Meet the Team at Axon Education

KB Massingill, Ph.D, CEO

Dr. KB Massingill is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer for Axon Education, LLC. His expertise lies in the areas of online learning, faculty development, instructional technology and business administration. His research includes the monograph “A Comparison of Communication Motives of On-Site and Off-Site Students in Videoconference-Based Courses”, software entitled Learning Teams Untangled. He has presented at EDUCAUSE, the Campus EAI Consortium, eLearning iSeminar Series, The Texas Faculty Development Network Conference, The Texas Computer Education Association Annual Conference, and Tel Ed, the Third International Symposium on Telecommunications in Education. He has been quoted by the Wall Street Journal Online Edition in matters of Educational Technology. Massingill is an Emergency Medical Technician, and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems, and a Ph.D. in Information Sciences from the University of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences. Massingill served for 18 years as the co-director of Zambia Medical Mission in Africa.

Juddson Smith, Executive Vice President

Juddson Smith is the Executive Vice President, and Program Director of Axon Education, LLC. Smith has substantial experience and expertise in emergency medical services (EMS) and education. He is a Licensed Paramedic and a holds a Master’s in Business Administration from West Texas A & M University. Smith’s experience includes several years in EMS, EMS administration, and EMS education. Smith was instrumental in the formation of the Axon Education Consortium and his career highlights include a transformative 4-year tenure rebuilding a rural EMS Service, significantly enhancing healthcare access for rural communities. His passion lies in innovating distance education methods for healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality training is accessible across diverse settings. Outside of work, Juddson finds fulfillment in family life with his wife Allison and their three children, Josiah, Ellie, and Jax. He channels his free time into coaching youth baseball, blending his leadership skills with a love for community and sports.

Dr. Cynde Wadley, Dean of Instruction and Academic Support

Dr. Cynde Wadley, Ed.D., is the Dean of Instruction and Academic Support. She has over thirty-five years of experience in quality teaching and learning in a variety of settings. Holding a master’s degree in instructional technology, She excels in integrating digital tools for accessibility and effectiveness. Her expertise includes curriculum design to ensure programs are structured and aligned with objectives by using pedagogical strategies to enhance active learning and collaboration. She also develops fair and reliable formative and summative assessments to provide data-driven feedback to refine teaching practices. Dr. Wadley has over fifteen years of providing mentorship and professional development opportunities for administrators and teachers. She is an adjunct faculty member at Sul Ross State University. She volunteers at her church and enjoys quilting and gardening. Dr. Wadley’s dedication ensures effective, engaging, and continuously improving teaching and learning processes.

Adam Wester, LP, BHA, Assistant Program Director

Adam Wester is the Assistant Program Director. He helps create the next generation of EMS professionals by assisting in the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum and instruction for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Adam has over 11 years of experience in the hospital and health care industry. He currently holds an associate’s degree in Paramedicine with an active Licensed Paramedic Certification, and a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration. Adam brings a strong background in emergency medicine, leadership, and team building. Adam is passionate about enhancing the knowledge and skills of EMS students and instructors and ensuring that they meet the standards and expectations of the industry and the community. His goal is to contribute to the improvement and innovation of EMS education and training, and to make a positive impact on the health and safety of the people he serves.

Brandon Lemley, MBA, Chief Operations Officer

Brandon Lemley serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Axon Education. He brings over 14 years of experience in the field of higher education and has an extensive experience in graduate, adult, vocational, and online education, and working with multi-campus environments. Prior to joining Axon, Lemley worked with and consulted for a range of prestigious colleges and universities across the country and for prominent higher education consulting firms. In his most recent role, he served as the Director of Admissions and Marketing at Abilene Christian University. In that capacity, he played a crucial role in the development and expansion of graduate and online programs. This included serving as part of a team which launched a branch campus in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which now enrolls more than 2,300 students. Lemley was also deeply involved in the strategic planning, launching, expansion, and accreditation of several academic programs. Lemley has also served as adjunct faculty for Business and Organizational Development courses, and in leadership roles for several prominent higher education organizations. Beyond higher education, Lemley also has extensive experience working in industry. Outside of work, Lemley is an avid traveler, taco enthusiast, and has a deep for fishing and all things outdoors.

