Through the stories featured in this issue of Still Magazine, a common theme emerges: meaningful impact is built over time through dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to something greater than oneself. 

Our cover story explores the many parallels between athletics and healthcare. The lessons learned through sports – the value of practice, communication, discipline, composure, and teamwork – are qualities serving healthcare professionals throughout their careers. Perhaps most importantly, athletics help individuals discover an inner strength, which remains long after the final game or competition. These qualities represent the kind of healthcare professional we strive to prepare at ATSU. 

The same spirit of purpose and perseverance is reflected in the story of a dedicated alumnus who chose to change his giving plans and make a $1 million gift to support the University and its students today. His generosity is an expression of a life spent investing in his communities. He reminds us philanthropy is more than financial support; it is about remembering where you came from, strengthening your communities, and providing opportunities for future generations. 

Additionally, we celebrate a longtime faculty member whose skill and commitment to the dental profession led to making a ceremonial staff for ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health. Also, a renovated research space on the Mesa, Arizona, campus is bringing faculty and students together to pursue discoveries and advance knowledge ultimately improving healthcare. 

Together, these stories highlight the many ways ATSU makes a difference in communities locally and beyond, through perseverance, generosity, discovery, and a commitment to serving others. I am grateful to the alumni and friends who continue to believe in the University and invest in our students. Your engagement is essential to continuing our mission and achieving our vision. 

Yours in service, 

Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84
ATSU Chancellor

Osteopathic physicians and students across Arizona gathered March 19-21 on ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus for the 104th Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) Annual Convention. Hosted by ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), the three-day event brought attendees together to connect, learn, and advance the profession under the theme “Still The One – Advancing Osteopathic Medicine Together.” 

“I felt tremendous pride in ATSU hosting the 2026 AOMA Annual Convention on the Mesa campus,” says Sharon J. Obadia, DO, FNAOME, ’97, ATSU-SOMA dean. “Our ATSU leadership and all departments highlighted our warm and inviting atmosphere through the grounds, facilities, and exhibits, all showing off our ATSU spirit!” 

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from conference speakers, network with peers, and earn continuing medical education (CME) credit. The convention concluded with the Annual Clinical Case Competition and Poster Forum, which was open to students and residents from ATSU and Midwestern University. Participants presented original research and casework for peer review and recognition. Among the award recipients were ATSU-SOMA students Hanna Meyers, OMS IV, who received first place in the Clinical Case Poster category for “Uterine Didelphys in Two of Three Triplets, Discovered during IUD Placement,” and Setayesh Tsiao, OMS IV, and Devan Magalski, OMS IV, who earned first place in the Research Poster category for “When Hyperpigmentation Signals Malignancy: A Paraneoplastic Presentation of CML.” 

“The AOMA convention is always a wonderful showcase of osteopathic pride, featuring CME presentations by physicians, faculty, and students, as well as research and awards,” Dr. Obadia says. “This year, it was even more special to highlight these achievements on the Mesa campus of the founding university of the osteopathic profession.” 

Additionally, James F. Keane, DO, MEd, assistant professor and chair, osteopathic principles & practice, ATSU-SOMA, received the 2026 President’s Award, and BaoKhanh Nguyen, OMS III, received the Student Distinguished Service Award. The 2026 Excellence in Osteopathic Medical Education Award was presented to Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, ’11, chair, ATSU Board of Trustees 

Long before the white coats, anatomy labs, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations, many ATSU students were learning other kinds of lessons: how to push through when the body is tired, how to recover when things don’t go as planned, and how to rely on the people beside them. 

They were swimmers, dancers, wrestlers, runners, competitive trap shooters, football players, softball players, basketball players, and more. Their fields and performance spaces may have looked very different from a healthcare setting, but the lessons they learned stayed with them. 

They learned discipline through early morning practices, resilience through injuries and setbacks, and teamwork through victories and losses. They learned how to perform under pressure, trust the process, and keep moving forward even when progress felt slow. And, even if they didn’t know it at the time, they prepared themselves to succeed at ATSU. 

“I think dance prepared me for dental school in more ways than I realized at the time,” says Ira Vats, a third-year dental student at ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH). “It taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay calm under pressure, especially when juggling long rehearsals, competitions, and a full course load.” 

Vats has been dancing since she was 5 years old. Throughout college, she competed on the University of Southern California’s Bollywood fusion dance team, spending countless hours rehearsing intricate choreography before traveling across the country for competitions. Looking back, she sees striking similarities between those rehearsals and learning new clinical procedures. 

