UCM Alumni Foundation’s Next Generation Council Announces 2026 ‘10 Under 40’ Honorees

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Alumni Foundation’s Next Generation Council has announced the 2026 class of its “10 Under 40” alumni recognition program.

Now in its third year, “10 Under 40” celebrates the achievements of UCM’s most recent graduates, representing just a fraction of the success stories from young alumni.

 

“The ‘10 Under 40’ program is designed to recognize some of our outstanding young alumni whose professional achievements, leadership and service reflect the excellence of a UCM education,” said Erick Vargas, alumni and events coordinator. “By recognizing graduates who are redefining what’s possible in their professions and communities, the program aims to inspire the next generation of Mules and Jennies.” 

Recognition criteria include being 39 years old or younger and making a significant impact within their company, industry or field of study. Civic, community and/or cultural achievements are also key influencers in the selection process. These young alumni are innovating in their fields, inspiring their communities and leading by example.

 

Below is the 2026 official list of “10 Under 40” honorees. To read extended bios for each alum, visit ucmfoundation.org/awards/10-under-40-honorees.

Dustin “Dusty” Allen, Ph.D., ’12, is a clinical assistant professor and director of programs in Human Physiology at Boston University. A Mules Basketball player, Allen earned a bachelor’s in Exercise Science from UCM, followed by a master’s from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate from Southern Methodist University. In 2025, he received Career Influencer Recognition from Boston University’s graduating seniors as a faculty member who significantly influenced their career success. Allen was also a nominee for the Metcalf Award for Teaching Excellence in 2020.

Ashtyn Davis, ’22, is a residence director at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He graduated cum laude from UCM with a bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a concentration in pre-athletic training, and later earned a master’s from the University of Oklahoma. In his four years as a residence life professional, he has built a record of leadership and service, earning the Outstanding New Professional Award from the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International and the NASPA NOW Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

Capt. Davontae Hair, ’20, is the 4th Infantry Division public affairs officer at Fort Carson, Colorado. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from UCM and a master’s from American Public University. Previously, he served as the S1 Officer in Charge for the 3-10 Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Chemical Brigade. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Norwegian Foot March Badge and German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

Becky Johann, RN, ’09, is the director of Perioperative and Procedural Services at the University of Kansas Health System’s Olathe campus. She earned a bachelor’s in Nursing from UCM and a master’s from Central Methodist University. Johann provides clinical oversight for a fast-paced cardiac catheterization lab encompassing electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, interventional radiology and vascular procedures. She also oversees a high-volume endoscopy unit that plans to expand capacity later this year.

Brittany Lee, ’09, is the founder and principal consultant of Transformation Strategies LLC. A McNair Scholar, she earned a bachelor’s in Corporate Communication with a minor in Africana Studies from UCM and a master’s from the University of Oklahoma. She also has multiple coaching certifications. Lee partners with nonprofits, high-impact organizations and social change movements to advance their work through trauma-informed facilitation, strategy, and leadership and team development. 

April Leonard, ’10, ’13, is the public information officer for the Kansas City Health Department. She earned two UCM degrees: a bachelor’s in Political Science and Government and a master’s in Mass Communications/Media Studies. Leonard is also the founder of April Communicates, Driven To Inspire U, and the Kansas City Christian Women’s Picnic. Her career has included working as a celebrity publicist, a social media manager for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and communications director for the West 18th Street Fashion Show. 

Sean Martin, ’22, is a senior XR software engineer at Sigmatech, where he designs and develops immersive learning solutions supporting military education and training. Martin earned bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science-Software Development and Cybersecurity at UCM before earning a master’s at Full Sail University. His portfolio includes XR-enabled orbital mechanics instruction, space-focused operational training scenarios, immersive simulations, and evaluations of emerging technologies designed to advance the future of digital learning.

 

Tyler Mullen, ’12, is senior director of Systems Operations at Concord Theatricals in New York City. While earning a bachelor’s in Theatre Design/Technology from UCM, he apprenticed at the Santa Fe Opera. Upon graduation, he landed a stage management internship at The Juilliard School in New York. Mullen worked for nearly seven years at Samuel French Inc. until the company merged with three other theatrical licensing companies to form Concord Theatricals. He worked his way up in Systems Operations to become senior director.

Michelle Robertson, ’16, ’18, is a senior training analyst at the University of Southern California. A first-generation college student, Robertson earned two UCM degrees: a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Teaching and a master’s in Educational/Instructional Technology. Robertson worked as a training specialist at Washington University and an instructional design consultant at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis before joining the University of Southern California. 

Katie Sowers, ’13, is the associate head coach of Women’s Flag Football at the University of Nebraska. After earning her master’s degree in Kinesiology from UCM, she won the International Federation of American Football Women’s World Championship with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sowers built a groundbreaking career in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, becoming the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl in 2020. Before her current role, she helped Ottawa University secure four national championships alongside her twin sister. 

The 10 honorees were selected by the Next Generation Council, a group of young alumni professionals who act in a volunteer advisory capacity for the UCM Alumni Foundation. The council advises on matters of concern to young alumni, provides feedback on university initiatives, builds a network of recent graduates and helps plan alumni gatherings across the country. They meet via video call once per semester — typically as a virtual brown-bag lunch meeting. The next virtual call is at 12 p.m. CDT July 8. Register at ucmfoundation.org/upcoming-events.

 

New and recent graduates are encouraged to join the Next Generation Council. Learn more at ucmfoundation.org/next-gen.

 

Nominations for “10 Under 40” are accepted for any UCM graduate who meets the recognition criteria. Nominations remain on file for consideration for four years. To learn more or nominate a young alum, visit ucmfoundation.org/10-under-40.