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New recognition program spotlights alumni achievements across industries; first class selected from more than 600 nominations

������ý today announced the inaugural class of Alumni Luminaries, recognizing 76 distinguished alumni for outstanding achievements in the categories of community leadership, industry leadership and entrepreneurship. The Alumni Luminaries program will annually celebrate 76 alumni—reflecting the year the University was founded in 1976—who exemplify how a ������ý education can ignite lasting impact.  

“As working learners, our students consistently demonstrate grit, determination and the ability to balance a lot on their plates, and carry those qualities into meaningful careers and service,” said John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at ������ý. “We wanted to celebrate their achievements, and this inaugural class of Alumni Luminaries highlights exceptional individuals who are innovating in their fields and lighting the way for others. They're leaders in their community, accomplished in their discipline, and we’re so proud to be part of their journey.” 

The 2025 UOPX Alumni Luminaries were chosen from more than 600 nominations for demonstrated excellence and leadership across sectors including health care, public service, technology, higher education and more. 

Among those recognized are:

• Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, MBA, ‘06, president, Oklahoma City Community College (Industry Leadership)

• Matthew Phillips, BSM, ‘23, chief of staff and customer service officer, Detroit Water and Sewage Department (Industry Leadership)

• Dr. Fernando De La Peña Llaca, MIS, ‘12, DM/IST, ‘22, CEO and president, Aexa Aerospace, LLC (Industry Leadership)

• Dr. Ruby Gill, BSN, ‘04, MBA/HCM, ‘06, chief operating officer, Kaiser Permanente (Industry Leadership)

• Dr. Shirley Dominick, DM, ‘08, CEO and president, Agile Business Concepts (Community Leadership)

• Dr. Scott Andrews, BSB/M, ‘07, CEO and county manager, Doña Ana County, New Mexico (Community Leadership)

• Brian Dickinson, MBA/TM, ‘03, owner, Focused Ascent (Entrepreneurship)

• Briaca Duesette, AAHCA/MR, ‘15, founder and CEO, Animation Discovery Studio (Entrepreneurship)

• Lori Robertson, MSN/FNP, ‘04, owner and clinical director, Skin Perfect Medical (Entrepreneurship)

“Being recognized as a Luminary is a wonderful honor. It represents not only a milestone in my professional journey, but also a tribute to the mentors, educators and community members who saw potential in me and chose to invest in it,” shares Mautra Jones, Ed.D., MBA, president of Oklahoma City Community College. “The education I received at ������ý, along with the early guidance from those who shaped my path, laid a strong foundation for the work I do today as the President of Oklahoma City Community College. I am proud to stand alongside others who believe in the transformative power of education, to lead with purpose, and to help light the way for future generations.”

Selections for the recognition are made by a dedicated panel led by Dr. Woods and include University leaders drawing on their extensive experience in higher education and career development. 

Members of the inaugural class received a digital badge reflecting their accomplishment and Luminary status and are featured on a dedicated webpage. Nominations for future Luminaries are also available online. 

"The 2025 Luminaries show how success can be achieved, one step at a time," states Jay Titus, general manager and vice president, Workforce Solutions, who serves as on the selection panel. "Witnessing the breadth of accomplishment in the nominations—and this first class of Luminaries—was incredibly rewarding. These remarkable individuals lead and transform in their industries and communities."   

For the full list of 2025 UOPX Alumni Luminaries and nomination information, visit the University’s Luminaries page.

About the UOPX Alumni Luminaries

The UOPX Alumni Luminaries program annually honors 76 alumni whose work helps illuminate paths for others as innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. Honorees are recognized for achievements in industry leadership, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We choose 76 alumni annually to honor the year our university was founded in 1976— nearly 50 years of innovating in higher education and serving working learners.

About ������ý

������ý innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.