The WGU Indiana Distinguished Alumni Council is comprised of a select group of WGU graduates whose outstanding career and community achievements make them stand out as shining examples of the mission of Western Governors University:
To Change Lives for the Better by Creating Pathways to Opportunity
Jason Bearce, MBA
VP, Education & Workforce Development
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Jason joined the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in 2018 with responsibilities that include leading education and workforce development policy advocacy and overseeing the Institute for Workforce Excellence and helping Indiana attract, develop and retain the Hoosier talent needed to drive a highly skilled and equitable workforce.
He previously held senior leadership positions at the Indiana Department of Education and Indiana Commission for Higher Education, contributing to significant policy advances that included establishing high school graduation pathways aligned with the state workforce needs, reforming Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program to increase college completion and career readiness, and launching Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative aimed at upskilling Hoosier adults. Jason earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his MBA from WGU. His community involvement has included serving as a board member of Indy Reads, board president for an Indianapolis charter school, an advisory board member for the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at Indiana University, and a student mentor through Starfish Initiaadults.
Melvin Bolden Jr., DNP, RN, CMSRN, NE-BC Assistant Dean of Nursing
Fortis College-IndianapolisCooper
Melvin is Assistant Dean of Nursing at Fortis College-Indianapolis, where he joined the faculty in 2021. Prior to Fortis, Melvin served as Education Coordinator at Kindred Healthcare for two years, as well as Clinical Manager at Indiana University Health, where he worked for the first 12 years of his nursing career.
During his time at IU Health, Melvin encouraged more than 10 of his colleagues to further their education through WGU in order to advance their professional careers, just as he hadbased in Massachusetts and is responsible for working with WGU’s Northeast Regional Vice President to grow the base of support from alumni, foundations and corporations. Melvin successfully transitioned to the nursing profession after beginning his career in the restaurant industry, where he had advanced to the role of restaurant manager. His educational journey began at Ivy Tech Community College and continued at WGU, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing while working full time. Melvin has since completed his doctorate in Nursing from IUPUI and has now added the role of college professor to his unconventional and inspiring career track.
Tom Braden, MS
Vice President of Information Technology
IMMI (Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.)
Tom is responsible for all Information Technology initiatives for IMMI’s growing worldwide presence. Tom has over 27 years of IT experience and 16 years in manufacturing. He is a graduate of DePauw University, earned his Master’s in IT Management from Western Governors University, and has multiple IT-related continuing education courses at Unitek College in Silicon Valley.
He has also completed post-graduate professional courses at Harvard Business School. Tom currently holds 18 technical certifications in various Information Technology fields and was named Chief Technology Officer of the Year in 2019 and 2020 by the Indianapolis Business Journal and TechPoint. Prior to joining IMMI, he served for 12 years as an Infantry officer with the 38th Infantry Division of the Indiana Army National Guard.
R. Scott Brand, MS
Executive Vice President
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
Scott has been with Lafayette-based Subaru of Indiana Automotive for more than 30 years and has served in various roles, including manufacturing, materials management, quality control and executive leadership. He is responsible for officer-level oversight of SIA’s administrative functions in information systems, human resources, and legal & compliance, among others.
As senior vice president of quality control, production control and materials management at SIA (2017-2020), Scott was responsible for oversight of all quality, order and logistical activities in the production of the Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza and Ascent model. Scott serves as vice chair of the Conexus Indiana Board of Directors and as a trustee of Vincennes University, and is involved with numerous community and business organizations, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).
Al Carroll, MS
President & CEO
IndyHub & IndyHub Foundation
As President & CEO of IndyHub, Al represents and advocates on behalf of the largest network of 20- and 30-somethings in Indianapolis and promotes equitable opportunity to grow civically, socially, and professionally through its programming and partnerships. The IndyHub Foundation, which Al also leads, secures philanthropic support for IndyHub programs and initiatives.
Previously, he served as senior account executive at Codelicious, a software platform utilized by K-12 educational institutions. Al has also served in a variety of civic roles, including with the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and TechPoint, providing in-depth knowledge to public-private partnerships and demonstrating the unique ways cross-sector entities in Indianapolis can work together to move the community forward. Al has collaborated with universities throughout the state to recruit college students to live and work in Indianapolis.
