Webber Alumni

03/18/2026

This week’s spotlight is on Brandon Krock!

Brandon graduated from Webber in 2017 with his degree in Finance, and later went on to earn his MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2020. While at Webber, Brandon was a member of the Baseball program.

Some of his favorite memories include pitching the 8th inning of a combined no-hitter against Siena Heights University—believed to be the first in school history—and the relief of never having to run the Briggs conditioning test again!

Since graduating, Brandon shared that his biggest accomplishment has been marrying his wife Franki and welcoming their son Roman, born in July 2025.
Brandon is currently a Business Manager for NextEra Energy, where he manages 195 solar systems across six states in the West Region of the U.S., including Hawaii. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, traveling the world with them, working out, and playing softball and golf.

Congratulations to Brandon, Franki, and baby Roman!!

03/11/2026

This week’s spotlight is on Norman Ruhe! ⚔👨‍🍳

Norman graduated from Webber with his Associate Degree in 1978 and his Bachelor’s Degree in 1980, both in Hotel–Restaurant Management. While at Webber, he was active in campus life and played on the Alpha intramural team.

Some of his favorite memories include the monthly 1st Thursday Socials, where he helped prepare a huge birthday cake for all students celebrating that month, cooked a full buffet (often featuring prime rib!), and helped set up a disco‑themed social event for students, faculty, and guests. He also shared that he was honored to receive the President’s Cup for overall achievement at his AS graduation.

Since graduating, Norman’s biggest professional accomplishment has been being named the 1999 Chef of the Year by the Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. His career has included roles as a Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and positions in luxury hotels, country clubs, university dining at the University of Virginia, and teaching at community colleges and the Art Institute in Charlotte, NC. Norman has enjoyed retirement since 2014.

Norman is married to his wife Amy, and next week they celebrate 37 years of marriage! They have two adult sons—Auguste (35) and James (30)—one grandson named James, and another grandchild on the way.

02/16/2026

A Message from President Dr. Nelson Marquez:

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am writing to you with an urgent and time sensitive request that demands our collective attention. The future of educational access for thousands of Florida students is at immediate risk.

The Florida House has released its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and it includes new performance metrics that would disqualify thousands of students and several independent, nonprofit colleges and universities from receiving the Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) voucher, including Webber International University. If enacted, these changes would limit student choice, weaken Florida’s talent pipeline, and place life changing educational opportunities out of reach for many.

We cannot allow this to happen.

EASE currently helps more than 38,000 Florida students afford their education. It empowers students—particularly those with financial need—to attend the college or university that best aligns with their goals. The state also receives exceptional value: every dollar invested through EASE yields significant financial and workforce returns for Florida.

The proposed budget metrics threaten all of this. They do not accurately measure institutional quality. They do not reflect student success. And they do not support a healthy, competitive, student centered higher education ecosystem.

That is why I am urgently asking you to take action today.

Please contact your legislators immediately and urge them to support full EASE funding without disqualifying metrics. Your message—combined with the voices of alumni, parents, students, community partners, and friends—can directly influence this outcome.

To streamline this effort, we have prepared a message you can send in less than two minutes.

Please use the following link:
👉 www.advocacyicuf.org

⚔️
Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida - ICUF
Webber International University

02/10/2026

Just Announced: Webber's President's Golf Tournament! ⛳

Join Webber International University for a great day of golf on October 19th at the Country Club of Winter Haven!

We offer several levels of sponsorships—register early to maximize your support and your company’s exposure.

Webber International University first opened its doors in 1927, and since then, we’ve built strong traditions of academic excellence, collegiate athletics, and service learning. The President’s Golf Tournament, now more than thirty years strong, helps support the Warrior mission. With your participation, we can continue educating the next generation of Webber Warriors.

Webber International University is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit private university.

This year’s tournament is a 4‑person scramble at The Country Club of Winter Haven. Golfers will enjoy lunch before the shotgun start and a wonderful reception afterward.

Register HERE: www.charitygolftoday.com/webberinternational2026

02/06/2026

Webber International University Celebrates First BSOTA Graduate to Pass National Board Exam

Babson Park, FL (February 5, 2026)– Webber International University proudly celebrates Samantha Wilson, a recent graduate from its Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (BSOTA) program. Samantha is the program’s first graduate to pass the National Board of Occupational Therapy Exam.

