Warner University: Cultivating Success Through Purpose, Faith, and Notable Alumni

Warner University stands as a beacon of academic and spiritual growth, fostering an environment where students are challenged academically, grounded in biblical principles, and encouraged to be culturally courageous. This commitment extends beyond the classroom and into the community, shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a significant impact on the world. The university's alumni embody these values, achieving success in diverse fields and contributing to society in meaningful ways.

A Legacy of Academic and Athletic Excellence

Warner University has a rich history of academic and athletic excellence. The university is proud to announce that 30 of its student-athletes have been recognized as 2025 Fall Academic All-Conference honorees by The Sun Conference. This prestigious distinction celebrates student-athletes who exemplify excellence in both academics and athletics.

The university's commitment to athletics is further demonstrated by the dedication of Sikes Family Field on March 1, 2025, honoring Coach Jeff Sikes, a long-time staff member who served Warner University faithfully for 40 years. The university also celebrates the achievements of its athletes, such as Warner Royal track and field athlete, Zach Holman, who has qualified for Nationals in seven events.

In addition to celebrating athletic achievements, Warner University also recognizes the importance of academic excellence. The university is proud to announce its Spring 2024 Dean’s List, celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of 225 students from both graduate and undergraduate programs. These students have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence throughout the spring semester.

Warner University is also committed to providing students with the resources they need to succeed academically. The university is excited to welcome Dr. Morrisia Stewart as Director of the Academic Skills Center and Disability Services.

Read also: Comprehensive Internship Guide

Notable Alumni Making a Difference

Warner University's alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, embodying the university's mission to equip students to serve. The university takes pride in highlighting the accomplishments of its graduates, showcasing their diverse talents and contributions to society.

Alumni in Ministry and Service:

Chris Weatherly (Class of 2010): Recently promoted to head pastor at Christ Community Church in Winter Haven, Weatherly exemplifies the university's commitment to equipping students to serve. He takes over the role from George Gasperson, who served Christ Community as lead pastor for fifteen years.
Austin Shaner (Class of 2017): With a degree in Interdisciplinary Ministry and a minor in Coaching and Sport Management, Shaner felt called to sports ministry during his studies at Warner University.
Sonya Hightower LaBosco (Class of 2004): LaBosco lives an active life of giving back in Orlando, volunteering with her Rotary Club for the “Gift of Life” program, fundraising to bring young boys and girls with heart defects from Belize to Nemours Children’s Hospital for life-saving surgeries.

Alumni in Education:

Alona Robillard (Class of 2021): Recognized with the Golden Apple Award, Robillard is making waves at West Bay Elementary School, where her classroom has become a safe haven for her fourth-grade students.
Jennifer Leeks (Class of 2011 & 2016): Warner’s new Student Success and Career Services Specialist, graduated from Warner in 2011 with a bachelor’s in business administration and also earned her MBA from Warner in 2016.

Alumni in Agriculture:

Abby Crawford: Selected for the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group, Crawford's involvement in the agriculture industry showcases the university's strong agricultural studies program.
David Dyer (Class of 2015): Graduated from Warner University with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Studies. He is now using this foundation as a Graduate Research Assistant while earning his master’s degree in Plant Pathology.
Kaylee Norris: Frostproof native and Warner Alum, is taking on new heights with her career at Highlands Precision Ag all while completing her Masters in Business Administration, which she is due to graduate with this year! Kaylee was an Agriculture Studies major while attending WU full time.

Alumni in Leadership and Business:

Andrew Klein: Selected to present his latest biblical scholarship at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL).
Chase Highley (Class of 2011): Graduated from Warner with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, and he has gone on to become the Vice President & Co-Owner of Greenstone Media and the CEO & Co-Owner at MyTownUSA.
Andy Maddux: 18 years since graduating from Warner University with an Organizational Management degree, Andy Maddux has worked his way up the ladder as a successful businessman in Orlando. Andy is currently the Vice President of Wholesale Operations at SunTrust Bank, the company he has been with for 18 years.

Alumni in Arts and Creativity:

You’ve seen her work and likely heard her name over the last several years and yet Warner alumna Maxely Perez continues to color our world with the overflow of her talent as an artist and educator.

Alumni in Athletics:

Brett Stanton (Class of 2011): Graduated from Warner University with a BA in Business Management with a focus in Accounting and is now the Head Assistant Baseball Coach at Western Oklahoma State College as well as a Health, Physical Education and Recreation Professor.

These are just a few examples of the many accomplished alumni who have graduated from Warner University. Their stories demonstrate the transformative power of a Warner education and the lasting impact that the university has on its students.

Campus Developments and Community Engagement

Warner University is committed to providing a dynamic and engaging campus environment for its students. Recent developments and initiatives demonstrate the university's dedication to enhancing the student experience and fostering a strong sense of community.

Campus Improvements:

New Athletic Turf Field: The construction of Warner University’s new athletic turf field brings the excitement of football, flag football, lacrosse, soccer and track & field to Warner’s campus.
Renovation of Spencer Hall: The MAJOR renovation of Spencer Hall includes adding all new bedrooms, updated air conditioning, a new roof, outside patios and a whole new look.
Tye Athletic Performance Center: Warner’s NEW Tye Athletic Performance Center was dedicated.
Baseball Stadium Renovation: A matching campaign has been kicked off to completely renovate the baseball stadium.
Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle Agriculture Complex: The Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle Agriculture Complex at Warner University is nearing completion.

Community Engagement:

Warner Cares Day: The seventh annual Warner Cares Day took place on Wednesday April 3rd, 2019, with over 450 faculty, staff, and students taking the day off from work and study to help make an impact in Warner’s home community of Lake Wales. Following a brief hiatus, the event will return and Warner alumni are invited to participate!
Victory Ridge Academy Field Day: Warner University’s men’s basketball team participated in Victory Ridge Academy’s annual Field Day, a public charter school dedicated to serving students with special needs.
Spiritual Emphasis Week: Warner University hosted its annual Spiritual Emphasis Week on campus.
Clay Target Fundraiser: The Warner University Clay Target team held its fourth annual Clay Target fundraiser-PULL! For Warner. We had the pleasure of hosting over 20 teams of alumni and members of the community, as well as five recruits!

Celebrating Milestones:

50th Anniversary: This year, Warner University celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Homecoming: Warner University is excited to have Homecoming back on campus.

Read also: A Look at Warner School

tags: #warner #university #notable #alumni