“Just like learning choreography, every new skill feels challenging at first,” she says. “But with consistent practice and perseverance, it eventually becomes second nature.” 

Her realization isn’t unique. Across ATSU, former athletes from a multitude of backgrounds describe the same phenomenon. While the sports they played may differ, the qualities those experiences instilled continue to shape the way they learn, lead, and care for future patients. 

Practice makes perfect

Former collegiate swimmer Hannah Farrow, now a second-year physician assistant (PA) student at ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS), remembers countless mornings beginning before sunrise. Hours in the pool were followed by classes, strength training, and studying. 

“Swimming taught me that progress isn’t made through one great performance, but it’s built through consistency over time,” she says. “This mindset has carried into every aspect of my life, especially PA school where success comes from putting in the work every day, no matter how difficult it may feel at the moment.” 

Farrow’s mindset echoes throughout ATSU’s three campuses. Former Division I soccer player Alana Curtis, a second-year PA student at ATSU’s College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC), says soccer taught her meaningful growth doesn’t come from occasional moments of excellence. 

“It comes from showing up every day and committing to small habits that add up over time,” she says. 

McKenzie Lamos, a second-year ATSU-ASHS PA student and former collegiate softball player, learned a similar lesson. Balancing early morning workouts, classes, practices, and hours of studying taught her the discipline and consistency she now brings to PA school. 

“Studying after long days of lectures, preparing for exams, and consistently putting in the work requires the same commitment athletics demanded of me,” she says. “I believe this same discipline will continue to shape my career as a PA. Just as I learned to consistently show up for my teammates, I will continue to show up for my patients, prepared and committed to providing the highest quality of care.” 

Jay Ross, a fourth-year dental student at ATSU-MOSDOH and former collegiate football player, sees the same principle whenever he practices clinical procedures. 

“In dentistry, drilling cavity preparations doesn’t come easy. It takes thousands of repetitions,” he says. “Effort compounds over time, and those thousands of reps building on each other across a career make you a better clinician.” 

In addition to commitment and repetition, soccer has helped Curtis learn the importance of teamwork and clear communication. 

“Even the smallest miscommunication on the field could change the outcome of a game,” she says. “In healthcare, effective communication is even more critical, where misunderstandings can have lasting consequences for patient care.”

Turning setbacks into strength

While discipline laid the foundation, many students say their greatest lessons came from adversity. For Farrow, injuries and chronic health issues forced her to medically retire from collegiate swimming. After dedicating most of her life to the sport, it was incredibly difficult to let go of that identity. However, the experience became one of the defining moments in her journey toward healthcare. 

“Going through the rehabilitation process gave me a firsthand appreciation for the impact healthcare providers have on their patients during vulnerable moments,” she says. “It also strengthened my resilience and reminded me that setbacks don’t define us, they often redirect us toward new opportunities, which for me was working toward my career as a PA. That experience continues to shape the empathy I hope to bring to my future patients.” 

For Ashlyn Tait, a third-year medical student at ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), resilience didn’t always mean pushing through alone. Years of competing in cross country and track taught her one lesson she continues to carry into medicine. 

“When things get hard, look for someone to help,” she says. 

Whether on a cross-country course or in a clinical setting, Tait says success depends on trusting the people around you. Healthcare, much like athletics, requires teammates who can rely on one another, adapt to changing situations, and remain calm under pressure while working toward a common goal. 

For recent ATSU-CHC graduate Zack Wally, MS, ’26, wrestling taught him another important part of resilience: accountability. After 14 years in the sport, he learned to look inward when things didn’t go as planned rather than looking for someone else to blame. 

“Over time, I learned to value those failures because they became the moments that helped me grow and improve the most,” he says. 

That lesson became especially important when Wally broke his leg early in his senior season, costing him scholarship opportunities and putting his athletic career in jeopardy. He worked his way back and still finished the season successfully. 

“That experience taught me that setbacks don’t define me,” he says. “As a student, I carry that same mindset by focusing on what I can control and continuing to move forward despite challenges.” 

Ross also faced his own turning point after two back surgeries ultimately ended his football career. 

“I was able to use this setback and hardship to get through the dental application process, school, and hopefully whatever else gets thrown my way,” he says. “I gained empathy, which I value deeply as a future clinician because it will help me understand my patients and provide better care. I want to give people back their confidence one smile at a time.” 

For soccer player and second-year ATSU-CHC student Kayla Montoya, tearing her ACL during her freshman year of college and enduring three knee surgeries offered her a new perspective. 

