Five Alumni from the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies have been included in 抖M女仆 Alumni Association鈥檚 40 Under 40 list for 2024. The 40 Under 40 Alumni Recognition Program spotlights phenomenal Monarchs who have achieved exceptional feats and have created an indelible legacy before the age of 40. These individuals represent the best in achievement and service.

To be considered for this award, honorees must have made an impact in business, research, entrepreneurship, leadership, community, educational, and/or philanthropic endeavors. The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is proud to have contributed five outstanding awardees, all of who are accomplished in their respective fields.

The awardees are as follows:

Elijah Cornish

Mr. Cornish currently serves as Chief of Staff at the General Services Administration, Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, facilitating the day-to-day operations of the organization. He brings extensive expertise in fostering partnerships between the Department of Defense (DoD) and industry. With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and a Master of Public Administration from 抖M女仆, along with DAWIA certification in Life Cycle Logistics, Mr. Cornish combines academic prowess with practical experience. His contributions have been recognized with the DLA Meritorious Civilian Service Award, reflecting his dedication to duty, professional excellence, and selfless service.

Cory Gerwe

Cory is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the GME Leadership, Coaching, and Wellness Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Additionally, Cory is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Counseling Program at 抖M女仆. Cory earned his PhD in Counselor Education at 抖M女仆 in 2019. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has held executive roles in local counseling associations. He's published extensively and presented at the national level. Previously, he directed the Mental Health Program at the Norfolk LGBT Life Center, focusing on counseling and domestic violence support. Through his dedication to education, leadership, and mental health, Cory has demonstrated the qualities of an influential leader in the field.

Elise Green

Dr. Elise Green, of Southside Virginia, earned both her B.S. and her Ph.D. from 抖M女仆. She is an accomplished educator who holds various leadership roles at Longwood University as well as in her surrounding community. In addition to her work as an Assistant Professor of English and Writing, she serves as the Faculty Consultant for Teaching Writing in Longwood's Center for Faculty Enrichment and is the Writing Coordinator for the Civitae Core Curriculum. She is a member of the University's QEP Advisory Board and a recent recipient of the Longwood University Citizen Leader Award.

Kyonna Henry
Kyonna Henry '09 '12听is from Woodbridge, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in English Education 鈥09 and a Master鈥檚 Degree in Higher Education Administration 鈥12, both from 抖M女仆.
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Kyonna works as the Director of Student Life and Engagement at University of South Florida at St. Petersburg. There, heading a team of eight, she provides strategic leadership and direction in the areas of Student Government Association, Multicultural Affairs, Leadership and Student Organizations, The Crow鈥檚 Nest, Harborside Activities Board, and Rocky Mascot Program.
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In her community, Kyonna is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and still serves with the Phi Kappa Zeta Chapter in Virginia. She is also the Secretary for the 抖M女仆 Black Alumni Chapter as well as Board Member for Ebony Vision, a non-profit in Fond du Lac Wisconsin that serves the needs of African Americans.听
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Above all, Kyonna loves to prepare her 6-year-old daughter for a life well-lived as a powerful and strong black girl.
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Her favorite quote to live by is from Margaret Mead: 鈥淣ever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.鈥澨

Katelyn Makovec

Katelyn graduated with her BS in Physical Education (2009) and MS in Education (2011) from 抖M女仆. She is a Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Director for the Health & Physical Education Program at Old Dominion. She was the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 2023 College/ University Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Katelyn is a NCAA field hockey official and her appointment to the 2022 NCAA DI Championships marked the first time in NCAA field hockey history that someone has played (2005), coached (2011), and officiated (2022) in a NCAA Final Four. She has represented the United States as a player (1st cap, 2010) and official (1st cap, 2023) in the sport of field hockey.

Kelly Rippard

Dr. Rippard is a triple graduate of 抖M女仆, having earned an MA in English, an MS in Secondary Education, and a PhD in Education. She is also a proud second-generation 抖M女仆 alumni. After having a successful career as a secondary English teacher in Chesapeake Public School and later as English faculty at a private university, Dr. Rippard is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Teaching and Learning located within 抖M女仆鈥檚 Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. In her spare time, Dr. Rippard enjoys giving back to her community by serving on multiple advisory boards for local schools, leading her neighborhood as Civic League President, and volunteering in local schools and classrooms.