Development & Alumni Engagement - Meet Our Staff

Brandon Prescott

Executive Director of Development & Alumni Engagement

Brandon Prescott manages the Development & Alumni Engagement team at Stetson Law. He has more than 16 years of experience working with higher education institutions and community nonprofit organizations. He enjoys building meaningful relationships with generous alumni and friends of Stetson Law to benefit student’s success in the classroom and in their careers.

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University and an Institute for Leaders in Development Certification from University of Denver. In his free time, Brandon enjoys all beach and water activities with his wife and two children, including swimming, beach volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Patricia Toups

Director of Development & Alumni Engagement

A long-time resident of St. Petersburg, Patricia Toups earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Stetson University, and her Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur.) in Aging, Law and Policy at Stetson University College of Law. Patricia has worked in the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement since 2001 in various roles. As Director of Development, Patricia brings a broad breadth and knowledge to the development team. She is devoted to the Stetson Law’s alumni and students, and fosters connections to deepen their relationship with the college.

Patricia previously worked in the Office of Admissions at Stetson Law from 1980 to 1984. In 2004, she was named Employee of the Year. She received the Dean's Award for service to the law school in 2007 and 2012. She has two sons, a daughter and granddaughter. One of her sons is also a graduate of Stetson University College of Law.

Becky Ellingwood

Associate Director of Development & Alumni Engagement

Becky Ellingwood grew up in Virginia and now resides in St. Petersburg. Prior to joining the team, Becky served as House Manager and Weekend Manager of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, VA. As Associate Director at Stetson Law, she establishes and grows relationships with alumni and friends, and connects them to the college through philanthropy, programs, and events.

Becky graduated from George Mason University, receiving her B.A. in public relations with an event management minor. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, and soaking up the sun every chance she gets.

Karen Ryals

Major Gift Officer

Karen Ryals, a native Tampan, has spent the past 30 years working in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. She is the former Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society, Tampa Bay. Over the years she has specialized in annual giving and donor development. Karen also has experience in planned giving and capital campaigns. In addition to building relationships with alumni and friends of Stetson Law, Karen also manages the college’s Book Awards program.

Ryals has worked at numerous nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area and has been very active in the community as a volunteer. She received her B.A. in Education from the University of Florida and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University.

Tomeka Jackson

Manager of Development & Alumni Engagement

Tomeka Jackson provides administrative support for the entire department, and in particular, works closely in helping to prepare for the College of Law's multitude of events. A graduate of Florida Metropolitan University (BS – Criminal Justice) and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University (MSCJ – Criminal Justice), Tomeka most recently worked at Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg.

In her free time, Tomeka enjoys shopping, traveling and visiting with family and friends

Patricia Osborn

Administrative Specialist

Patricia Osborn is native to the Tampa Bay area and is the Administrative Specialist for the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement. She joined the College of Law in January 2016 and worked in the Registrar’s Office and the Dean’s Office before transitioning to the team. In her current role she supports the office in a variety of ways, including database management and reporting, donor stewardship, and coordination of outreach.

Patricia earned her B.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from St. Petersburg College and is currently a law student in the College of Law’s part-time program. While law school keeps her busy, she enjoys spending her free time with her family.