For Daniel Jetton, the foundation of a career in leadership began at Trevecca—not just in classrooms, but also in the everyday rhythms of campus life.
A 2010 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in religion, Jetton spent nine years on campus as a student, resident assistant (RA), resident director (RD) and leadership development coordinator. He later returned to the University as an adjunct professor, teaching first-year leadership courses and mentoring students just as others once mentored him.
“Trevecca became a place where I truly belonged,” Jetton said. “I didn’t just find a school—I found a home. I came to Trevecca unsure of who I was or what I was capable of achieving. I was met by people who believed in me and saw things in me that I didn't yet see in myself.”
Now a senior executive at Growve, a multi-million-dollar wellness platform, Jetton leads several high-performing health brands and oversees international sales across the company’s portfolio. His work contributes to more than $90 million in annual revenue while supporting more than 15 million clients worldwide. But for Jetton, success goes far beyond the numbers.
“At our core, we’re building something meaningful, with people we care about,” he said. “Whether it’s helping malnourished families find access to nutrition, partnering with nonprofits that serve the most vulnerable or helping someone find affordable supplements, our work is always about more than products, it’s about people. Profit isn’t the central goal. Purpose is.”
His team pursues that purpose in tangible ways—supporting more than 50 nonprofits; sponsoring more than 1,000 foster children; helping open a safe house for women escaping sex trafficking; and partnering with Vitamin Angels to fight global malnutrition.
“My time as a student, RA and RD at Trevecca taught me how transformative a healthy, supportive community can be, and that experience continues to shape how I lead today,” he said.
He’s built a workplace culture that prioritizes flexibility, family and care with features like extended parental leave, mental health funds, hybrid schedules, biannual development reviews and even surprise nonprofit donations in employees’ names.
“This is one of the things I’m most proud of,” Jetton said. “When people feel safe, seen and valued, it changes how they engage. We’ve built a team that rows in the same direction and genuinely enjoys the journey together.”
Jetton credits much of his leadership perspective to two key mentors at Trevecca: Dr. Tim Green and Dr. Matt Spraker.
“Dr. Green, my advisor and mentor, believed in me deeply and helped shape my faith and calling. He even officiated my wedding,” Jetton said. “Dr. Matt Spraker stands out as one of the most pivotal mentors in my life. He played an irreplaceable role in my leadership development.”
That influence continues to drive how Jetton approaches leadership today—with humility, intentionality and grit. Now a husband and father of two, he recently received the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and Spark Award for young entrepreneurs.
“One core belief that drives me is: ‘We were given life to give life,’” he said. “I believe God gives us life so that, through Him, we can give life to others. It’s the mantra for my family.”
He also still carries lessons from his Trevecca years into every decision.
“The support I received at Trevecca was life-changing,” he said. “If anything I’ve built reflects what the Trevecca community built in me, then I count that as a success.”