Geordie Hyland is the President and Chief Executive Officer of American College of Education (ACE). ACE is an accredited, fully online college that specializes in high-quality, flexible, and affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare, and nursing. ACE has over 13,000 students and more than 54,000 graduates and is focused on providing a strong value position to students. 85% of ACE’s students graduate with no debt, and 3rd party market research calculates that for every $1 invested in ACE’s tuition, graduates receive $19.20 in future career earnings. Geordie holds a bachelor's and an MBA from Harvard, as well as an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Stephanie Bannister is the president of FirstGen Forward. With over two decades of experience in higher education, she has dedicated her career to advancing student success, community building, and leadership development. Stephanie previously served as the assistant vice provost for student success at Kansas State University (K-State), where she began working in 2001 within the division of student life and housing and dining services.

Before her time at K-State, Stephanie was the associate director for student living at the University of Kansas, directed two residence halls, and traveled nationwide as a consultant for Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity. A sought-after consultant, Stephanie has worked with higher education institutions and non-profit organizations on strategic planning, reaccreditation, and philanthropic support. She also serves as an external reviewer of programs.

Stephanie holds a B.A. from Fort Hays State University, an M.S. from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in education from K-State. She is a graduate teaching faculty member in the College of Education at K-State and is an active member of the Manhattan, Kansas, community.

A passionate advocate and ally for first-generation students, Stephanie resides in Kansas with her husband, the Honorable Grant D. Bannister, chief judge for Kansas' 21st Judicial District. Together, they are proud parents of Sydney and her partner, Jake; William and Grace; and grandson Lawrence Miles

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Alexander Bolton is a devoted child of God, a junior student-athlete at Brevard College in North Carolina, and a faith-filled YouTuber.

Alexander has maintained extraordinary grades at Brevard and has made the Dean’s List every year, including this past semester. At Brevard, he is a member of The Hidden Opponent, a leader of Brevard College Worship Nights, Brevard College admissions content work study, and a peer leader. He has also been a writer for the college newspaper.

He has been a page at the S.C. State House for state Sen. Overture Walker, whose successful campaign he worked on in the summer of 2024. Alexander has interned with Banco Bannister Co., a Columbia marketing and public relations firm, for two consecutive summers.

He highlights his walk as a college student, follower of Christ and student of the Word as he explores the gospel on his YouTube channel, “NoLimitAb.”

His favorite scripture is John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

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