30 years and counting: ATSU-ASHS celebrates a landmark anniversary with alumni, faculty, students
Posted: September 29, 2025
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, alumni, faculty, and students gathered to celebrate ATSU-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) 30th anniversary.
Originally named Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Southwest Center for Osteopathic Medical Education and Health Sciences, ATSU-ASHS opened Sept. 9, 1995. At that time, the School offered programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and sports healthcare.
“I remember those pivotal early days with crystal clarity,” says Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C emeritus, DFAAPA, former dean of ATSU-ASHS and current professor and director of ATSU-ASHS’ Doctor of Medical Science program. “In late 1994, I received a call from Rick Davis, who had just been hired to establish a physician assistant program for the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. His invitation to join this adventure changed the trajectory of my life – and as it turns out, the lives of thousands of healthcare professionals who would eventually call these halls their alma mater.”
In 1997, the School changed its name to ATSU-ASHS and, in 2001, moved to its current Mesa, Arizona, campus.
Today, with over 12,000 alumni, the School offers 12 degree programs residentially and online, including entry-level programs and postprofessional programs. ATSU-ASHS prepares students to become audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, and speech-language pathologists through entry-level doctoral and master’s level programs. The School also offers online
master’s and doctoral postprofessional degree programs for licensed providers in athletic training, audiology, medical sciences, and physical therapy to advance their clinical, leadership, writing, research, and teaching skills.
Faculty impact
From Deanne Fay, PT, DPT, PhD
Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
“As I reflect on the last 30 years of ATSU-ASHS, it feels like celebrating an anniversary with extended family. Over these three decades, not only has ATSU-ASHS grown into an exceptional institution, but I’ve also grown – both professionally and personally. ATSU-ASHS was my first full-time faculty position, and it has been a wonderful place to learn and evolve in my career.
When I joined in 1995, I had just found out I was expecting my first child. Since then, I’ve raised three children, one of whom returned to ATSU-ASHS as a physician assistant student. The School provided a supportive environment for balancing work and family. I remain especially grateful for the support I received when my husband was deployed to Iraq with the Army, leaving me to care for our three young children on my own. The people I’ve worked with over the years have always been more than just colleagues.
This anniversary is not only a celebration of ATSU-ASHS as an institution and its programs but also of the meaningful relationships formed along the way. ATSU-ASHS will always be an important part of my story, and I am honored to be part of its story as well.”
Alumni impact
2025 ATSU-ASHS alumni award honorees
Community Service Award
Shira James, MS, OTR/L, ’14
Through her commitment to pediatric occupational therapy, James has brought care and hope to countless children and families, while honorably serving her community, including its most vulnerable populations. Her service-centered approach embodies the ATSU-ASHS mission to build healthier, stronger communities.
Healthcare Innovation Award
Rhianna Freiburger, DAT, ’22, MS, ’19, LAT, ATC
A leader in athletic training, Dr. Freiburger is transforming the future of sports medicine with her innovative clinical practices and dedication to athlete wellness.
Emerging Scholar Award
Nikki Harris, EdS, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS, ’17
With a dynamic research portfolio and a passion for innovation, Dr. Harris is guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing meaningful scholarship to the field.
Distinguished Scholar Award
Barton Anderson, DHSc, MS, ATC, ’03
Dr. Anderson’s career reflects a profound commitment to advancing athletic training through education and research. His leadership continues to elevate the profession nationally.
Community impact
Over the last 30 years, ATSU-ASHS students, faculty, and alumni across all departments have given back to the community in meaningful ways. Through the School’s initiatives, including E.A.R. Day led by the Audiology department, the Physician Assistant Studies program’s outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, the Athletic Training program’s collaboration with local sports teams, the Speech-Language Pathology program’s oral cancer screening events, the ATSU Center for Occupational and Physical Therapy’s patient care, and the Center for Resilience in Aging’s Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach, ATSU-ASHS has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service, health education, and community empowerment.
