ATSU-ASHS holds spring commencement ceremony
Posted: March 10, 2010
MESA, Ariz. – A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) held its spring commencement ceremony for four online programs March 6 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
A total of 298 students earned a master of science or doctoral degree in Human Movement, Physician Assistant Studies, Audiology, and Physical Therapy. This was the first time most students had met each other in person, as they all earned their degrees through online courses.
“This graduation highlights the working professionals in their respective fields who have decided to get their next degree,” said ATSU-ASHS Dean Randy Danielsen, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA.
Founded in 1995, ATSU-ASHS is committed to educating and preparing its students to practice at the forefront of a rapidly growing healthcare system.
“Through our University’s educational programs, graduates will possess additional skills and knowledge they can use to provide the very best care for their patients,” said ATSU Provost Craig M. Phelps, D.O., FAOASM. “Our faculty and administration are extremely proud of these 298 graduates who took the time and resources to become better health providers.”
During the ceremony an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to keynote speaker Fran Roberts, Ph.D., R.N. Dr. Roberts is the vice president of strategic business alliances at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
During her address, Dr. Roberts spoke highly of both the University and its graduates’ commitment to healthcare.
“It is wonderful to be here with A.T. Still University and your graduates, faculty, leaders, and families, because this University represents all that is right and good about healthcare in the United States — your commitment to the underserved peoples of our world, your focus on cost effective, high quality primary care, your inter-professional approach to delivery of care, and your culture of inclusion,” she said.
Dr. Roberts has worked as an educator and healthcare provider since 1976. From 1987-95 she served as executive director on the Arizona State Board of Nursing, where she was instrumental in providing direction and leadership for many nurse act changes, including changing legislation to allow nurse practitioners full prescriptive authority. She has contributed time to serving on many boards, currently serving as a chair for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign.