FOLLOW THE LEADERS 2026:
Higher Education
Follow the Leaders brings together leaders from Lakeland and the surrounding areas in a panel discussion, where speakers share advice and wisdom with EMERGE members and the community. Ranging from EMERGE alumni to C-Suite executives, from entrepreneurs to non-profit directors, speakers for this event serve as inspiration to the next generation of young professionals in Lakeland. This event provides a rare opportunity to interact one-on-one with community pacesetters and get to know them personally.
This year, the event will be a dinner and fireside chat discussion on how higher education and young professionals can work together to prepare undergrad and grad students for future careers.
Join us on April 20th, 2026!
Meet our Panel
Dr. Jeremy Martin
President of Florida Southern College
Dr. Martin serves as the President of Florida Southern College and brings extensive leadership experience in higher education. Prior to this role, he spent more than a decade at William & Mary, where he most recently served as Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, helping lead major initiatives to strengthen student success and guide the university’s Vision 2026 strategic plan. With a background in strategy, academics, and athletics leadership, Dr. Martin is passionate about advancing student opportunity and institutional growth.
Brad Niethammer
Athletic Director at Webber International University
Brad Niethammer has served as the Athletic Director at Webber International University since 2021 after more than two decades building the school’s athletic programs. Before stepping into the AD role, he founded and led Webber’s baseball program for 26 seasons, compiling over 760 wins and leading the team to a national championship in 2005. A former collegiate player at Appalachian State University, Brad has spent much of his career developing student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.
Dr. Andy Oguntola
Assistant Vice President of Enrollment at Florida Polytechnic University
Dr. Andy Oguntola serves as assistant vice president of enrollment at Florida Polytechnic University. With over 16 years in higher education, he has held leadership roles at Polk State College and Valencia College spanning enrollment management, student services, and workforce education. He holds an Ed.D. in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Oguntola is actively involved in the Central Florida community, serving on boards for United Way of Central Florida, Advent Health Lake Wales, and multiple local economic development councils. His community leadership has been recognized with the Polk County Emerging Leader Award and the City of Lake Wales Leadership Award.
Dr. Amy Bratten
Provost of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education at Polk State College
Dr. Amy Bratten serves as Provost of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education at Polk State College, where she provides leadership for the College’s academic programs and workforce education initiatives that serve students across Polk County. In this role, she works with faculty, staff, and community partners to support educational pathways that connect students with career opportunities and regional workforce needs.
Dr. Bratten earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree from University of Central Florida, and a bachelor’s degree from University of Florida. Her career in higher education has included leadership roles such as Associate Provost, Dean, and Department Chair.
In addition to her work in academic leadership, Dr. Bratten is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has experience in organizational development and leadership coaching. Through her work at Polk State College and in the community, she contributes to initiatives that support student success and workforce readiness in Polk County.
Patrick Fitzgerald
Chief of Staff at Southeastern University
Patrick Fitzgerald serves as Chief of Staff at Southeastern University, where he manages the Office of the President and leads the university’s Communications and Media Relations team. In this role, he acts as a key advisor to the President, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment across departments.
Patrick oversees executive communications, board relations, and special projects, helping to amplify the President’s voice and advance SEU’s mission and strategic priorities. With a background in leadership, project management, and communications, he plays a central role in shaping university-wide priorities and fostering a culture of clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
He holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern University and is deeply committed to Christ-centered education and mission-driven leadership.
April 20th
Event Schedule
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5:30 PM - Mocktail Happy Hour + Appetizers
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6:15 PM - Sit‑Down Dinner
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6:45 PM - Rotation‑Style Q&A
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Every 10 minutes, you’ll rotate to a new table and a new panelist. Like speed‑dating, but for your career.
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7:45 PM - Closing Statements
Dinner Menu
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Tossed Salad
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Parmesan Encrusted Chicken
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Vegetarian Option: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa
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Parmesan Risotto Pear
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Asparagus
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Iced Tea, Water, Coffee, and Mocktails
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Dessert: Chocolate Cake w/Fudge Icing and Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling
Note: No alcohol permitted at Florida Southern College, but we promise the mocktails still slap.
Secure your seat early! Follow the Leaders is consistently one of EMERGE’s most attended (and most talked‑about) signature events of the year.
