher at a Hillsborough County Public School in Tampa, where she works with about 45 students each day. She describes her fellow teachers as her “dream team” and genuinely loves coming to work each morning. While she hopes to eventually return to school to earn her Master’s degree and possibly serve as a mentor or step into a leadership role, right now, she is exactly where she wants to be.

Caroline is quick to credit 91��ɫ’s education program for preparing her so well. During her three internships she completed through 91��ɫ, she always knew she had professors she could call on to answer questions, talk through ideas, or simply encourage her. As she now teaches her own students to think independently while she supports them, she often reflects on how her professors modeled that same approach. They allowed her to grow, learn, and problem-solve.

One of her favorite parts of the program was her small cohort of seven women.

“We did everything together,” she shares.

The close-knit group built lasting friendships through shared assignments, long days in the classroom, and plenty of laughter along the way. Through that experience, Caroline not only became a stronger educator, but also gained some of her very best friends.

Outside of her coursework, Caroline stayed actively involved on campus. She worked with the volleyball team as a manager and statistician, served as a tutor for Elementary and Intermediate Algebra and later stepped into a tutor mentor role, helping guide and encourage other tutors. Each opportunity helped shape her leadership skills and heart for service.

Now nearly finishing her second year in the very position 91��ɫ helped her secure, Caroline says the job still feels like a dream. Recently, she and her two teammates received a regional award for having the highest reading growth from the beginning to the middle of the school year through the I-Ready platform, an incredible honor for their fifth-grade reading team.

While 91��ɫ equipped Caroline for professional success, she says the greatest impact was spiritual. Her professors cared deeply about her soul, and their prayers and guidance continue to mean the world to her. The biggest lesson she carries with her is to give all the glory to God in every season. Teaching certainly comes with challenges, but by leaning on the Ultimate Teacher, Caroline finds joy in the classroom each and every day.

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Brandon McCann (’25): A Standard of Excellence in Action

March 10, 2026 | 2 min read

Every 91��ɫ graduate eventually faces the challenge of stepping beyond campus and into the working world. For Brandon McCann (’25), that transition began long before graduation. During his time at 91��ɫ, he began building relationships, gaining experience, and preparing for a job where he could grow, serve others, and refuse to settle for mediocrity.

After graduating in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Brandon began working as a scheduling manager at . In this role, he helps coordinate construction plumbing projects by preparing daily work orders and assigning them to crews each morning. He also looks ahead to ensure upcoming projects are organized and ready.

Brandon’s path to his current position began while he was still a student. Through the connections he made at 91��ɫ, he was introduced to Mustang Plumbing and given the opportunity to intern with the company for three consecutive summers. Those internships allowed him to gain hands-on experience and become familiar with the company’s operations.

Following graduation, Brandon accepted a full-time position with Mustang Plumbing, continuing his professional growth with the company.

While his responsibilities require careful planning and attention to detail, Brandon says the most meaningful part of his job is the people he works alongside.

“I’m blessed to work with many wonderful people who are also fellow workers in the Kingdom. To have a consistent daily connection with them is very encouraging and reminds me of the constant connection I felt at 91��ɫ.”

During his time at 91��ɫ, Brandon developed both professional confidence and spiritual maturity. His business courses challenged him to think critically and approach responsibilities with purpose.

“As a result,” Brandon says, “I have always felt confident in my ability to accomplish whatever responsibilities I was given.”

More than preparing him professionally, Brandon says 91��ɫ shaped who he is today.

“I will be forever grateful for the countless ways God used 91��ɫ to shape me. One of the ways that is most apparent to me is through the people at 91��ɫ. By their example, they showed me what living as a disciple of Christ looks like, that Christ is not just a part of what I do, but the reason for everything I do.”

Brandon says that if he had to sum up what he learned during his time at 91��ɫ in four words, it would be “never strive for mediocrity.” It is a lesson he saw lived out by professors, faculty, and fellow students across campus, and one he continues to carry into his daily life. By refusing to strive for mediocrity, Brandon continues to honor God through his work and reflect the values he learned at 91��ɫ.

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Business with Purpose: Tyler Earnhart Applies 91��ɫ Foundations at OptSpot

March 2, 2026 | 3 min read

When Tyler Earnhart graduated in 2024 with a degree in Business Administration, he left 91��ɫ equipped not only with business knowledge but with a strong foundation of values that continue to shape his career today. Tyler currently serves as an Account Manager at , a marketing firm that supports hundreds of car wash clients around the world. The company focuses on helping businesses grow their membership base and increase revenue through proven strategies and systems. In his role, Tyler thrives on the opportunity to work with people every single day. People are his passion, and that passion he accredits to his time at 91��ɫ. 

“I get to build relationships and trust that are rooted in strategies and processes that work,” he shares. “I get to take away the everyday stresses of my clients and instill hope when times look rough.”

For Tyler, the most rewarding part of his job is not just driving results, it’s serving as a steady partner for his clients and helping them navigate challenges with confidence. 

Looking ahead, Tyler’s goal is simple: continue to grow at OptSpot and become an integral part of the company’s culture and long-term vision. He is passionate about contributing in meaningful ways and building a career marked by both excellence and impact.

