ATSU-CGHS honors students, staff, and faculty at 2025 awards ceremony
Posted: July 22, 2025
A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) celebrated faculty, staff, and student achievements at its 2025 awards ceremony on Thursday, May 22.
The Outstanding Student Service award recognizes a graduating ATSU-CGHS student who has stepped forward as a community leader and shown extraordinary commitment to public health service, embodying the ATSU mission beyond their coursework.
This year’s award was presented to Jordan Wong, DDS, MPH, ’25. Dr. Wong was honored for making a significant impact in Waseca, Minnesota, strengthening a local service center through grant writing, launching a donation platform, and hands-on service.
The Distinguished Service Alumni award honors ATSU-CGHS graduates who achieve distinction and actively advance the ATSU mission through exceptional, sustained service.
This year’s award was presented to Romana Muller, EdD, MSDH, RDH, ’22, assistant professor, ATSU-MOSDOH. Dr. Muller was recognized for her leadership in programs like Give Kids A Smile, organizing multilingual dental student volunteers to ensure refugee and immigrant families could access dental care in their own language.
The DAISY award honors extraordinary nurse educators, recognizing the profound caring spirit demonstrated by nurses. A new award at ATSU-CGHS, it was created by the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation, established by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease.
This year’s award was presented to Nicole Webb, DNP, FNP-BC, chair, Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
The Deans’ Recognition award recognizes an outstanding individual who leads with honor, commitment, and integrity, making a significant positive impact on the ATSU-CGHS team and mission.
This year’s award was presented to Eric Matthews, PhD, MS, chair, Doctor of Health Sciences program, whose outstanding leadership, thoughtful guidance, and inspiring excellence went above and beyond.
The Professor of the Year award honors an outstanding faculty member committed to teaching excellence and mentorship, with a dynamic style fostering curiosity and intellectual growth.
This year’s award was presented to Kathleen Mathieson, PhD, CIP, associate professor, health sciences. Dr. Mathieson was recognized for her patience, dedication, and ability to make complex ideas accessible, empowering students to apply what they’ve learned directly in real-world research and practice.
The Outstanding Employee award recognizes a staff member who embodies the highest standards of service and excellence.
This year’s award was presented to Presley Melvin-Dean, MA, MPH, academic advisor, in honor of her extraordinary dedication, adaptability, and excellence in providing exceptional support to students while managing advising duties across three graduate programs.
Check out more photos from the banquet below!