Natalie Guzman, MS
Senior Vice President & Corporate Communications
Fifth Third Bank
Natalie has 25 years of experience in communications, public relations, and marketing, including 20 years at the 10th largest bank in the U.S., Fifth Third Bank. As a senior-level director with Fifth Third, Natalie is responsible for setting the overall direction for Bancorp internal and external communications. Natalie played a pivotal role in Fifth Third’s $5 million gift to Eskenazi Hospital Foundation, a safety net hospital in Indianapolis, for the construction of a new hospital.
At the time, Fifth Third's contribution was the largest by a financial institution in the state of Indiana and led Natalie and her team to create a financial education program called Empower U, which provides financial education curriculum throughout its 11-state footprint. Currently serving on the board of directors for United Way of Central Indiana, community volunteerism has been a constant throughout Natalie’s life. She recently served as a national board chair for Pass the Torch for Women Foundation and board member for Little Red Door Cancer Agency.
Michael Loggins
CEO/Founder, MetaStrategy IT Consulting
Mike also serves as a member of the Forbes Technology Council. In Mike’s previous role of Vice President of Global IT at SMC Corporation of America, he was responsible for planning the information technology future for the organization, as well as the implementation and maintenance of tech systems. SMC moved IT standardizations to a global scale and model the values of inclusion, growth, support, and diversity.
As a leader in creating diversified and innovative global IT teams, Mike has spent years cultivating a deep understanding of existing and emerging technologies. Mike has an extensive career in information technology and is known for his community oriented and proactive approach to both IT and leadership. He was recognized as the 2019 Indy Tech Power Player by CDO Magazine. Mike’s education includes a BS in Information Technology-Security Emphasis from WGU, as well as a Certification in Digital Transformation from MIT Sloan Executive Education.
Adenike Makinde, MEd
Business & Confidence Coach, Joyfully Coaching
Adenike founded Joyfully Coaching in 2017 and in her work as a coach and strategist, she has helped over 1,000 professionals better understand their personal gifts, build their confidence, and go after their joy-filled callings with a focus on personal values and lifestyle needs. Adenike’s career also includes eight impactful years at WGU, as Career Coach, Orientation Specialist, and Executive Assistant to the Chancellor of WGU Indiana.
In addition to an MEd in Instructional Design from WGU, Adenike also holds a master’s in Biblical Studies from Charis Bible College and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Evansville. Adenike currently serves on the boards of the Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. She has also worked with youth at every level as part of school, foster home, and church programs, providing Purpose and Confidence Workshops. She feels a personal calling to proactively provide education and mentoring that empowers youth to discover and actively pursue their purpose.
Angelia Moore, MBA
Deputy Director
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center
Angelia serves as part of an empowering team that provides resources and knowledge in the Crooked Creek area and beyond. She is formerly the Vice President of Programs for the Edna Martin Christian Center. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Anjee had the benefits of attending both private and public schools, graduating from George Washington High School.
She immediately went to college but returned to help with family when her mother became ill. All her professional experiences have led her to advocacy roles with children as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. Anjee has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the past 19 years, serving as the voice of youth in the child welfare system. Delayed but not denied, Anjee returned to college after the passing of her parents in 2010. She has since completed both her BS in Business Management and her MBA from WGU.
Terry Stigdon, MSN, RN
Chief Executive Officer,
American Red Cross | Indiana
Region
In May 2023, Terry became the Chief Excutive Officer of the American Red Cross / Indiana Region. She was appointed as Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Child Services in early 2018 as part of Governor Eric Holcomb’s sweeping reform of the state’s child welfare agency. Terry has implemented changes aimed at offering the best service to Hoosier children and families. As a result of her efforts to provide the right care to the right child at the right time, the state has seen a decrease in children in residential treatment and foster care.
When Terry joined the Department of Child Services, she was uniquely qualified to understand the mission ahead. Prior to her appointment, she spent nearly 20 years at Riley Hospital for Children. Her work took her to the pediatric intensive care unit as well as the emergency medicine and trauma center, where she saw firsthand what can happen in the most serious cases of child neglect and abuse. A Chicago native, Terry holds a BS in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis and MS in Nursing Leadership & Management from WGU.
