As seen in the Fall 2025 DU Review magazine

 

Everyone has a story. Davenport alumni explain how Davenport fits into their life stories and their successes. Here are a few faces of DU.

 

Zachary Morris, ‘05

Bachelor of Business Administration

Executive Director, Market One

Work Passion

I love my job because it allows me to make a real, positive impact on my community. Every day, I contribute to building an economic environment where people, both now and in the future, can find meaningful work, grow their careers and thrive. Knowing that my efforts help create vibrant, resilient communities is deeply rewarding and keeps me motivated to do my best.

Davenport Highlight

Davenport provided me with an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced and passionate business professionals who were deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. The small class sizes fostered rich, engaging discussions between students and instructors, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that truly shaped my professional foundation. On a personal note, Davenport also had a profound impact on my life. I met my wife, Christina, in one of those intimate classroom settings. We’ve now been married for 20 wonderful years and have built a life together with our three amazing children.

Key Mentor/Decision

My career has been a mosaic of meaningful experiences across education, workforce development and the utilities sector, each one shaping my perspective and preparing me for this role. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside phenomenal colleagues and leaders who challenged and inspired me. Beyond my professional roles, I’ve served on a political action committee and chaired my township planning commission. These combined experiences have given me a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of how communities grow and thrive, forming a strong foundation for my work in economic development.

 

Blair Ellison, ‘24

MBA, Marketing

IT Project Manager, Detroit Public Schools Community District

Work Passion

As an IT Project Manager for Detroit Public Schools Community District, I love the opportunity to connect technology with impact. Every project I lead directly supports students, teachers and families, whether it’s improving digital access, enhancing safety or modernizing our systems. Knowing that my work helps shape the learning environment for more than 44,000 students gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Davenport Highlight

At Davenport, I appreciated how my MBA in Marketing blended strategic business thinking with practical application. The professors challenged me to think differently, and the coursework pushed me to sharpen both my leadership and analytical skills. I also valued the flexibility to complete work online, which allowed me to balance professional responsibilities while advancing my education. That experience gave me the confidence to approach large-scale projects with a balance of innovation and discipline.

Key Mentor/Decision

My greatest mentor has always been my mom. She introduced me to computers at just two years old and set a powerful example by earning her own master’s degree. Her encouragement to always aim higher and her insistence on the value of education inspired me to keep pushing myself. From the start, I wanted to keep up with her and that drive continues to shape my career and personal success today.

 

Hanna Werner, ‘22

MBA, Marketing

Media Campaigns Specialist, SpartanNash

Work Passion

I love the variety my role offers and the opportunity to collaborate with different teams to deliver the best possible results for our partners. Each campaign brings something new — whether it’s learning about a different product and/or crafting a marketing strategy tailored to its unique offerings. That constant change keeps things exciting and allows me to stay curious and creative in my approach.

Davenport Highlight

During my time at Davenport, I really appreciated the flexibility of the online program, which allowed me to balance work and school effectively. Despite being fully remote, the professors fostered a collaborative environment and provided meaningful feedback. I felt like they genuinely took the time to understand my writing and project style, and I enjoyed connecting with classmates from across the country.

Key Mentor/Decision

A key decision that has shaped my career was pursuing my MBA. With an undergraduate background in communications, I knew I needed to further my knowledge of marketing and business administration to round out my skillset and reach the goals I had set for myself. That decision gave me the confidence and qualifications to pursue (and keep pursuing) the experiences I wanted in my career.

 

Kelsee VanderBaan, ’14, ‘17

Nursing, Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner – Internal Medicine

Work Passion

I love serving the West Michigan community where I grew up. As a nurse practitioner, I enjoy building long-term relationships with my patients and helping them take charge of their health. Being able to educate and empower individuals through every stage of life is incredibly rewarding.

Davenport Highlight

My time at Davenport was truly special. I not only received an excellent education, but I had the opportunity to run cross country and track & field during my undergraduate years. Being a student-athlete taught me discipline, time management and resilience. The friendships I made remain some of my closest, and I’m so grateful for my professors and coaches who genuinely supported my academic and personal growth.

Key Mentor/Decision

I’ve always worked hard to reach my goals, but the foundation was laid early in life. Caring for a paraplegic neighbor as a child helped me realize my passion for serving others. That experience sparked a lifelong desire to care for others and ultimately led me to nursing — a profession where I can make a meaningful impact every day.