Anna Gonzalez has been named the new Director of Student Life at DME Academy, a role in which she will excel. Anna comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to the students at DME.

She has a proven track record of success in student affairs, having helped students at DME for the past few years. During this time, she has led several initiatives to improve student engagement and retention rates, and she has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a positive campus culture.

At DME Academy, Anna will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of student life, including student organizations, residential life, and campus programming. Her experience and expertise in student affairs will undoubtedly help the academy to continue to foster a welcoming and inclusive community that supports student success. With her leadership, the academy will be well-positioned to provide students with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally.

“Keeping kids busy makes for happier kids, and happier students perform better,” says Mike Panaggio, Co-Owner/Founder of DME Academy. “DME now has the best Director of Student Life who will keep our students entertained. Last week during spring break she went swimming, paintballing, and to an arcade with our students who stayed on campus. I can’t even keep up with her. Thank you, Anna, for all the great things you do for DME Academy!

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In addition to her professional accomplishments, Anna is known for her warmth and empathy, and she has a natural talent for building strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff alike. Her enthusiasm for her work and her commitment to the student’s well-being will be a great asset to DME Academy. The academy is fortunate to have Anna Gonzalez as its new Director of Student Life, and her appointment will be a positive development for the entire campus community.

Laura Stegall, DME Academy’s Athletic Director, and Volleyball coach earns Purdue University’s Title IX Distinguished Service Award

Laura Stegall, DME Academy’s Athletic Director, and volleyball coach has been selected as one of the recipients of Purdue University’s Title IX Distinguished Service Award. Title IX was first enacted in 1972 and the award from Purdue is being presented to Stegall in honor of its 50th anniversary. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives funding from the Federal Government. 

Stegall and fifteen other individuals are receiving this reward to highlight their significant contributions to the advancement of gender equality in higher education and intercollegiate athletic programs. 

Stegall graduated from Purdue University in Fort Wayne in the spring of 2002. Since graduating, she has gone on to earn countless accolades in the volleyball world. She is a true professional when it comes to launching volleyball programs and helping them blossom.
It all started in 2004 when Stegall spearheaded Indiana Tech’s program and led them to four consecutive winning seasons. She then went on to become the assistant coach of Embry-Riddle University. During her tenure there, the Eagles broke onto the scene with their first NAIA National ranking and made their first-ever national appearance at the National Tournament.

After her stay at Embry-Riddle, she went on to become the head coach of Daytona State College’s volleyball team. 

Laura Stegall is being honored by Purdue Academy at the same time as her former coach, Kelley Hartley Hutton, who is also receiving the same award for her role as director of athletics at PFW. Which includes 15 seasons as head coach of the women’s volleyball program and 13 years as senior woman administrator, and chairperson of the Summit League Women’s Basketball Committee.

“Being put on this list with all of these amazing people is an honor in itself”. Says Stegall, “But earning Purdue’s Distinguished Service Award at the same time as my former coach, Kelley Hutton, is an even bigger personal achievement.” 

In addition to her commitment to collegiate volleyball, Stegall has devoted her free time to enhance the development of young volleyball players in the Volusia County area. She is also the co-founder of If I Can I Will – Win The Day Foundation and author of the book “Diary of a No Name Girl” in which she coined the phrase “survive, thrive, live, repeat.” 

Stegall is a true class act and DME Academy is incredibly lucky to have such a stand-up person as athletic director. 

If you are interested in joining Laura and playing for DME Academy’s volleyball program, check it out here!