“At the time, I was heartbroken by the news and the long recovery. Looking back, I can reflect on how I felt as a patient,” she says. “This has shaped me as a student and future healthcare provider because I have a better understanding of the emotional toll a diagnosis can have on someone.” 

These heartbreaking experiences remind students that healing isn’t only about treating injuries or illnesses; it’s also about understanding what patients have lost and helping them regain the ability to do the things they love. 

When chronic back pain threatened to end her lifelong passion for dance, second-year ATSU-KCOM student Mikayla Dennis remembers feeling as though no one asked what dancing meant to her. 

“As a future physician, I want to understand what matters most to each patient and develop treatment plans that help them continue the activities that give their lives meaning,” she says. “Whether it’s dancing, walking with friends, or playing with grandchildren, preserving quality of life should be a central part of care. That philosophy is one of the reasons I was drawn to osteopathic medicine and its whole person approach to health.” 

The power of teamwork

In addition to teaching resilience and learning how to power through adversity, many of these former athletes believe working in a team helped them transition to a future role in healthcare. 

Vats says dance is far more collaborative than many people realize. 

“Every person has to communicate, trust one another, and work together for the performance to be successful,” she says. 

Former collegiate basketball player Nickolas Coyle, an ATSU-ASHS student pursuing a doctor of athletic training degree, also believes the values learned playing team sports translate perfectly into healthcare. 

“No one wins games alone, and no healthcare professional works in isolation,” he says. “Success depends on individuals bringing their expertise together while remaining focused on a common goal.” 

Third-year ATSU-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) student Courtney Lohmeier reached a similar conclusion after more than two decades playing competitive soccer. A willingness to contribute – even when the role changes – is one she learned early in her collegiate career when inconsistent playing time forced her to find new ways to support her teammates off the field. 

“In medicine it is crucial to know and play whatever role serves the team and patient best,” she says. 

Success under pressure

Athletics teaches something less tangible but extremely valuable: how to stay composed under pressure. 

Jordan Anderson, a second-year medical student at ATSU-KCOM, spent years competing in both swimming and trap shooting. On the trap range, she quickly learned there would always be variables outside of her control, including wind, rain, snow, or bright sunlight. 

“You have to adapt to the conditions in front of you, stay focused on the next target, and trust your training,” she says. 

Anderson now recognizes these same demands in medicine. 

“Every patient and every situation is different, and unexpected challenges are inevitable,” she says. 

Former collegiate swimmer and second-year ATSU-SOMA student Korey Schneider agrees. 

“Performance under pressure is central to both swimming and healthcare,” he says. “Preparation is what allows you to perform when the stakes are high.” 

Beyond the finish line

Eventually, every athlete plays their last game, swims their final race, or performs their final routine. For many, that ending marked a new beginning and an opportunity to discover the qualities built through sport extend far beyond athletics. 

“Sports end for everyone eventually,” Ross says. “What matters is having the strength, when that day comes, to redirect all that dedication toward a new dream.” 

Schneider describes that lesson as discovering the “inner self” – the quiet voice developed during thousands of hours training alone, learning how to respond to discomfort, setbacks, and success. 

“In a field where many decisions are shaped by outside pressures, athletics taught me that fulfillment comes from pursuing excellence in a direction aligned with who you are,” Schneider says. 

For these students, their inner athlete – the part shaped by years of competition, preparation, challenge, and growth – remains with them, influencing how they approach their education, careers, and future patients. Although the arena may have changed, the pursuit to keep learning, growing, and striving toward something greater continues. 

For decades, Andrew Berry, DO, ’55, had planned to leave a gift to ATSU in his estate. But recently, he began to think differently about his legacy. Rather than planning for what his generosity would accomplish, he wanted to see the outcome for himself. 

The result of his decision – a $1 million gift to ATSU – was a significant investment in the university he credits with giving him the foundation for a career he loved. 

“Everything I have is because of what I learned in Kirksville,” he says. 

A boy from Detroit

Long before he stepped foot in Kirksville, Missouri, Dr. Berry understood the importance of education and the value of hard work. He grew up in the bustling city of Detroit near the old state fairgrounds and rode the streetcar to and from school every day. He also worked a paper route for several years, which helped him earn money to put toward his education. 

Eventually, Dr. Berry attended Cass Technical High School, a selective public school where students were required to pass an entrance examination, and then the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies. Although he wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue, he knew he wanted to do something involving biological sciences. 

His family physician was a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), which led him to consider osteopathic medical education. At the time, only about six DO schools were established across the U.S. He applied to a few of them, but ATSU-KCOM was the first to accept him. So, he left the University of Michigan early and headed to Missouri. This decision would shape the rest of his life. 