Samantha stated, “I chose to major in Occupational Therapy Assistant after gaining early exposure to working with individuals with special needs during high school.”

At the time she participated in events such as the Special Olympics, where she supported Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. That experience sparked a lasting passion for helping neurodivergent individuals develop independence, build confidence, and engage in activities that are meaningful to them. It ultimately inspired Samantha to pursue a career in occupational therapy, where she can support individuals in achieving their personal goals and full potential.

The program’s Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Edward Barreto Acosta, praised Samantha’s exceptional achievements, stating “she is one of three students in the state of Florida to obtain a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy assistant and one of three students in the nation to graduate with a BSOTA degree with a minor in Health Services Administration. All of this while competing as a quarterback for the flag football team.”

As a student-athlete, Samantha had the opportunity to play, start, and serve as a captain on the flag football team, which helped her develop leadership, teamwork, and discipline.

On her experience at Webber, Samantha reflected “Webber was extremely rewarding both athletically and academically from an academic standpoint, the faculty and staff were tremendously supportive, encouraging, and always willing to help me succeed.”

Program Director, Dr. Anita Abuathareh, fully recognizes the extensive vision, dedication, and effort required to develop such a distinctive and innovative program, as well as the determination, resilience, and grit necessary to successfully complete it.

Dr. Abuathareh expressed her sincere congratulations to Samantha on her success, stating, “This is an extraordinary accomplishment and a historic milestone. Her achievement serves as an inspiring example for future students and represents a significant advancement in Occupational Therapy Assistant educational programs.”

BSOTA Program is an entry-level, 120 credit-hour degree program with a minor in Health Services Administration (HSA), which trains and qualifies graduates to work in the occupational therapy field. This is the first program in Florida for a BSOTA) to obtain Candidacy status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). It is also the only OTA program in the United States that has a minor in Health Services Administration (HSA).

Webber achieved initial accreditation for its ACOTE in the spring of 2025.

For more information about the program, please contact [email protected] or call 863-638-2925.

02/04/2026

This week’s spotlight is on Brett Kaminski 💚
Brett graduated from Webber in 2018 with his undergraduate degree in Sport Business Management, followed by his MBA in Criminal Justice in 2020. While at Webber, Brett was a member of the Baseball program.
Some of his favorite memories include going back-to-back regionals in 2017 and 2018, along with early-morning lifts with his teammates and strength coaches. Brett shared, “Shoutout to the juice man Coach Miracle, Coach Raz, Coach Maitland, and Coach Derrickson!”
Since graduating, Brett’s biggest accomplishment has been marrying his wife Katelyn and welcoming their two children, Kinsley and Kash. Brett is also currently Head Coach at Roanoke College in Salem, VA
Congratulations to Brett and Katelyn!! 💚⚾️

02/02/2026

Webber Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

Babson Park, FL (February 2, 2026) – Webber International University is excited to announce the hire of Roderick Blackett as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Mr. Blackett brings 16 years of executive finance and operational leadership experience across the banking, transportation, logistics, and asset-intensive sectors. Most recently, he served in senior finance leadership roles overseeing large, multi-entity organizations with total revenues exceeding billions of dollars.

Webber’s President, Dr. Nelson Marquez, stated, “As Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Blackett will oversee the University’s financial strategy and operations, supporting our mission through sound stewardship of resources, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability. His experience aligning financial strategy with organizational goals will be a valuable asset as we continue to advance the University’s academic, athletic, fundraising, and community priorities.”

Throughout his professional career, Blackett has developed strong expertise in strategic planning, FP&A, end-to-end financial management, capital structure optimization, and building high-performing teams.

Blackett is a 2009 graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. While at UF, he was a member of the two-time national championship football team. He later earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2011.

As Webber approaches its Centennial in 2027, Blackett stated that his “goal is to ensure Webber has the financial foundation necessary to expand programs, enhance student services, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing higher education environment.”

He further outlined his strategy for achieving long-term institutional success: “The most important strategy is creating long-term financial sustainability while investing in not only academic excellence, but enrollment growth. This includes strengthening revenue diversification, improving operational efficiency, modernizing financial processes, and aligning resources with institutional priorities.”