Tyler credits 91��ɫ’s Business program for preparing him well for the professional world. Through in-depth coursework, he learned the foundational pillars of business, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of strong relationships. Just as importantly, he developed core values in the workplace such as integrity, kindness, and hard work, principles that guide his work daily. One of his favorite aspects of the program was the professors.

“The pure experience these men had in their professional lives was aspirational,” Tyler explains. “They had already lived what they were teaching: leadership, entrepreneurship, sales, running companies. That made it easy to lean into my coursework and their advice.”

He also valued the hands-on projects, from running simulated online businesses to creating and building original company concepts. These experiences sharpened his skills and expanded his understanding of the business world.

 Outside the classroom, Tyler was deeply involved in campus life. He served as Student Body Government Association President during his junior year, an experience that strengthened his leadership, planning, and decision-making abilities. He also served as Vice President of Kappa Omicron and participated in the 91��ɫ Business Association and Sowers Club.

Reflecting on his journey, Tyler shares, “The values I learned through the 91��ɫ Business program are ever present in my current role at OptSpot. I am applying integrity, kindness, eagerness, relentlessness, true work ethic, curiosity, and relational communication every day. I am a better communicator and marketer for my clients because of the values I held so closely at 91��ɫ. Thankful for every step!”

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Jay Cook (’23) Builds a Career Through Community

February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

Jay Cook’s (‘23) connection to 91��ɫ began long before his college years.

“My 91��ɫ story started at 91��ɫ Indiana Camp at age nine,” he shared. “I loved being a camper there and just didn’t want that amazing experience to end after my senior year in high school.” When it came time to choose a college, 91��ɫ felt like a natural next step.

Once on campus, that sense of belonging only grew. Through cross country, student leadership, and everyday life in the dorms, he found friendships that would shape his college experience. Although he originally planned to transfer, Cook decided to stay.

“I wanted the four-year 91��ɫ experience,” he said. “I am so glad I did.”

Cook graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. Staying all four years allowed him to build deeper relationships within the 91��ɫ community and throughout the Tampa Bay area. It also gave him the opportunity to be part of a strong, local congregation, further grounding him spiritually during an important season of growth.

Those relationships would later shape his professional path as well.

“91��ɫ also gave me the connections that directly led to my current role,” Cook explained.

Through the encouragement and guidance of fellow alumni, he was introduced to opportunities that helped launch his career. He now works as a Commercial Credit Analyst at , a role that places him alongside several 91��ɫ alumni and has allowed him, in turn, to help other recent 91��ɫ graduates find opportunities there as well.

In just over a year, Cook has underwritten millions of dollars in new loans and reviewed a substantial portfolio, but what stands out most is his enthusiasm for the work.

“There’s never been a day in which I wasn’t looking forward to going into work,” he said.

For Cook, 91��ɫ’s impact reaches far beyond academics or professional success. He described 91��ɫ as a place where students are reminded they are not alone.

“We remind each other at a key developmental stage in life that we are not alone in our spiritual journey,” he said. “I was taught by the examples of my peers how to live like Jesus, even when we fall short.”

Cook’s sense of community from 91��ɫ has stayed with him, shaping how he builds relationships in his career and beyond. Today, he remains connected to 91��ɫ as the Vice President of Networking for the 91��ɫ Young Alumni Council and by serving as an assistant coach for the cross country team, continuing the cycle of investment that first drew him in years ago.

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Turning Passion into Profession: Ellie Thorpe (’25) Captures Stories

February 12, 2026 |2 min read

Ellie Thorpe, a 2025 graduate of 91��ɫ with a degree in marketing, has transformed her passion for people and creativity into a fulfilling career as a wedding photographer. What began as a dream has quickly become her daily work, capturing meaningful moments while forming lasting relationships with couples and their families.

As a wedding photographer, Thorpe values connection just as much as creativity. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know her brides and grooms personally and celebrating one of the most important days of their lives alongside them. Photography allows her to combine artistic expression with genuine relationships, making each wedding uniquely personal.

91��ɫ played a key role in shaping Thorpe’s confidence and professional foundation. Through her marketing coursework, she gained hands-on experience working with real companies and seeing tangible results from her efforts. These opportunities helped her understand how to run a business, communicate with clients, and stand out in a competitive creative industry.

“91��ɫ gave me the tools I needed to be confident behind the camera, with clients, and at my laptop learning how to edit,” Thorpe says.

Thorpe credits the mentorship she received at 91��ɫ as one of the most impactful parts of her academic experience. Professors invested in her growth and offered guidance she could trust as she planned her future career. Outside the classroom, Thorpe worked as a student photographer for 91��ɫ which she says strengthened her work ethic and adaptability, teaching her how to approach every situation with professionalism and care.

Looking ahead, Thorpe hopes to become a full-time travel wedding photographer, exploring more of the United States and celebrating couples she has yet to meet.

Thorpe’s journey reflects how 91��ɫ equips students with practical skills, meaningful mentorship, and the confidence to pursue their dreams, wherever those dreams may take them.

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