Leah Leas, M.Ed., Director of Administrative Services

Leah Leas is the Director of Administrative Services and Assistant to the President. Leah earned her Masters of Education degree from Liberty University, which equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the complexities of student finances, registration services, administrative planning, etc. She is a member of the President’s Cabinet. She previously served as the Director of Student Support, where she led initiatives that significantly improved student retention and success. Her expertise in student affairs and commitment to fostering a student-centered academic environment have been key to her professional achievements. Leah’s strategic focus on improving processes with well-documented procedure has streamlined administrative tasks and enhanced the student experience. She is deeply committed to supporting both the academic and personal growth of students and grateful to be a part of the Axon Education team.

Brittany Bangert, BA, Director of Student Support

Brittany Bangert is the Director of Student Support. She has been working with Axon since January of 2021. Her current position focuses on improving the student experience and working with her team to ensure that students are receiving the best communication and advice that they can in order to be successful in their respective programs. Brittany obtained her EMT certification in April 2021 and is currently completing a Paramedic program with Axon Education, LLC. She is employed part-time at three ambulance services – MetroCare, South Taylor County EMS, and Lifeguard. Her time at these agencies allows her to stay active in the field and continue to develop her love for patient care. She is certified in ACLS and PALS and has her Level 1 EMS Instructor certification, as well as an AHA BLS instructor certification. Brittany attended University of California, Davis and holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Law, as well as an associate’s degree is Administration of Justice. Brittany holds previous work experience relating to permanency case management for child protective services and has a drive to volunteer for child-centered organizations, such as Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Outside of work, Brittany spends time with her friends and family, many of whom have experience and/or are currently employed within the first responder field. She plays in an adult softball league with her team, the “Flatliners.” Brittany loves to travel and has a bucket list goal to hike all of the National parks in the United States, as well as to cage dive with Great Whites in Australia.

Cati Eaton, Director of Admissions

Cati Eaton serves as the Director of Admissions. With a solid background in education spanning over five years, including three years as a classroom teacher, she is well-versed in both instructional and administrative domains. Cati holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from McKendree University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Her commitment to student success is evident through her involvement in various capacities beyond the classroom. She has previously coached for Special Olympics and served three terms in AmeriCorps, underscoring her dedication to service and community engagement. Cati is a staunch advocate for continuous learning and professional development, currently pursuing DEAC CHEP Admissions professional development courses to further enhance her expertise. In her current role, Cati ensures a student-centered approach, providing a personalized and supportive enrollment experience for all students.

Brooklyn Rhodes, Clinical Coordinator

Brooklyn Rhodes, the Clinical Coordinator, is a dedicated EMT with 4 years of experience, has successfully completed the Paramedic Program and will soon be nationally registered as a EMT – Paramedic. She has been with Axon since November 2023 in the Student Support department and has been the Clinical Coordinator since April. Brooklyn is employed part-time with Metrocare Ambulance in Abilene, Texas to keep her skills and mind fresh. She is certified as a provider in EPC, AMLS, PHTLS, ACLS and PALS and has her Level 1 EMS Instructor certification, as well as AHA BLS and ACLS instructor certifications. Brooklyn’s current position focuses on supporting her team in problem solving and helping students obtain their clinical/field requirements. She is knowledgeable in CoAEMSP and CAAHEP guidelines to help students stay on track and successfully complete their clinical requirements. With her work experience in EMS, she is able to relate to students on a personal level to any concerns they may have with the clinical process. Outside of the office, Brooklyn spends time with her friends, family and her 3 dogs; Rogue, Harley and Klaus. She plays in an adult softball league and spends the occasional weekend playing golf with her husband.

Nicole Vinson, M.Ed., Vice President of Institution Effectiveness

Nicole Vinson, the Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of teaching and learning, backed by a Bachelor of Arts in Bilingual Education and a Master of Education in Middle and Secondary Education. With over 13 years in education, including five as a postsecondary instructor and nine in higher education administration, she has taught in a variety of settings and countries, enriching her approach by engaging with a wide range of ages and people groups. Her tenure includes roles such as English professor and private editor. Her commitment to high educational standards is evident in her achievement of her Texas Teaching Certificate and her desire to begin doctoral studies in Business Administration. Nicole is a member of the President’s Cabinet. Nicole’s unique perspective is further enriched by her roles outside academia, including service as a volunteer firefighter and a certified Emergency Medical Technician, which provide her with profound insights into the student community, particularly firefighters. Her leadership is not only marked by academic rigor but also by a deep understanding of practical and community-based experiences that influence educational effectiveness.

Meet Our Team