ATSU-SHM adds first full-time faculty members

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – As A.T. Still University’s School of Health Management (ATSU-SHM) continues to grow, the first full-time faculty members in the school’s history will begin new positions and further strengthen the academic program.

Five faculty will begin full-time positions for ATSU-SHM: David Line Denali, Ph.D., Colleen Halupa, Ed.D., Lynda T. Konecny, D.H.Ed., Dr.P.H, Susan B. Randers, Ph.D., and Mary-Katherine Smith, Dr.P.H. Each will serve as assistant professor for the Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) or Doctor of Health Education (HED) program. Although their backgrounds are diverse, they each bring a wealth of experience to the school and to their future students. SHM Interim Dean Kimberly O’Reilly, D.H.Ed., M.S.W., said the full-time positions will be an important part of enhancing the online student experience.

“The full time model also allows us to improve our human connection with our students,” she said. “Having the consistent faces working with our students helps our student body to feel more a part of the University. Lasting connections through student organizations and faculty mentoring is just as important to online students as it is to residential students.”

Dr. Denali received his Ph.D. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of New Mexico in 2004, as well as two Master’s degrees: one in Public Health from the University of New England, the other in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. He previously served as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Division Manager at the county level in New Mexico. He will work for the M.P.H. program.

Moving from adjunct faculty to her new position in the HED program, Dr. Halupa has a doctorate in education, curriculum and instruction, along with a Master’s degree in administration. She formerly worked for the Air Force for 20 years as a medical technologist, a laboratory manager, an accreditation/compliance director, and as program director for the Air Force Medical Laboratory Training Programs.

Another University staff member, Dr. Konecny, is transferring positions. She has worked in Admissions and Alumni services for ATSU for the past four years. In 2008, she received her D.H.Ed. from SHM and she has also served as adjunct faculty for SHM’s health education program. She previously obtained her M.S. in counselor education/college student personnel from Emporia State University in Kansas, and she will be taking a position in the HED program.

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Randers received her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Maryland and her M.P.H in community health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She currently practices in Florida, and she is a member of Florida’s Regional Behavioral Health Assessment Team, part of Florida’s Crisis Consortium. She will be in the M.P.H. program.

Finally, Dr. Smith will join Dr. Randers and Dr. Denali as assistant professor for the M.P.H. program. She received her M.P.H from Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health and her Dr.P.H. from the University of North Texas. Previously, she worked as an epidemiology program planner, and she is a Certified Health Education Specialist.