Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business & Technology announced its most talented future leaders with the prestigious list of Top 25 undergraduate students. Selected by a council of academic leadership and staff within the College, each student has earned his or her place in this elite group through outstanding academic performance, leadership, character and an unstoppable drive to succeed.
“I want to congratulate each and every one of these extraordinary students for their hard work inside and outside of the classroom,” said Dr. Barbara Ritter, dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology. “Our top students come from all walks of life and positively represent the Davis College of Business & Technology, not only in the classroom, but also in the Jacksonville community and beyond.”
The Davis College Top 25 are excellent communicators and collaborators, who can solve complex problems, make sound decisions and take calculated risks based on real-time data and resources. Top 25 students frequently work in diverse teams to achieve a common goal or execute real-world projects that deliver results for major companies in Northeast Florida.
This outstanding group comes from all walks of life and from countries around the globe. They’re committed, not only to their studies, but to their communities, intended professions and to Jacksonville University itself.
The Top 25 is as follows: Rori Bywater, Abigail Callahan, Jack Carver, Levi Clark, Neesa DaCosta, Jacob Deason, Mona Freeman, Curtis Goddard, Christopher Griffeth, Thomas Hellenbrand, Zachary Howard, Cameron Kelsay, Zachary Leinart, Sommer Marroquin, Jenna McNamara, Joshua Moreira, Jake Owens, Savannah Panting, Quentin Pellegrino, Layton Perry, Casey Powell, Josie Ratliff, Miller Reames, Mackenzie Turinsky and MacKenzie Updike.
JU seniors Curtis Goddard and Neesa DaCosta are honored to have been selected. “This honor wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates, friends, family and the support staff at Jacksonville University,” said Goddard, who is majoring in Marketing, with a minor in Finance and Philosophy. “I’m grateful to be a representative of the Davis College of Business and Technology and excited for everything to come!” He’s a member of the Jacksonville Men’s Lacrosse team and the Davis College Dean’s Fellow Program. Goddard also works as a Peer Advisor in the Davis Center for Professional Development.
“Being in the Top 25 shows that my efforts in my leadership positions, academics and unyielding commitment to success are seen! This recognition motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my potential and striving for even greater accomplishments,” commented DaCosta, who is majoring in both Management and Marketing. She serves as the Board Secretary of JU’s Varsity Shooting Team and is a member of the President’s and Dean’s List Honors and a Dean's Fellow. Additionally, DaCosta serves on the Davis College Student Advisory Board.
Active on campus, this year's Top 25 includes everything from student-athletes and community activists to Greek Life participants, midshipmen, and academic scholars. They’re each prepared and ready to bring what they have learned to a larger business community, where they will continue to shed a positive light on Jacksonville University and our Dolphin Family.
Top 25 students were treated to a professional photoshoot and personal branding session led by JU’s career management team and were formally recognized in a ceremony on November 2.