01/23/2026

It is always a pleasure to catch up with our alumni out and about!

Yesterday, Webber International University made its annual trip to Tallahassee to advocate for our Warriors.

While attending the Polk County Day Reception, we were excited to connect with two Warriors: alumnus Grant Piche, C/O 1980, and soon-to-be alumna Anna Morton, C/O 2026.

Keep up the great work, Warriors!

01/21/2026

This week’s highlights and congratulates Matt Boyer C/O 2006 on his recent promotion to SEC Associate Commissioner for Governance and Policy!

Matt graduated with a degree in Business Administration / Sport Management. As a member of the Webber baseball team, he excelled both on and off the field.

From an athletics perspective, Matt says he still values the memories and relationships built with his teammates. Academically, he very much appreciates the experiential opportunities that were provided as an outgrowth of the visions and efforts of the leadership in the Sport Management department (Dr. Tom Aaron and Dr. Elfie Farchmin). Their support and encouragement helped shape his path into athletics administration.

Now entering his 10th year with the SEC, Matt steps into his new role overseeing the Conference’s governance, legislative, policy, and legal affairs—working closely with administrators and coaches across all sports. He also oversees SEC Baseball, a responsibility that holds special meaning given his playing background and the national prominence of SEC baseball.

At home, Matt enjoys life with his wife Kelsey and their two children, Bryce and Brinley.

We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and the impact he’s making in collegiate athletics!

Read SEC press release here: https://www.secsports.com/news/2025/12/matt-boyer-promoted-to-sec-associate-commissioner

01/17/2026

Thank you Coach! All the best in your future endeavors!

Babson Park, FL – The Kegel Training Center and Webber International Athletics have announced a change to the long-standing relationship between the Center and the School. Head Coach Del Warren will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season, and the school will move team operations from the Kegel...

01/16/2026

Another Webber International University Warrior making a postive impact!

Go Warriros!

Nikki King was the kind of player every coach wanted in the lineup — dependable scoring inside, relentless rebounding, and a presence that changed the way opponents attacked the basket.

A standout at Haines City High School, King built her reputation as a physical, high-motor post player who consistently produced on both ends of the floor. Known as a reliable scorer and strong rebounder, she played a key role in anchoring the interior for the Hornets, earning recognition throughout Polk County for her toughness, work ethic, and consistency in high-pressure games.

After high school, King continued her basketball journey at Robert Morris University, where she further developed her all-around game and gained valuable experience at the collegiate level. She later transferred to Webber International University, where her impact became undeniable. At Webber, King emerged as one of the conference’s most productive frontcourt players, earning First Team All-Conference honors and being named Conference Newcomer of the Year. During her time there, she led the conference in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots, while also surpassing the 1,000-point career milestone, cementing her place among the program’s top performers.

King’s ability to score efficiently in the paint, control the glass, and protect the rim made her a matchup problem throughout the conference, and her leadership and consistency helped elevate the teams she played on at every stop of her career.

Following her playing days, Nikki King transitioned seamlessly into coaching, continuing to give back to the game by mentoring and developing the next generation of players. Her journey from Haines City High School to impactful collegiate success — and now into coaching — reflects a basketball legacy built on effort, production, and influence beyond the stat sheet.

A true Polk County basketball legend, Nikki King’s impact is felt not just in points and rebounds, but in the standard she set every time she stepped on the floor.

01/13/2026

Start the new year with a pledge and make a lasting impact!

The 1927 Founder’s Circle Campaign

This two-year fundraising initiative celebrates Webber International University’s heritage while securing resources for scholarships, campus improvements, and student success.

The Four Pillars of the Foundation Centennial Campaign:
✅ Academic Endowment
✅ Athletic Academic Fund
✅ Capital Infrastructure
✅ Endowed Faculty Chair

Supporters can pledge over the next two years or make a one-time gift to become Lifetime Members of the 1927 Founder’s Circle.

All contributions will be processed through the College Alumni Association, Inc., soon to be rebranded as the Webber International Foundation for Advancement, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Learn more and make your pledge today!
https://www.webber.edu/1927-founders-circle/