E.A.R. Day
First organized in 2015 by ATSU-ASHS alumna Lisa Bell, AuD, ’16, after receiving a grant from the National Student Academy of Audiology, E.A.R. (Education and Recreation) Day brings together Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children, along with their parents and friends, to enjoy a fun-filled day of games, activities, and educational sessions. ATSU students from most residential programs volunteer to host stations in this interactive and interprofessional community event. Attendees have the opportunity to learn more about hearing, hearing protection, communication strategies, and resources available from students, faculty, and guest speakers.
Physician Assistant Studies program outreach
In alignment with ATSU’s mission to serve the underserved, the Physician Assistant Studies program has led a growing initiative focused on skin cancer prevention among Mesa’s unsheltered population. What began as a faculty-led effort has evolved into a student-driven outreach project addressing a critical
health disparity.
“Our PA program is proud to uphold ATSU’s mission by actively serving underserved and vulnerable communities,” says Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, MSPAS, MS, PA-C, program director and associate professor, physician assistant studies.
Through this outreach program, physician assistant students educate individuals experiencing homelessness about the risks of skin cancer and distribute essential resources, including sunblock, hats, and healthy snacks.
“With skin cancer rates continuing to rise across the U.S. and the unsheltered population facing increased exposure and limited access to care, this outreach project plays a vital role in bridging the
gap in prevention knowledge,” says Dr. Hulsey. “This past year, some of our students expanded the effort as part of their master’s capstone project, conducting further outreach and reinforcing our commitment to community health, education, and service.”
Partnerships in sports health
Over the past 30 years, the Athletic Training (formerly named Sports Health Care) program has significantly impacted the local sports community. Through a partnership with the Dwight Patterson Youth Sports Academy, the Athletic Training program has developed a youth sports curriculum for coaches and parents. In addition, the ATSU Concussion Program has partnered with local schools and youth sports organizations to provide concussion education, preseason assessments, and postinjury referrals.
As a member of the Barrow Concussion Network, the department has contributed to the education and assessment of more than 200,000 high school athletes. Additional partnerships with Dignity Health Sports Medicine and Athletic Training include providing professional development for athletic trainers and assisting with annual sports physicals, offering important screenings for youth and high school athletes.
Still Standing Falls Prevention Outrach
The Center for Resilience in Aging introduced Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach in the 2008-09 academic year. Working alongside more than 70 community partner organizations, the program has reached a wide audience. To date, classes have been offered at more than 125 locations across Maricopa County, Arizona.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence for older adults. Through Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach, participants engage in “A Matter of Balance,” an evidence-based, nationally recognized program shown to reduce fall risk and support active living. The
curriculum helps older adults address fears about falling, build confidence through increased physical activity, and adopt practical strategies for creating safer home and community environments.
“Through the Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach, our students have impacted many thousands of lives over the past 17 years, and it is because of them that the outreach is going as strong as ever,” says Elton Bordenave, PhD, MEd, associate professor of audiology and director of ATSU Center for Resilience
in Aging.
The program involves students from ATSU’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Physician Assistant Studies programs. These students are educated and certified as Matter of Balance coaches. Under the guidance of licensed faculty master trainers, these students deliver the eight-week program in community settings, including senior centers, retirement communities, and healthcare clinics
and churches.
“I have never seen myself working with the geriatric population, but after this experience, it has shifted my point of view,” says Makayla Hunter, OT, ’26. “I really enjoyed learning stories about these clients’ life experiences.”
Looking forward
As ATSU-ASHS enters its fourth decade of educating students, the School continues to uphold the values that have shaped it from the start – academic excellence, service to others, and innovation in healthcare. Its 30th anniversary celebration was a time to reflect on its rich history and a reaffirmation of its enduring commitment to preparing highly competent healthcare leaders.
“The Arizona School of Health Sciences is a vibrant, dynamic school where there is never a shortage of new ideas,” says Ann Lee Burch, PT, EdD, MPH, FNAP, dean of ATSU-ASHS. “With over 1,260 active students and a committed faculty and staff, we are busy every single day preparing the next generation of healthcare providers who will bring health and wellness to communities in need across the country and around the world for years to come.”
Please visit atsu.edu/ashs to learn more about ATSU-ASHS and its program offerings.
In honor of ATSU-ASHS’ 30-year anniversary, please visit giving.atsu.edu/ashs-30 to support the School and its initiatives.