Alumni Spotlight: Jacob Brown – Class of ’94

Jacob Brown graduated from NC State in 1994 with a dual degree in Pulp & Paper Science and Technology, and Chemical Engineering. In 1998 Jacob earned a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law – Samford University. We reached out to Jacob to find out about his experiences since graduating from NC State and what advice he would pass on to current students.  Thanks for your time Jacob!

Experience at NC State

• Internship/co-op experience: SCAPA – Waycross, GA – Summer 1991; American Cyanimid -Atlanta, GA- Summer 1992; Ciba – Geigy – Raleigh, NC – Summer 1993
• Favorite class: Any class taught by Dr. Richard Felder or Dr. Hasan Jameel
• Best memory at State: So many! Being chosen to be my class commencement speaker is at the top of the list.
• Worst memory at State: Organic Chemistry II and Thermodynamics II
• Clubs/hobbies: Delta Chi Fraternity & TAPPI Student Chapter
• Favorite part of PSE program: The great attention and care by all the faculty and staff, the hands-on learning at labs, and comradery of the class.
• Most important thing PSE taught me: Hard work and dedication pay off in the long run.

Current Career Information

• Company/job position: United States Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division
• Years at current job: Sworn in November 3, 2021
• Favorite part of the job: As a bankruptcy judge, I see and serve many individuals and businesses in financial distress and it is rewarding to help as part of the process to get them to a better place.
• Biggest accomplishment in career: Besides my wonderful family, I have been blessed with a great career in the law including being appointed as a judge, selected as a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, and serving as chair of the Florida Bar’s Business Law Section.
• What other positions have you had: I was partner with the law firm of Akerman, LLP for many years. Prior to that, I clerked for the Hon. Jerry A. Funk, United States Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Florida, whom I replaced with my appointment in November. Before law school, I worked out of Charleston, SC, with Cytec Industries and the Ketchikan Pulp Company in Ketchikan, Alaska.
• Advise for current students: Work hard, be patient, serve your community and help others as you are able, and be fiscally responsible and start to invest at a young age.

Personal Information

• Hometown: Sharon, Georgia
• Tell us about your family: I have been married for almost 20 years to Kristin Alberts, who is a psychologist and has run the Jacksonville University’s student counseling center for over 20 years. We have a son, Ben, who is 18 and headed to college this fall and a daughter, Audrey, who is 12.
• Current Hobbies: I enjoy many outdoor activities including running, hiking, fishing and kayaking. I like to watch NC State football, men’s and women’s basketball. I also enjoy reading, primarily fiction.
• Other thoughts to share: You never know where life will take you, but work hard and you will have opportunities and success.