At our Commencement 2025 celebration this month, we had the distinct privilege of recognizing a group of exceptional students from the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business. These award winners embody the highest standards of academic excellence, professional growth and personal perseverance. Also, they have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their respective fields, pushing boundaries and excelling despite the challenges they encountered along the way.
Their success goes beyond merely meeting academic requirements – it speaks to a deeper level of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential and an unwavering drive to contribute meaningfully to the world. The recognition of these remarkable individuals serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the continued pursuit of excellence.
Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award and Graduate Academic Scholar Award: Mikishia Wade-Chavis
Mikishia Wade-Chavis is a highly accomplished administrative professional with over 28 years of experience in customer service, revenue management and business operations. A resident of Texas, she has built a satisfying career marked by leadership, problem-solving and strategic execution.
Mikishia spent 25 years at AT&T, playing a key role in revenue management, fraud investigations and customer relations. Her innovative solutions helped reduce net bad debt by 30% and improve operational efficiency. She is known for managing complex accounts and driving process improvements, making her an asset to her company.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Mikishia is deeply committed to community service, earning the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award from 2010-2023. She has supported organizations like C.A.S.A., the Houston AIDS Foundation and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. In addition, she has served as the AT&T Telecom Pioneers President for over a decade.
Mikishia earned a master’s degree in human resource management with a 4.0 GPA from American Public University. She also holds an associate degree in human resource management from Ashworth College and a bachelor’s in human resource management cum laude from Columbia Southern University. At the University, Mikishia is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Mikishia has overcame her career setbacks with resilience, patience and determination, viewing challenges as opportunities to build a better future. Her academic journey helped her develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, which have proved essential in her career. Her advice to future students is to stay focused on goals and turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.
Undergraduate Academic Scholar Award: Paul Davis
Paul Davis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management from American Military University in February 2025, while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
After a distinguished 30-year career in leadership and management with the Marines, Paul decided to pursue his passion for management. His experience as a career recruiter and operational management professional gave him the tools to not only succeed but also to help his classmates grow and thrive. For Paul, management is about inspiring others to reach their potential and helping them move from good to great.
Paul made the decision to complete his degree after his military retirement, setting small goals and staying determined during his academic journey. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities, Paul never gave up on his dream. His friends and family – especially his children and grandchildren – encouraged him regularly are proud of his perseverance.
Paul’s guiding principles are to stay humble and hungry, never stop learning, and always be prepared for anything. His advice to future students is, “Stay focused, set achievable goals and keep pushing forward, even if the journey takes longer than expected.”
James P. Etter Award for Innovation and Creativity: Brandon Adams
Brandon earned his bachelor’s in transportation and logistics management from American Military University in October 2024. He currently serves as an active-duty Master Sergeant in the Department of the Air Force at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, where he manages a vehicle fleet and focuses on enterprise systems development.
As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), he leads advanced technology research initiatives in artificial intelligence and automation integration by leveraging partnerships across agencies, industry, and academia.
Brandon has 17 years of experience across five major commands globally and a deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom. Brandon’s notable achievements include his selection for the Air Force Education with Industry program, where he collaborated with Tesla on fleet management innovations. This partnership led to the development of a state-of-the-art fleet management tool, setting the stage for future modernization efforts within the Air Force.
Brandon is also pursuing a master of science in artificial intelligence management and policy at Purdue University. He aims to integrate emerging technology into fleet operations and smart city systems.
Brandon credits the military’s resiliency training, as well as support from his faith and family, for keeping him grounded. His guiding principles are faith, family and duty to service, which keep him focused on his goals.
Brandon advises future students to pursue their passion, embrace risks and view failures as valuable learning experiences. His motivation is fueled by a commitment to continuous learning and a supportive peer group.
Student Speaker for Commencement 2025 Arts, Humanities, and Education and Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business Ceremony: Seth Casey
Seth Casey joined the U.S. Air Force at 23 and frequently found himself in leadership positions. Realizing the enjoyment he gained from helping others reach their goals and guiding them through their challenges, Seth realized that he wanted his career to involve managing people. This realization led him to the decision to enroll in American Military University’s bachelor’s in management program.
Seth completed his program with a 3.89 GPA and received his diploma in September 2024. In the future, Seth plans to take the knowledge he gained from AMU and compound it with a cybersecurity degree that he will finish in September 2025. His management and cybersecurity knowledge will help to give him the necessary tools to start in a demanding field and effectively lead in any role.
Once Seth finishes his educational journey, he aims to center his life even further around his family. He plans to make up missed date nights with his wife and be ready to make a fort as soon as his daughter is old enough. Seth hopes that his efforts over the last few years will serve as an example for his daughter as she gets older to chase after what she wants and be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to reach those goals.
Alumni Service Award: Bryan Sodders
Bryan Sodders is a dedicated First Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, currently serving the 964th and 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadrons at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. He graduated with a master’s in management from American Military University in April 2025.
In his role, Bryan serves as a crucial advisor to his commander on a range of personnel matters, including career progression, family needs, financial concerns and recognition. He is deeply involved in the welfare of the Airmen and their families, ensuring they understand the commander’s vision and that base agencies respond to their needs effectively.
Bryan joined the Air Force in June 2003 and has since served in various roles, including duties in the Security Forces career field and as a Base Honor Guard Program Manager. His military journey has taken him to locations across the globe, including Montana, Texas, South Korea, Wyoming, Florida and Oklahoma. Before taking his current position, he served as a First Sergeant at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base.
Outside of work, Bryan treasures quality time with his family. Together, they enjoy exploring their community.
Bryan overcomes setbacks by placing his challenges in God’s hands and relying on the support of his family and mentors. His guiding principles are centered around gratitude, love, and living fully in the moment, emphasizing the importance of embracing life and celebrating others.
For future students, Bryan advises starting their educational journey as there is never a perfect time to begin. He encourages finding a deep “why” to stay motivated, especially when facing difficult times. His academic journey has broadened his understanding of leadership theories and skills, equipping him to mentor and lead effectively as a First Sergeant.
Bryan’s motivation throughout his studies came from the unwavering support of his family, who have been his biggest source of encouragement.
About the Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business
The Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business prepares students for success in the evolving world of commerce and management. It offers diverse programs that equip individuals with essential skills for various business environments.
This school is also centered around research and innovation, with faculty and students tackling global issues like sustainability, technology, and organizational efficiency. Ultimately, the school aims to develop individuals who can apply business knowledge practically, whether they plan to launch startups, join multinational corporations or seek leadership roles.
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