At the University’s Commencement 2025 celebrations earlier this month, we honored several School of Health Sciences alumni and faculty. Their dedication, resilience, and exceptional achievements have set them apart as leaders in their fields, and their commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to everyone.
We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the impact they will continue to make in their communities and industries. Their success is a testament to the hard work, passion, and perseverance that define them, and we are excited to see the remarkable contributions they will undoubtedly make in the future.
Mary Kim Ward Resilience and Service Award and Undergraduate Academic Scholar Award: Nikki Allmann
Nikki Allmann is a distinguished veteran, scholar, and advocate whose life embodies resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Throughout her 22-year military career as a Senior Master Sergeant (E8) paralegal, Nikki completed five combat deployments. At the same time, she raised two children and maintained a 3.85 GPA during her bachelor’s degree in sports and health sciences.
Nikki’s academic journey was anything but easy. Struggling with procrastination and ADHD, she faced setbacks balancing school, military duties, and family responsibilities.
But her unyielding determination enabled her to break her goals into manageable steps and stay focused on what she could control. Each challenge, late night and obstacle only strengthened her resolve. Ultimately, she earned her degree, proving that perseverance leads to success, no matter the difficulties.
Her ability to balance the demands of military service, family and education speaks to her remarkable dedication. After retiring from the military, Nikki redirected her passion for health and wellness into founding Warrior Axe CrossFit and the Workout Warriors Foundation.
These organizations focus on adaptive training, veteran support and community wellness. Despite undergoing 29 surgeries as the result of injuries and other health complications, Nikki also serves as a vocal advocate for adaptive athletes and those overcoming significant physical challenges.
Nikki’s leadership, perseverance and selfless dedication to others have made a significant impact on her community. Her story of overcoming adversity continues to inspire both military and civilian communities, showcasing the profound effect of resilience and public service.
Her guiding principles – mental health, loyalty, integrity, and collaboration – are at the core of both her personal and professional life. Nikki’s advice to future students is simple: “Nothing worth having comes easy.” She encourages others to embrace their struggles in life, as it makes the journey even more meaningful.
For Nikki, education is more than just earning degrees; it’s about growth, learning, and using knowledge to make a meaningful difference. Her academic experiences, combined with her military service and nonprofit work, have shaped her into a compassionate leader and advocate. Nikki’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.
Undergraduate President’s Award: Danika Harmon
Danika Harmon is a dedicated, resilient professional whose journey reflects a commitment to growth, balance and determination. She earned an associate degree in health sciences in June 2024 and her bachelor’s degree in health sciences in April 2025 from American Military University. Her academic excellence is evident in her perfect 4.0 GPA and induction into five honor societies.
Danika’s path has not always been smooth. She has had to overcome setbacks such as dropping out of high school and becoming a single mother.
These experiences reinforced her belief in the importance of education and personal growth. Her accomplishments speak volumes about her ability to juggle a full-time career, academic pursuits, and raising her family – challenges she navigates with grace and tenacity.
For Danika, the motivation to pursue her degree came from a deep desire to create a better future for her children. Every step of her journey was driven by the vision of providing them with the opportunities and stability they deserve.
Beyond her academic and professional commitments, Danika is deeply passionate about her family and the small horse farm she operates. She is especially dedicated to providing children with an outlet for personal growth through horseback lessons.
Danika’s aspirations continue to evolve. She plans to seek a master’s in business administration, specializing in government contracting and acquisition.
Her guiding principles – resilience, continuous growth, balance, kindness and empathy – are the cornerstones of her life philosophy. She believes in the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional commitments and strives to lead by example, fostering supportive and compassionate environments wherever she goes.
Danika’s advice to future students is: “Take your educational journey one day at a time.” She encourages others to embrace the challenges and stay committed to their goals, knowing that each small step brings them closer to success.
Student Speaker for School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, School of Health Sciences, and School of Security and Global Studies Ceremony: Dr. Kristina-Amy Jean-Mehu
Dr. Kristina-Amy F. P. Jean-Mehu graduated with a master’s degree in public health and a 3.9 GPA in February 2025. Her passion for disease prevention and health promotion began in the fall of 2013 during her medical internship, where Kristina-Amy observed significant health inequalities and inequities among underserved populations. She witnessed firsthand how inadequate health awareness and education negatively impacted health outcomes.
Inspired by this experience, Kristina-Amy contributed to the design and implementation of various disease prevention and health education programs. She authored the book “Personal Care & Sexual Education” for teenagers, co-authored a health resource booklet on natural remedies, and collaborated on an advanced first aid training certification program. Through these initiatives, she aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps by creating accessible and practical health resources.
Kristina-Amy is committed to a career in public health, and she focuses on areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, community outreach, advocacy, and health policy. In her free time, she enjoys singing, listening to music, and crafting handmade artisanal cosmetic products.
For future students, Kristina-Amy’s advice is clear, “Stay disciplined and committed to your goals, as each step you take brings you closer to your dreams.” She emphasizes the importance of engaging with professors and peers, sharing that her experiences at the University have been enriched by the dedicated and supportive individuals she has met along the way.