Community-oriented care

After graduating from what is now ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) in 1955, Dr. Berry returned to Michigan and completed a one-year internship at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. While deciding where to set up his family practice, he found the small community of Commerce Township, which had a population of about 10,000. A house across from the local fire station was for sale, so he decided to make it his office – and his home. Dr. Berry and his family lived upstairs, and his medical practice was downstairs. 

What began as a small family practice became the center of a 56-year career. Dr. Berry cared for generations of families in that location until he retired. His five children grew up around the practice and eventually worked there, helping at the front desk and as the maintenance crew. One of his daughters, Betsy, eventually became his office manager. 

As the community grew, so did Dr. Berry’s role within it. He was instrumental in helping establish a hospital near his practice, bringing an important healthcare resource to the growing community. In addition to seeing patients at his practice, he made daily rounds at the local hospital, Huron Valley Hospital, and Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, where he twice served as chief of staff. He also made house calls, often after hours. 

Dr. Berry’s approach to medicine reflected the education he received at ATSU-KCOM. He combined modern medicine with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and was known as one of the few hands-on physicians in his community. Many patients sought him out specifically for OMT, and his colleagues regarded him as a skilled diagnostician. 

A life of service

For more than half a century, Dr. Berry provided whole person healthcare to the same community, which had grown considerably to a population of over 40,000. At age 80, he sold his practice. However, he didn’t officially retire until age 83 because he stayed on to help the physician who took over the practice. 

Osteopathic medicine wasn’t the only part of Dr. Berry’s commitment to his community. Throughout his career and into retirement, he found additional ways to help others. He was involved with the local chamber of commerce and supported various local organizations and initiatives. Through his Methodist church, he helped secure grants for missions and connected resources with inner-city communities. 

Even Dr. Berry’s hobbies reflected his desire to cultivate growth and contribute meaningful work. He always enjoyed gardening and construction projects, including remodeling homes, building additions, making stained-glass windows, and preserving pieces of history. He and Betsy continued volunteering with Habitat for Humanity well after his retirement. 

His pattern of generosity was consistent: If something could be built, repaired, preserved, or strengthened, Dr. Berry was willing to help. 

Remembering the source

The same philosophy of serving his community guided Dr. Berry’s philanthropy. He has been a longtime supporter of ATSU and served on the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association, including a stint as president in 1970. Dr. Berry and his wife, Jayne, established and funded the Dr. Andrew and Jayne Berry Endowment Fund for General Operations in 2003. In 2010, he received the A.T. Still Fellow Lifetime Giving Award in recognition of his philanthropic generosity. 

Privately, Dr. Berry had already made plans to leave a final gift to the University through his estate. He had spent years thinking about what he would leave behind and what positive change it would bring, but at age 96, he decided he didn’t want to wait. He wanted to see the result of his gift himself. 

This recent decision to give $1 million now to ATSU is making a widespread impact across the Missouri campus and beyond. His reason for choosing to give such a significant gift is “solely due to Kirksville.” His education at ATSU-KCOM gave him the knowledge and skills to build the life and career that followed, and he wanted to pay it forward. 

Without Kirksville, he says, he would not have had the life he ultimately lived.

Investing in the next generation

Dr. Berry’s $1 million gift will support the Missouri campus through investments in four areas directly contributing to the education of future healthcare professionals. Of the gift, $500,000 will support the Interprofessional Education Building expansion, particularly the dental simulation lab, with a naming opportunity. $300,000 will support ATSU-KCOM’s anatomy research lab, including a new microscope and slide scanner, with another $100,000 supporting the Drabing Human Patient Simulation Center and ultrasound lab. An additional $100,000 is designated for the ATSU unrestricted general fund. 

Additionally, the full gift will be used to support matching gift challenges, allowing Dr. Berry’s generosity to stretch even further. Through these matching opportunities, the $1 million gift has the potential to generate an additional $1 million for the University, resulting in a total impact of $2 million. 

Dr. Berry and his family noted their appreciation for the University’s support throughout the process of directing the gift. ATSU’s Development team helped make the process clear and straightforward while giving the family the opportunity to determine how the funds will be used. Additionally, by working collaboratively with Development, Dr. Berry was able to leverage and maximize his investment in the next generation of healthcare providers. 

For Dr. Berry, the opportunity to see his gift make an immediate and lasting difference is especially meaningful. The funds will strengthen educational resources and facilities on the Missouri campus, helping provide students with the opportunities to develop the knowledge and hands-on skills they will carry into their own careers and communities. 

