ATSU-CGHS holds award banquet for faculty, staff, class of 2023
Posted: June 21, 2023
A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) hosted an awards banquet on Thursday, May 25, 2023, recognizing the achievements of faculty, staff, and this year’s graduating class.
In addition to the awards presented below, numerous students from each ATSU-CGHS program were honored for their outstanding accomplishments, hard work, and dedication throughout their educational careers.
Doctor of Health Sciences Applied Research Project of the Year Award
Susan Meeke, DHSc, ’23
This award is presented to one Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) student who has conducted an original, innovative project reflecting exceptional research.
Dr. Meeke’s ARP, “Diabetes Medication Prescribing Trends: Are there differences based on provider type and geography?”, marks the inaugural DHSC ARP of the year. Dr. Meeke is a busy working mom of a teenager who works as a medical science liaison for a pharmaceutical company, a registered dietitian, and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
Michael Samuels Impact Award
Joan Leafman, PhD, adjunct faculty, Master Of Public Health (MPH) program
The Michael Samuels Impact award honors an individual who has shown particular dedication to the interests of ATSU-CGHS and to the field of public health and community outreach by making significant and continuing contributions toward the betterment of the community.
Dr. Leafman founded the nonprofit organization Corbin’s Legacy and has inspired a large number of volunteers, who regularly donate their time and resources to pack and deliver food and provide medical and dental services for underserved children. She engages in continuous creative planning and collaborative work with ATSU stakeholders and the Corbin’s Legacy executive and advisory boards to move partnerships to the next level, creating systems and work processes as needed.
Michael Samuels was an ATSU-CGHS professor and Public Health department chair from 2009 until his passing in 2014. Dr. Samuels led a distinguished career in public health service. He was a dedicated public health advocate who contributed to the greater good of the community and was a reflection of the mission, vision, and values of ATSU.
Outstanding Student Service Award
Kevin Cooper, DHSc, ’23
Dr. Cooper is an active participant in community outreach through social justice projects. He has volunteered in a community engagement project by working with the homeless population in Dallas, Texas, where he took part in acquiring and transforming a hotel into a shelter to serve over 233 families. Additionally, he volunteers to serve adults with intellectual disabilities by helping with vocational, educational, physical, social, and spiritual programs.
Professor of the Year:
Candace Ayars, PhD, associate professor, Doctor of Education in Health Professions (EdD) program
The Professor of the Year award is presented to one ATSU-CGHS faculty member who is judged to be the most outstanding professor. Characteristics such as excellence in leadership and guidance given to students, the degree and quality of inspiration achieved, and intellectual integrity are used in selecting the recipient.
Dr. Ayars was nominated for her ability to model a lifelong love for learning and her quickness to connect learning activities to real-life applications. Some of Dr. Ayars students commented the following in her nomination:
- “She has equipped me not only with the skills from her course content and learning objectives, but also with the skills to pursue learning beyond the ATSU experience.”
- “She embodies enthusiastic mentorship and scholarship in a way that fosters high achievement and growth. She has been the most engaged professor I’ve had.”
- “The recipient has shown the compassion and grace needed to work with adult learners, while continually challenging them to do their best.”
Outstanding Employee Award
Jeri Speak, admissions manager, ATSU-CGHS
Any employee in the CGHS community is eligible to win this award. The winner is selected based upon nominations recognizing achievements in the area of customer focus, going beyond, hospitality, or service.
Speak was nominated under the category of customer focus; for her high quality and proficient service to the student population. She was recognized for consistently going above and beyond to make sure incoming students are prepared and have a positive experience.
Adjunct Faculty of the Year
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Dan Mikeska, DHSc, ’16, MS, ’12
Doctor of Health Sciences
Tracy Matthews, PhD, MA
Doctor of Health Administration
Heather Moore, DHA, MBA
Doctor of Education in Health Professions
Laura Gray, PhD, EdS, MEd
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Debra Leners, RN, PhD
Master of Public Health
Marni Valenzuela, MPH
Check out more photos from the awards banquet below!
