Alexander Wilson '10 is the owner of a boutique interior design and decoration firm in New York City. Throughout his decade-long career, he has become known for creating sophisticated, comfortable spaces that blend color, pattern, and both traditional and modern design elements. Before launching his own firm, he worked with Ashley Whittaker Design, where his collaborative projects were featured in Veranda, House Beautiful, and AD Italia. In 2024, Mr. Wilson was recognized as a "Design Darling" by Frederic Magazine for his outstanding design work. While at the College, he earned his BA in historic preservation and community planning.

Shelby Higdon ’19 is responsible for calculating the critical factors that ensure military aircraft complete safe, successful flights. From determining wind speed, aircraft weight, fuel limits, and cargo capacity, she helps ensure aircraft can operate safely and effectively. While at the College, Ms. Higdon earned her BA in communication and decided to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force. She joined the Los Angeles Air Force Base as an Acquisitions Officer for the Space Enterprise Consortium. After three years in that role, she was promoted to Combat Systems Officer, where she is responsible for making countless critical decisions that contribute to the success and safety of each mission.

Micah Mallace '07 (MBA '11) is the CEO and President of South Carolina Ports. Mr. Mallace has built a successful career in the maritime and logistics industry, serving in various roles at SC Ports and, most recently, as CEO of Harbor Logistics. While at the College, he earned his BA in supply chain management and later completed his MBA in finance in 2011. Read more in the latest issue of College of Charleston Magazine, digital.charleston.edu/issue…

Kelsey Glover ’20 recently earned her M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina and plans to pursue a career in burn surgery. Her passion for medicine began unexpectedly through EMT training, which led to her work with Dorchester County EMS and ultimately sparked her interest in trauma surgery while transferring patients to MUSC. Encouraged by her family to apply to medical school, she achieved her goal of becoming a physician while also starting a family and welcoming her daughter. She earned her BS in biology from the College and resides in Charleston, SC, with her husband, Jared, and their daughter.

Katherine Bruce ’20 recently earned their Ph.D. in Physics from Montana State University and is now beginning the next chapter of their career with SHINE Technologies, a nuclear fusion company. During their time at the College, they earned a B.S. in Astrophysics and Physics. We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Bruce on this outstanding academic achievement and wish them continued success!

Kaitlin Ashby ’25 was recently named one of Charleston County School District’s 2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year, an honor recognizing outstanding first-year educators across early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school levels. Nominated by her principal, Ms. Ashby was selected for her dedication to meeting the needs of her students and their families and for exemplifying the values of her school community. While at the College, she earned her BA in Special Education and Teaching.

Daniel Dickerson '99 and Marie Allain Dickerson '99 are making a lasting impact on graduate education through the Chick-fil-A Graduate Leadership Scholarship, established in 2020 to support master's degree candidates at the College. This year's recipients, Carmen "Kit" Lowery '26 (MPA) and Shelby Allen '25 (MBA '26), have used the scholarship to pursue leadership opportunities, internships, and real-world experiences shaping their careers in public service and marketing. The Dickersons' ongoing generosity is helping students overcome financial barriers and turn their academic and professional goals into reality.

Hirona Matsuda ’07 is a local artist and the Director of Merchandising at Artist & Craftsman Supply in downtown Charleston. While at the College, she earned her BA in anthropology and art and joined the store as a part-time employee while studying sculpture, noting that “a huge part of my art education actually came from working at the store because you’re constantly talking to professional artists about what they’re doing in the studio.” The company was founded in Maine by a ceramic artist. Artist & Craftsman Supply has grown into one of the largest independent art supply retailers, with stores largely operated by working artists and focused on strong relationships with the creative community, including schools and organizations such as the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. In her role, Ms. Matsuda is committed to continuing that emphasis on connection and community building.

Matthew McLaughlin ’01 quickly became part of Charleston’s design scene after graduating from the College and went on to open his flagship store, Well Furnished, now known for its thoughtfully curated furniture, art, jewelry, and gifts. The store is highly regarded by Charleston-area interior designers and homebuyers. His eye for design developed early through visits to auctions and antique malls with his family and while working at his mother’s interior design studio. While at the College, he earned a BA in French and international business.

Join alumni, friends, and supporters of Cougar Nation on Friday, May 1, for Viva Chuck Vegas - the newest Spring Alumni Weekend event! The evening features Vegas-style games, delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, beer & wine; and lounge acts featuring crooning from a trio of current students backed by a vocalist and a big band orchestra comprising alumni, and musicians from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra backing three alumni vocalists. May 1, 2026 TD Arena 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. $100 per ticket Attire: whatever you’re wearing! To register: cofc-alumni.info/CofCSAW2026 We hope to see you there!

Ellison Wofford ’13 recently launched her company, Susurrus Sparkling Teas. While at the College, she earned a BS in business administration and began her career in Napa’s wine industry, working across multiple stages of the business and laying the foundation for becoming a solo female founder. As a 500-hour-certified yoga instructor, she developed a passion for wellness that ultimately led her to explore tea after discovering the similarities between wine and tea. Overall, her company is inspired by her passion for the wine industry as she describes her product as wine’s “sober sister” and markets it as an alternative beverage, not necessarily a substitute, but a choice for people who enjoy the same complexities as wine.

Kyle Barretto ’25 always imagined himself following a traditional path as a software engineer, but he recently accepted a position as the first Generative AI Engineer at Siemens SI EP NA, pioneering the next steps in Applied and Industrial AI across all U.S. plants. A first-generation student who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 11, he earned both a BS in computer science and an MS in computer and information sciences while running a side business as a personal stylist. He is also developing his first clothing line.

Alaysha Maple ’21 was recently named Journalist of the Year by the South Carolina Press Association, marking the first time a Sumter Item reporter has received the honor. She is also the first Black woman to earn this award in its history. Her reporting spans breaking news, feature storytelling, investigative work, and community events, and she is recognized for her leadership as next-gen news editor, her collaboration with student groups, and her commitment to investing in community members. While at the College, Ms. Maple earned her BA in communication.

Charlotte Sparkes ’25 was accepted into the Operations Management Program at Gallo, the largest family-owned wine producer in the world. Through this competitive three-year program, Ms. Sparkes rotates through four positions to gain leadership, management, and technical expertise while being immersed in multiple areas of supply chain operations. In her first rotation as Harvest Team Lead, she managed twelve temporary employees and supervised crush operations. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Understanding the mind helps explain workplace dynamics and why people make certain business decisions, whether on a small or large scale.” While at the College, Ms. Sparkes earned her BS in supply chain management.