News at Jacksonville University

Education
Undergraduate degrees from Syracuse University
Master of Business Administration, Jacksonville University (2024)

Professional Achievements
Founder of Curabotics and president of Chang Robotics, Kate McAfoose leads initiatives that merge technology and healthcare innovation. She directed the development of the world’s largest autonomous robotic system and a hospital pilot program designed to reduce nurse burnout and improve patient care. A champion for women in engineering, she has led technical and commercial teams with global organizations including Coca-Cola, Reynolds Consumer Products, PepsiCo, and Mayo Clinic.

Community Service
Trustee, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; math tutor at Fletcher Middle School; youth group leader at Beach United Methodist Church in Jacksonville Beach.

Family
Kate and her husband Bryan have three daughters: Teagyn, Riley, and Jordan.

Education
Undergraduate degrees, University of North Florida
Executive MBA, Jacksonville University (2023)
Cradle to Career Partnership Fellow, Harvard University

Professional Achievements
Travis Williams serves as president and CEO of LIFT JAX, a cross-sector organization addressing generational poverty through neighborhood development and reinvestment in Jacksonville’s urban core, especially the Historic Eastside. A Jacksonville native, he brings experience in business, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Recognition
University of North Florida Young Alumni Achievement Award; Jacksonville Business Journal “40 Under 40.”

Board and Civic Service
Board member and advisor for organizations including the Jax Riverfront Alliance, Potter’s House International Ministries, the Clara White Mission, the Urban Land Institute of North Florida, and the Lewis & White Business League.

Family
Travis and his wife Kristin have four children: Savannah, TJ, Kimari, and Khloe.

Education
Bachelor’s degree, Jacksonville University (2011)

Professional Achievements
As executive director and CEO of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Diana Donovan has advanced major public funding and policy initiatives that have reshaped the region’s cultural landscape. She has secured more than $8 million in grants for institutions such as the Florida Theatre and Jacksonville Symphony, launched the city’s first publicly funded artist grant program, and expanded Jacksonville’s public art collection by more than $2 million.

Recognition
Jacksonville Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree.

Board and Civic Service
JAX Chamber Trustee; Leadership Florida and Leadership Jacksonville member; Florida Cultural Alliance Advocacy Board; James Weldon Johnson Park Board; Jacksonville Women’s Network.

Jacksonville University Involvement
As a student, Diana served as Ms. Dolphina, Director of Dolphin Productions, and a Presidential Ambassador. She later returned to JU as executive director in the Office of the President.

Education
Bachelor’s degree, Jacksonville University (1990)
Additional studies, Jacksonville University (2024)
Graduate, The Bolles School

Professional Achievements
Dee Brown is executive senior associate athletic director for Athletics Strategy and Innovation at Jacksonville University. He previously served as vice president of Integrated Development and G League Operations for the L.A. Clippers and general manager of the Agua Caliente Clippers. Brown enjoyed a 12-year NBA career after being drafted 19th overall by the Boston Celtics in 1990 and famously winning the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Board and Civic Service
Advisory board member for the Cost Honors College, Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare, Stein College of Fine Arts, Davis School of Business & Technology, and GRIT Sports Performance. Tri-Chair, FUTURE.MADE campaign. Trustee, The Bolles School.

Family
Dee and his wife Tammy have four children: Anakin, Alyssa, Alanni, and Lexie.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Jacksonville University (2022)
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Jacksonville University (2024)

Professional Achievements
Felicia Miller, a registered mental health counselor and military and first responder coordinator, brings more than two decades of military and civic service. She served in both the U.S. Navy and Army Reserves, contributing to Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. In her civilian career, she has supported veterans through leadership roles, including serving under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to connect veterans with essential services.

Military Service
Petty Officer 2nd Class, U.S. Navy; Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Reserves.

Community Service
Commandant, Harlem Youth Marine Cadets; former president, NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch Veterans Affairs Committee.

Personal
A three-year cancer survivor, Felicia is the mother of five and grandmother of two.

Education

Bachelor’s degree, Jacksonville University (2000)

Professional Achievements
Susan Masucci is president and CEO of ruckus, an integrated design and communications firm she founded in 2006. Her firm has provided award-winning creative and strategic services to clients across healthcare, education, and the arts. A Jacksonville native, she is recognized for her leadership and commitment to the city’s creative economy.

Recognition
Jacksonville Business Journal “40 Under 40”; Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2010.

Board and Civic Service
Supporter of the Stein College of Arts & Sciences and Cost Honors College. Volunteer service includes Guardian Catholic School, Bishop Kenny High School, Rotary Club Jacksonville, Ritz Chamber Players, and Jacksonville Dance Theatre.

Family
Susan and her wife Katie are proud supporters of JU. Her brother Greg (’95) is a current JU parent, and her niece Logan is a member of the Class of 2026.

Education
Graduate and Regent, University of the South (Sewanee)
Honorary Degree, Jacksonville University

Professional Achievements
A Jacksonville native, J.F. Bryan IV spent more than 30 years in the insurance industry, serving as president of Independent Insurance Group before its sale to American General in 1996. A longtime supporter of Jacksonville University, he has served on the Board of Trustees since 1985 and has contributed more than $2 million in lifetime giving toward scholarships, marine science, NROTC, and the arts.

Recognition
Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Philanthropists Award (2012); Distinguished Alumni Service Award, University of the South; Spirit of the Y Award, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast; Railyard District All Aboard Award (2025).

Board and Civic Service
Active with organizations including the James Madison Institute, Jacksonville Symphony, Ronald McDonald House, LISC, The Community Foundation, and Episcopal Relief & Development.

Family
J.F. and his wife Peggy have three sons and seven grandchildren.