South University is proud to support military members, veterans and their families in achieving their academic and professional goals. Every day, but especially on Veteran’s Day, we acknowledge and express gratitude to all who have honorably served our country. Today, we thank every member of our military community and are taking the time to recognize the service and accomplishments of a few recent military alumni as well as of a member of our University leadership!
South University is proud to support military members, veterans and their families in achieving their academic and professional goals. Every day, but especially on Veteran’s Day, we acknowledge and express gratitude to all who have honorably served our country. Today, we thank every member of our military community and are taking the time to recognize the service and accomplishments of a few recent military alumni as well as of a member of our University leadership!
Class of 2019, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Class of 2016, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
James Harris served for 8 years in the US Army, departing at the rank of Sergeant. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2014 and received several accommodations and distinctions for his service. After earning his degree, Harris started the Men to Heal initiative to help end the stigma that prevents many men, including many veterans and African Americans, from seeking or accepting help. Harris is active in the America Counseling Association and on the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Virginia. He also founded a wellness center in Richmond that offers outpatient therapy, yoga, mindfulness and financial resources to the community.
Class of 2019, Doctor of Ministry
Jeff Povolish retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the US Air Force and having served as a senior program manager for numerous multi-billion dollar Department of Defense and Department of Energy programs. As a combat veteran in Iraq, he was also Chief of Finance and Contracts, managing over 400 contractors and $782 million of intelligence weapons systems. Throughout his military and civilian service, he has received many awards and much recognition for his work. Today, Jeff is Chief of Project Management Office in the Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center in Austin, TX. He is also an Associate Pastor and volunteers as a Veteran’s Affairs Chaplain, providing counsel on post-traumatic stress and substance abuse issues.
Class of 2016, Master of Science in Nursing
Class of 2011, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Currently working as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL, Michela Lambert Mazard has served for 8 years in the United States Navy, including as a Lieutenant Nurse Officer. Mazard has been deployed to Guantanamo Bay as part of the Joint Task Force/Joint Medical Group and earned a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) diploma through the U.S. Naval War College. Mazard’s service has been recognized by the US Navy with many medals and ribbons.
Class of 2017, Master of Science in Leadership
Gene Ramsey was in the Air Force for 21 years, earning numerous awards for his service and retiring as a USAF Major. His assignments included serving as a Munitions Systems Specialist in Arizona, Florida and Germany; a Flight Commander, Instructor and Evaluator in Wyoming; and 21st Space Wing Executive Officer and Shared Early Warning Systems Lead in Colorado. He was deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom, where he was the lead planner for a first-of-its-kind highly specialized combat unit. Since leaving the military, Gene has held multiple leadership roles as a defense contractor and civilian working with the Air Force and the Navy, and he continues to receive recognition for his civilian contributions.
Class of 2018, Bachelor of Science in Public Health
David Robertson was a Combat Medic in the US Army for 13 years, serving in Texas, Kentucky, South Carolina and twice in Germany. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 as the Senior Line Medic for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 327th Infantry Regiment. Robertson received many badges and medals for his service and left the military at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Today, Robertson works as a Health Systems Specialist in the Diabetes and Heart Disease Management Division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Thank you again to all South University students, alumni and community members who are active military personnel, veterans, and military family members! We are immensely grateful for your service, and we would be proud to share and celebrate your story if you’d like to tell it. Log into our Alumni Site and click Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section to start the process.
