Belhaven University Announces 2025 Alumni Award Honorees

JACKSON, Miss. (September 8, 2025) — Belhaven University has announced its 2025 Alumni Award recipients, honoring graduates who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service in their professions and communities. All honorees will be recognized at Belhaven University’s 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Alumni of the Year – Spencer and Melanie (Moore) Sullivan, Class of 2001

This is awarded to distinguished alumni who has achieved excellence in their field of service and embodies Belhaven University’s mission in their life and work.

Spencer and Melanie Sullivan, both 2001 graduates, are recognized for their lifelong commitment to ministry and global missions. Spencer, who earned a degree in sports ministry, and Melanie, who studied elementary education, served for more than a decade in the Middle East working with unreached people groups. Today, Spencer pastors Pelahatchie Baptist Church, and Melanie teaches special education at Pelahatchie Elementary while pursuing a master’s degree in dyslexia therapy. Together, they continue to champion global missions and local ministry.

Young Alumnus of the Year – Jake Clarke, Class of 2021

This is awarded to a recent graduate of the past decade who pursues excellence in their field and has achieved success as a younger leader.

Jake Clarke, broker-owner of NuWay Realty MS, is a rising leader in Mississippi’s real estate industry. At only 26, Clarke manages a growing team of agents, oversees dozens of properties, and ranks among the top 10 sales agents in Central Mississippi. Known for his strategic leadership and entrepreneurial drive, Clarke credits his Belhaven education for grounding his work in faith and purpose.

Spirit of Belhaven – Sheree Thompson, Class of 2019

This is awarded to an alumnus who exemplifies the heart of Belhaven University‘s mission, “to serve and not be served.” This designation honors a servant leader of distinction who embraces Belhaven’s mission and serves Christ Jesus in their career, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.

Sheree Thompson embodies Belhaven’s mission “to serve and not be served.” She earned her MBA with a focus in leadership in 2019 and is now pursuing a doctorate in healthcare administration. In 2021, she founded A Village, Inc., a nonprofit that connects underserved communities with vital resources. Thompson also serves as a Girl Scout troop leader, volunteers in her church, and has been recognized as a “Remarkable Woman in Mississippi” by WJTV.

Bettye Quinn Education Award – Tricia Wood, Class of 1976

This is awarded to a Belhaven School of Education graduate who reflects Ms. Quinn's dedication, commitment, and loyalty to teaching and service to their community.

Wood, an English graduate, has dedicated her career to teaching English as a Second Language across the globe, including with the Defense Language Institute and Palacký University in the Czech Republic. She now serves as English editor for the FBI’s National Virtual Translation Center.

Business Success Award – Lawrence N. Overbey, Jr., Class of 2018

This is awarded to a graduate who integrates Christian values and ethics in the marketplace. A servant leader committed to excellence and dedication to serving others.  

Overbey serves as Director of Global Database Engineering & Operations at IHG Hotels & Resorts, overseeing mission-critical systems for more than 6,600 hotels worldwide. An author and church strategist, he integrates faith and leadership in both corporate and ministry settings.

STEM Distinction Award – Dr. Peter Mittwede, Class of 2008

This is awarded to a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics graduate who has achieved significant success in their professional role and encourages a Christian worldview while discovering innovations and best practices in their field. 

Mittwede, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, combines medical practice, research, and teaching. A former cross-country runner at Belhaven, he completed an M.D./Ph.D. before pursuing residency and fellowship training in orthopaedic surgery.

Entrepreneurial Award – Frederick Terry, Class of 2001

This is awarded to a servant leader entrepreneur who has proven success in business – profit or non-profit – and demonstrates a commitment to ethical leadership in the marketplace. 

Terry, founder and co-owner of TLS and Associates LLC, leads a healthcare training and staffing company, an assisted living facility, and a newly approved Community Mental Health Center. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to healthcare innovation and community service.

Arts Excellence Award – Dayton Castleman, Class of 1998

This is awarded to a graduate who has achieved excellence in the Arts professionally and honors the Lord through their creativity. 

Castleman, a sculptor and arts leader, serves as Director of Creative Placemaking at Verdant Studio in Arkansas. His work in public spaces integrates creativity and community, building on his Belhaven art education and MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Church Service Award – Chris A. Gibson, Class of 1978

To honor an alum who has effectively worked to strengthen the work of the Church in sharing the Gospel message.

Gibson, a Presbyterian minister and licensed counselor, has served missionaries worldwide for more than two decades. Based in Scotland, he and his wife, Debbie, provide pastoral care, counseling, and crisis support to missionaries and their families.

Ministry Influence Award – Josip Debeljuh, Class of 2000

To a graduate who has been influential in their pastoral or service-ministry, building the Kingdom through their work.

Debeljuh, a missionary and discipleship leader in Croatia, uses sports, preaching, and teaching to reach communities across Europe and Latin America. He and his wife, Kelly, partner with Global Outreach International, emphasizing intentional discipleship and relational ministry.