The University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business inducted its 2025 Hall of Fame class on Nov. 17 at the UWF Conference Center.
“The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Hall of Fame is a tribute to the extraordinary individuals whose vision, leadership, dedication and achievements have made a lasting impact on our college and the greater community,” said Dr. Scott Keller, dean of the college. “They inspire our students, graduates and the entire college to achieve new heights.”
The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Hall of Fame was created in 2021 with the purpose of highlighting and honoring individuals who present qualities that showcase the excellence of the college as a place of learning. Inductees include UWF alumni or supporters who have positively impacted the college and the wider Pensacola community. A committee composed of college faculty and administration are responsible for selecting candidates. Inductee criteria include graduating from or supporting the college in any meaningful way, exceptional career accomplishments, significant professional recognition, community involvement and service to the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and UWF.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes:
- Gerald Adcox ‘77: Retired CFO and assistant to the chairman of Medart Companies; UWF Foundation Board
- Lewis Bear Jr. ‘23: Former CEO and president of The Lewis Bear Company; former UWF Board of Trustees Chair; former UWF Foundation Board of Directors member; philanthropist who established the Lewis Bear Company Endowment for Excellence in Business Education at UWF
- Melissa Brode ‘16, ‘25: Associate dean and director of graduate program, Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business
- Cameron Davies ‘91: Corporate chief data and AI officer, Yum! Brands
- Darrell Gooden ‘73: Founder of Gooden Homes, Inc.; former UWF Foundation Board of Directors member; philanthropist
- Mary Holladay ‘89: Business manager, Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business
- Dan McMillan ‘93: Managing trustee of D.W. McMillian Trust and the D.W. McMillan Foundation of Brewton, Alabama; former UWF Foundation Board member
- Martha Saunders: President emeritus, University of West Florida
- Rodney Sutton ‘91: Managing partner, SNS Reality, Inc.; UWF Foundation Board of Directors
- John David Thomas ‘08: Regional vice president, Crane Worldwide Logistics; founding member and former president of the Marketing and Logistics Association at UWF
- Jim Thornton ‘74: Retired CFO U.S. risk management for a British FTSE 100 firm
- Tom Vaughn ‘81: Financial advisor, Northwestern Mutual
- Stephen Wright ‘81: Retired CEO and senior vice president of group operations for CHRISTUS Health Louisiana and Southeast Texas; philanthropist who helped establish the Wright Family Institute for Global and Population Health at UWF
“These individuals embody what it means to lead boldly,” Keller said. “They are the very definition of excellence, purpose, innovation and courage. With them, the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is truly exceptional.”
For more information about the UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Hall of Fame, visit uwf.edu/lbjcob/community-outreach/hall-of-fame.
