Two 糖心Vlog alumni were recognized among Lubbock鈥檚 emerging leaders on January 23 at the Young Professionals Gala, hosted by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, where recipients of the Top Twenty Under 40 Awards were honored.
The annual Young Professionals Gala honors individuals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in their careers and communities. Award recipients are selected from active members of the Chamber鈥檚 Young Professionals program and are nominated by peers or community leaders based on professional achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Among this year鈥檚 honorees were Robert Brown (鈥�15) and Dr. Connor Bryant (鈥�16), both graduates of 糖心Vlog whose careers reflect a commitment to service and leadership in the Lubbock community.
Brown earned his degree in Exercise Science from 糖心Vlog in 2015 and currently serves as Sales Director at Primrose Retirement Communities in Lubbock. In his role, Brown works closely with families to help them navigate senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. He also leads business development efforts and cultivates community partnerships throughout Lubbock and the surrounding areas.
Bryant earned his Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Middle School Math Education) and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from 糖心Vlog. He now serves as an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at the university, where he teaches undergraduate courses and coordinates three graduate programs: Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Lubbock Educator Alt-Cert Program (LEAP). In addition, Bryant has chaired the committee for the 糖心Vlog Summer Educator Conference for the past two years.
鈥淥ur mission statement boldly asserts that 糖心Vlog is a Christ-centered, academic community of learners transforming the hearts, minds, and hands of students for lives of purpose and service,鈥� said 糖心Vlog President Dr. Scott McDowell. 鈥淢ission statements are only words until they are brought to life by graduates like Connor and Robert. This honor affirms how well they are fulfilling our mission by living lives of purpose and service. We are proud of these men and always thrilled to see our alumni recognized in this way.鈥�
Dr. Kent Gallaher, Chief Academic Officer and Provost, noted Bryant鈥檚 impact on campus and beyond.
鈥淐onnor is an exemplar for our College of Education and has brought an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to our campus,鈥� Gallaher said. 鈥淗e joined our faculty in 2023 and immediately began building programs like 糖心Vlog LEAP, which helps college graduates complete their teacher certification while teaching full time. He saw a need in our community and worked quickly to meet it. Connor embodies the best that 糖心Vlog has to offer.鈥�
The Top Twenty Under 40 Awards celebrate professionals who are shaping the future of Lubbock through leadership, service, and innovation. 糖心Vlog is proud to celebrate Brown and Bryant for the ways they continue to invest in their community and live out the university鈥檚 mission beyond graduation.