Distinguished Graduate Award: Hwal Lee
Hwal Lee is a University Ambassador, independent researcher and mental health advocate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and health sciences from American Public University, a master’s degree in science from Radford University, and a doctoral degree in medical science from the University of Lynchburg.
Growing up in difficult circumstances, Hwal faced numerous setbacks but never lost sight of his goals. After years of self-study and hard work, he earned his bachelor’s degree from APU, which was a milestone in his long academic journey. Despite challenges, he remains motivated by his higher purpose – to help others and make the world a better place.
Hwal is dedicated to public service. He has volunteered as a nationally certified mental health first aid instructor and a lay rescuer trainer for Virginia’s Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education program. He has also been a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line and a youth career mentor for CareerVillage.
He has participated in over 60 mental and behavioral health presentations, impacting more than 2,000 people nationwide. His commitment to mental health advocacy has earned him several prestigious fellowships, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Health Service Corps Scholarship and the PA Foundation’s Mental Health Outreach Fellowship.
Hwal’s guiding philosophies are to “Trust your gut!” and to value integrity and authenticity. He encourages future students to choose programs that align with their passions and to fully commit to their education.
His academic experiences have shaped his resilience, empathy and sense of purpose. Hwal’s nontraditional path to education taught him the importance of persistence and self-reliance, and he credits his success to his unwavering belief in himself and the support he received from the University.
Graduate President’s Award: Isaam Peters
Isaam Peters, originally from Georgetown, Guyana, moved to the U.S. in 2009 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2012 as a surgical technologist. He worked closely with an operating room team, which inspired his passion for nursing.
After being accepted into the AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program, Isaam earned his bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 2021. He currently serves as a critical care nurse at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Isaam is also a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) and is working toward the Army Baylor CRNA program in 2026.
Isaam earned an associate degree in health sciences from AMU in 2018. In February 2025, he graduated with a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a nurse leader concentration while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Balancing work, education and family responsibilities, Isaam has developed a structured success plan that helps him stay focused on his goals.
Isaam’s path has been shaped by overcoming significant challenges. Isaam believes setbacks are a part of growth, and he encourages future students to stay disciplined, manage time wisely, and push through challenges.
His academic journey has prepared him for his professional career path by instilling time management, critical thinking and leadership skills. Isaam’s philosophy centers on leading by example, staying resilient and continuously striving for growth. He draws motivation from outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing, which help him recharge and maintain his focus.
Outstanding New Faculty Member of the Year Award: Dr. Mari-Amanda Dyal
Dr. Mari-Amanda Dyal’s teaching philosophy revolves around a deep commitment to both the learning process and the diverse needs of her students. At the heart of her teaching is the belief that education is a fulfilling expression of her personality.
Dr. Dyal teaches because it allows her to share her knowledge and skills that shape her students’ attitudes and inspire positive change. Whether it’s challenging assumptions, broadening perspectives, or bridging gaps, Dr. Dyal finds it immensely rewarding to create an environment where students engage critically with classroom content and grow both academically and personally.
Dr. Dyal leverages her rich blend of professional, personal and educational experiences to build a curriculum that is dynamic and purposeful. She designs her courses around specific learning objectives, ensuring that every lesson is both rigorous and meaningful. Her approach emphasizes creating useful educational experiences, ensuring that students’ time and investment in their education are respected and valued.
When it comes to how she teaches, Dr. Dyal recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She draws from a wide array of teaching methods and strategies, adapting them to the needs of the content, the diversity of her students, and the evolving landscape of pedagogy.
Whether through technology, diverse learning activities, or various assessments, she tailors her approach to ensure that every student has the best opportunity to acquire and apply their knowledge effectively. Dr. Dyal believes that by using a mix of methods and assessments, she can cater to different learning styles and create a classroom environment that fosters success.
Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Donna Ross
Dr. Donna Ross’s public health teaching philosophy centers on the belief that education should empower students to become proactive, informed advocates for community health. At the core of her approach is creating a classroom environment that fosters open dialogue, inclusivity and mutual respect.
She believes that every student’s voice is essential and should be heard, regardless of their background. By prioritizing listening, supporting, and encouraging her students, Dr. Ross ensures that the online classroom is a space where diverse perspectives are valued, meaningful discussions occur, and students can thrive.
Dr. Ross has a strong commitment to communication. She provides timely and constructive feedback to help students stay on top of their obligations and refine their work.
Her precise feedback helps students improve their writing and their confidence, assuring them that they are on the right track. Dr. Ross also challenges her students to think critically, encouraging them to approach problems from multiple viewpoints and develop realistic solutions. This emphasis on critical thinking enhances their problem-solving abilities, a vital skill in public health.
In addition, Dr. Ross values collaboration and peer interaction, recognizing that teamwork is an essential part of both public health and the workplace. She creates an environment where students learn from each other, share insights, and build skills that will serve them in real-world environments.
About the School of Health Sciences
The School of Health Sciences prepares students to seek careers in healthcare by providing a strong foundation in both the science and practical aspects of patient care. Its programs focus on equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to improve health outcomes and contribute to public health. The school aims to produce skilled, compassionate professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in patient care, healthcare management and policy.
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