FMU honors four distinguished alumni at annual Alumni Awards ceremony

Francis Marion University honored four of its distinguished alumni at its annual Alumni Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 6.

Debbie Pollock-Berry (’88) of Ashburn, VA, was recognized as the university’s 2025 Outstanding Alumnus. Pollock-Berry has over 25 years of experience as a global and domestic Human Resources Executive with an extensive background leading culture transformation and new business development initiatives. She is currently the Chief People and Culture Officer for PLEZI. Prior to joining PLEZI, Pollock-Berry served as Chief People and Culture Officer for The Trevor Project and Save the Children, and held human resources leadership roles at XO Communications, North American Energy Alliance, Verizon, and AOL.

Pollock-Berry serves on the Governing Body for the Washington DC HR Leadership Summit. She has also served on Forbes Human Resources Council, the Board of Directors for LEADVA, and on the Smart CEO’s Executive Management Selection Committee. She was recently recognized as one of the 2024 Virginia Black Business Leaders.

Brooke Thibodaux (’16) of Sumter, SC, received the Benjamin Wall Ingram III Young Alumnus Award. A first-generation college graduate and alumna of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Thibodaux is the founder of B Marketing, a boutique creative marketing firm established in 2020. She is passionate about helping others build their brands through expert branding, web design, and tailored marketing strategies. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation have allowed her to make a meaningful impact on businesses and nonprofits striving to grow and succeed. 

Thibodaux is dedicated to serving in her community, where she is an active member of her church and serves on its communications committee. She is also a board member for the Sumter Tennis Association.

Col. Jay McElveen (’94) of Beaufort, SC, was awarded the Professional Industry Award for Public Service and Law. In March 1989, McElveen enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard as a UH-1 Crew Chief in the 659th Medical Detachment. After his commissioning in 1994, he attended the Army’s Rotary Wing Flight School and was awarded the Army Aviator’s Badge in 1997. He also earned a master’s degree from the United States Air War College. 

As a member of the National Guard, he was assigned to various positions including Intelligence Officer, Battalion Commander, and Brigade Commander. His deployments include Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. He has received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star (3rd Award), the Air Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Combat Action Badge, and Master Army Aviator Badge.

Dr. Tim Hunter (’96) of Newberry, SC, received the Professional Industry Award for Education and Arts. After receiving his degree in Elementary Education from FMU, Hunter earned a master’s degree in Administration from Cambridge College and the Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

He began his career in education as an instructional assistant, later advancing to teaching fourth-grade math and science at Gallman Elementary in Newberry County for eight years. He later served as an assistant principal and principal in elementary schools and as the Chief Student Services Officer for the School District of Newberry County.