A.T. Still University Board of Trustees appoints officers, elects new trustees
Posted: September 3, 2026
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) Board of Trustees appointed officers and elected two new trustees at its quarterly meeting July 24, 2026.
The following trustees were elected as officers for 2026-27: Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, FACOFP, ‘11, of Anthem, Arizona, chair; Michael Torgan, MBA, NHA, of Los Angeles, California, vice chair; and Renee Clark, MAcc, of Durham, North Carolina, secretary.
Two distinguished healthcare leaders and alumni, newly elected to the board, are Frederick D. Watson, DO, MBA, ’97, of Heath, Texas, and Matthew L. Williams, DMD, ’20, of Kirksville, Missouri. Together, they bring extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and community service.
Dr. Watson is a physician executive with Cigna, where he serves as senior medical principal for many of the company’s largest national clients, developing population health strategies and solutions to improve the well-being of a company’s workforce. A 1997 graduate of ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, he has been board certified in family practice since 2001 and completed the Physician Executive MBA program at the University of Tennessee in 2007. Throughout his career, he has held numerous executive medical leadership positions, leading initiatives focused on value-based care, quality improvement, physician engagement, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Watson previously served on the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association Board of Directors, including as president, and remains active in the American Osteopathic Association and other professional organizations.
Dr. Williams is a general dentist practicing in Kirksville, Missouri, and a 2020 graduate of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he also earned a certificate in public health with a dental emphasis. Born and raised in Kirksville, Dr. Williams chose dentistry to serve his community and is passionate about helping patients rediscover their confidence through healthy smiles. He is committed to expanding access to quality care for underserved communities and has participated in numerous community oral health initiatives throughout his career. As an alumnus, Dr. Williams shares ATSU’s commitment to a holistic approach to oral healthcare and expanding the healthcare workforce in underserved areas.
“ATSU board members, students, faculty, and staff welcome Drs. Watson and Williams to the board of trustees and look forward to working together. ATSU is fortunate to continue with an exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated board of trustees,” said Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, ATSU chancellor.
Trustees continuing service on the board include Kari Bernard, PhD, PA-C, ’04, of Norfolk, Virginia; Reid Butler, JD, of Phoenix, Arizona; Marco Clark, EdD, of South Bend, Indiana; Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, of Kirksville, Missouri; Herb Kuhn, of Lohman, Missouri; Helen McBride, PhD, of Woodland Hills, California; Alan Morgan, MPA, of Elkton, Virginia; Floyd Simpson, CFA, CAIA, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Felix Valbuena Jr., MD, DABFM, FAAFP, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held Oct. 16-17, 2026, in Kirksville, Missouri.