Notable Alumni

Trevor Vardeman is a highly skilled software engineer at Advizex, a leading IT solutions provider delivering cutting edge solutions to diverse industries. Previously, Vardeman worked at Optomi Professional Services, where he collaborated with a team of developers to design and develop ServiceNow functionalities that aligned with clients' specific needs, delivering user-centric solutions that enhanced their overall value proposition. At Advizex, Vardeman continues to excel in ServiceNow consulting and development, where he plays a crucial role in crafting innovative solutions that optimize business processes and enhance operational efficiency. He develops custom ServiceNow applications, implements automated workflows, and ensures seamless integrations with existing systems. Vardeman also serves as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them on best practices for maintaining optimal business processes within their ServiceNow environments. Apart from his professional engagements, Vardeman is an active member of the Nacogdoches community and renders his time and resources to the Hope Food Pantry and the annual Texas Blueberry Festival.

Imagine having a job waiting for you upon graduation with one of the most innovative companies in the world. Sam Jentsch was a double-major in mathematics and computer science, and he joined Google’s ranks upon graduation. Jentsch worked hard during his time at SFA by participating in three internships, including one with NASA and another with GE Oil and Gas, where his innovation project won a first-place award. Jentsch worked as a tutor and a teacher’s assistant while at SFA. In addition, he was self-employed as a freelance developer. He was also active in several clubs and organizations: He served as president of the SFA chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon (computer science honors society) and was a member of the SFA Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics honors society).

Brian Warwick's career has been marked by leveraging technology to improve people's lives. During his time at SFA, he was actively involved in the Computer Science Club and served as its president. After graduating, he spent nine years at AIG building enterprise financial applications. Warwick then transitioned to Texas Children's Hospital, where he developed clinical applications while collaborating closely with doctors and healthcare leaders. Wanting to make a global impact, he then joined Amazon Web Services to create healthcare solutions, advise AWS Partners, and help companies realize their clinical and business objectives using AWS. Brian also cofounded a speech pathology startup, Central Speech, with the goal of giving a voice to anyone using technology. Throughout his career, Warwick's solutions have been utilized by millions of people worldwide, reflecting his commitment to using the latest technology to make a positive impact.
 

Michael Hawkins developed a passion for software development and entrepreneurship at a very young age. Combining these passions with a talent for problem-solving has led to over 24 years of delivering innovative healthcare software solutions, positively impacting millions of lives, and establishing an admirable record of leading organizations from start-up to successful exits. As the chief technology officer and one of the original investors at Vivify Health, Hawkins played a crucial role in the company's rapid growth, which led to its acquisition by Optum (a division of UnitedHealth Group) in 2019.  Prior to his tenure at Vivify Health, Hawkins served as the vice president of software development at MEDHOST, transforming it into a leading emergency department solution used by over 500 hospitals and benefiting 10 million patients annually. His significant contributions culminated in the company's acquisition by Healthcare Management Systems in 2012, which subsequently adopted the MEDHOST brand. Hawkins has held the CTO position at two healthcare startups; Patient Discovery, specializing in the oncology sector, and Axuall, specializing in workforce intelligence and clinician credentialing.

John Barrar has a love of technology that started in the fifth grade, writing video games in BASIC on a TI-99/4A computer. John received a Bachelor of Science in computer science from SFA and currently serves on the Advisory Council for the Department of Computer Science. Before joining the executive committee at Sandpiper Hospitality, Barrar helped Capital One grow from an unknown company to the sixth-largest bank in the U.S. In between, he shifted his focus to managed technology services for small- to medium-sized businesses. With each step, Barrar aims to get closer to the individual users of technology. As a board member of the Richmond Virginia Technology Council, rvatech, Barrar actively promotes technology in the community and never misses an opportunity to share his passion.

Lance Hirsch is co-founder and former president of Focus POS Systems, a Texas-based company that delivers innovative software technology to the hospitality industry. Since 1990, the company has installed thousands of uncomplicated solutions that best position clients for profitability and competitive advantage. Focus POS Systems pioneered cloud-based point-of-sale software that circumvents problems that arise in the event of a network connection failure.
 

Carlos Amaral has a diverse career in IT. Prior to joining Ceres Technology, Amaral worked in in a variety of leadership positions at companies including Deloitte Consulting, Alsbridge, ISG/TPI and Oracle Corporation. Carlos is the former president and CEO of Sequoia Network Services. He is a past member of the SFA Board of Regents, Texas Manufactured Housing Association Board and the Citizens Development Center in Dallas. He is also a past board member of the North Texas History Center and a graduate of the FBI Citizens and Plano Police Citizens academies.