Our Dedicated Staff and Administrators
Meet the visionaries behind John Melvin University, where academic excellence meets faith-driven leadership.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet the visionary educators and administrators committed to empowering the next generation of faith-driven leaders at John Melvin University.
Drake Angeron
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Angeron provides overall vision, strategic leadership, institutional growth, fundraising, partnerships, and oversight of all university operations.
"John Melvin University isn't just preparing students for a career—we're preparing them for a calling. Our mission is to develop leaders of character, strengthen faith, pursue excellence, and equip every student to make an eternal impact in their profession, their community, and the world. The future doesn't belong to those who simply earn degrees; it belongs to those who choose to lead with purpose."
Dr. Josh Laxton
President / Dean of Religious Studies
Dr. Laxton serves as the campus president under the CEO while providing spiritual leadership and oversight of the School of Theology, chapel, discipleship, and campus culture.
"The study of God's Word is not simply an academic pursuit—it is a lifelong journey of knowing Christ more deeply and living out His truth more faithfully. At John Melvin University, our Religious Studies programs are designed to equip students with biblical knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and servant-hearted leadership that will impact churches, communities, and the world. True education transforms both the mind and the heart, preparing us to faithfully answer God's calling wherever He leads."
Dr. Angela Houston
Vice President / Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Houston oversees all academic affairs, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty, assessment, institutional effectiveness, and academic quality.
"Education has the power to transform lives, but Christ-centered education has the power to transform hearts. At John Melvin University, we are committed to academic excellence that challenges the mind, strengthens character, and prepares students to lead with wisdom, integrity, and purpose. Our goal is not simply to graduate students with knowledge, but to equip servant leaders who will make a lasting impact for Christ in every profession and every community they serve."
Jason Houston
Chief of Staff / Director of Compliance
Mr. Houston coordinates executive initiatives, oversees institutional compliance, board relations, strategic planning, human resources coordination, and cross-departmental communication while ensuring executive priorities are implemented.
"Excellence is never an accident—it is the result of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to doing the right thing even when no one is watching. At John Melvin University, compliance isn't just about meeting standards; it's about honoring our mission, serving our students with excellence, and building an institution that will impact generations to come. Every policy we uphold and every decision we make is another brick in the foundation of a legacy that glorifies God."
Karen Whalen
Registrar
"Every transcript tells a story—not just of courses completed, but of perseverance, growth, and purpose discovered. As Registrar, I have the privilege of witnessing students turn dreams into accomplishments one semester at a time. At John Melvin University, we are committed to supporting every student with excellence, accuracy, and care as they journey toward graduation and the calling God has placed on their lives. Your future is built one faithful step at a time."
Tiffani Burkes
Director of Admissions
"Every student's journey begins with a single step of faith. At John Melvin University, we don't just see applicants—we see future leaders, servant-hearted professionals, and individuals with God-given potential waiting to be developed. Our admissions team is committed to walking alongside each student, helping them discover that a Christ-centered education can open doors to a life of purpose, impact, and lasting success. Your future starts the moment you decide to answer God's call."
Alyssa Angeron
Director of Marketing
"Every story has the power to inspire, and every student has a story worth telling. At John Melvin University, our mission is more than classrooms and degrees—it's about transforming lives through Christ-centered education. Through every message, every photo, and every campaign, we strive to share the incredible impact God is making through our students, faculty, and alumni. When people see what God is doing at JMU, they don't just discover a university—they discover a place where purpose becomes reality."
Savanna Wiggins
Director of Student Services
"A successful college experience is about more than earning a degree—it's about growing as a person, building meaningful relationships, and discovering God's purpose for your life. At John Melvin University, Student Services is here to ensure every student feels supported, encouraged, and empowered from their first day on campus to the day they graduate. When students know they belong, they gain the confidence to become everything God created them to be."
Jenni Wilson
Dean of General Education
"A strong education begins with a strong foundation. General education is more than a collection of required courses—it is the framework that develops critical thinking, effective communication, ethical leadership, and a lifelong love of learning. At John Melvin University, we believe every class should prepare students not only for professional success, but for lives of wisdom, service, and Christ-centered leadership. Great leaders are built on strong foundations."
Zach Potts
Dean of Business
"Business is about far more than profits—it's about creating value, serving others, and leading with integrity. At John Melvin University, we prepare students to become ethical entrepreneurs, innovative leaders, and faithful stewards who use their talents to make a positive impact in the marketplace. Success is measured not only by what you achieve, but by how you honor God and serve people along the way."
Dr. Richard Davidson
Dean of Sports Science
"Great coaches and performance professionals understand that success is built long before game day. At John Melvin University, our Sports Science programs combine evidence-based education, hands-on experience, and Christ-centered leadership to prepare students to elevate athletes and transform lives. Whether you're training champions, preventing injuries, or advancing human performance, your greatest impact will always come from serving others with knowledge, integrity, and purpose."
Uzair Afzal
Chief Financial officer
"Strong institutions are built on faithful stewardship. Every financial decision we make at John Melvin University is guided by integrity, transparency, and a commitment to our mission. When we steward our resources wisely, we create opportunities for students to pursue their God-given purpose, invest in academic excellence, and build a university that will serve generations to come. Responsible stewardship today creates a stronger future tomorrow."
Scott Fontaine
Athletic Director
"Athletics is one of the greatest classrooms for developing character, discipline, and leadership. Every practice, every game, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person. At John Melvin University, we are committed to building championship programs that honor Christ, pursue excellence, and prepare student-athletes to lead with integrity long after the final whistle. We don't just develop competitors—we develop leaders for life."
Pete Della Ratta
Direct of Community Relations
"A university is strongest when it serves the community around it. At John Melvin University, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. By building meaningful partnerships with local businesses, churches, schools, nonprofits, and civic leaders, we create opportunities that enrich our students while making a lasting difference in the communities we call home. Together, we can build something that impacts lives today and leaves a legacy for generations to come."
James Lee
Executive Director, Campus Ministry and Media
"Our mission is to ensure that every student knows they are seen, valued, and loved by Christ. Campus Ministry is more than a program—it is the heartbeat of a Christ-centered university. Through worship, discipleship, prayer, service, and the power of media, we have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel both on campus and around the world. At John Melvin University, we are committed to developing graduates who are not only academically prepared, but spiritually equipped to live boldly for Jesus wherever He calls them."
Richard Coleman
Librarian
"Every great achievement begins with a desire to learn. A library is more than a collection of books and resources—it is a place where curiosity grows, ideas are explored, and wisdom is cultivated. At John Melvin University, we are committed to providing students with the tools, guidance, and resources they need to pursue truth, think critically, and grow both academically and spiritually. Lifelong learning is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself and in your calling."