“Don’t forget where you came from,” Dr. Berry says. “It’s not a matter of just giving back. Don’t forget the source.” 

If you are interested in making a gift to ATSU or would like to discuss your giving options, please contact ATSU Development at development@atsu.edu or 660.626.2494. 

ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) celebrated its 10th graduating class on Friday, May 15, in Kirksville, Missouri. The day marked a milestone for the School and for communities where 70 new dentists will increase access to oral healthcare. 

Among the pomp and circumstance, this year’s ceremony included an added element of significance. Robert Collinge, DDS, one of ATSU-MOSDOH’s original faculty members, served as grand marshal, leading the processional with a staff he handcrafted specially for the School. 

Dr. Collinge thoughtfully planned and carefully constructed the staff’s every detail, relying on his hand skills and decades of experience working with various materials. The effort poured into this project is an attestation of his work ethic and passion for his craft. It’s the same level of care and effort he gave his patients, from his time as a dental technician with the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard to his more than 35 years as a dentist. 

Now retired from clinical practice, Dr. Collinge serves as an adjunct faculty member at ATSU-MOSDOH. He spends his days mentoring and teaching students, not out of obligation, but out of dedication to his profession. 

“What better way to end a career than by passing knowledge on to the next generation,” he says. “I enjoy one-on-one mentorship and getting to know the students.” 

Dr. Collinge has been part of ATSU-MOSDOH’s faculty since the first class matriculated in 2013. He has watched each class of students learn and grow, developing the skills and knowledge needed to serve their future patients. He has also celebrated each milestone alongside them, from receiving their white coats to earning their diplomas. 

As a faculty member and mentor, Dr. Collinge makes a point to demonstrate professionalism and expects it in return. He is known for his trademark greeting, “Good morning, doctor,” which is the first thing he says to students on their first day in the simulation lab. This phrase sometimes catches new students off guard but always leaves a lasting impression. 

Beyond his time at ATSU-MOSDOH, Dr. Collinge keeps a busy schedule, volunteering in his community and working on his farm in Edina, Missouri. As someone who has always enjoyed working with his hands, it was only natural for him to discover the art of woodworking, which has become one of his favorite pastimes. 

On his farm, nestled among the trees and rolling hills, Dr. Collinge’s workshop is a treasure trove of tools and building materials. This is where he often finds himself puttering, as a way to unwind and recharge. 

His projects are wide-ranging, from furniture to urns for veterans. His career in dentistry afforded him the ability to buy equipment for such projects over the years, and it’s in this workshop with this equipment where ATSU-MOSDOH’s staff began to take shape. 

Over the course of a year, Dr. Collinge worked diligently to make a piece he and the School could be proud of. Every element of the staff was thoughtfully designed to represent the dental profession and the School’s Missouri roots. He even made a prototype to ensure the final product would pass muster. 

Standing 5 feet tall, the staff is made from black walnut, a tree species native to Missouri. The tree used for the staff was cut by Dr. Collinge on his farm more than 30 years ago and had been air drying in his workshop ever since. When the tree was harvested, it was estimated to be between 60-70 years old, dating the wood back nearly a century. 

Preparing the log for use was no small feat. Dr. Collinge spent nearly three days sawing the log into workable sections. He then began trimming and shaping pieces necessary for the project. He shaped the head of the staff by hand, ensuring each side was symmetrical. While turning the post sections, his lathe broke and he had to finish the job with an older lathe his uncle had given him, a detail making this project even more special to Dr. Collinge. 

One of the staff’s defining features is the black walnut’s natural beauty. Dr. Collinge says northern Missouri black walnut trees tend to have richer color than their southern-grown counterparts. And, because the log was air-dried rather than kiln-dried, the wood maintained deeper variations in color when Dr. Collinge applied the finish. To highlight these tones, he first applied tung oil to bring out the dark, rich colors of the wood, followed by a polyurethane coating for increased protection and durability. 

Getting every detail centered and aligned proved challenging. Dr. Collinge routed circles on the head and center sections to inlay medallions flush with the surface. The two larger medallions on the top of the head show the seal of the dental profession with the four slightly smaller medallions representing ATSU-MOSDOH’s locations in Kirksville and St. Louis. The smallest medallions in the center section display the University seal and year the School was founded. He also routed sections along the post for brass inlays, which he wrapped carefully to avoid any creases. 

“The brass was polished on a dental lathe – I can’t live without a dental lathe,” Dr. Collinge says. 

To further signify ATSU-MOSDOH’s origins, Dr. Collinge used white oak, another native Missouri wood, to make two stands – one for year-round storage and one for the commencement stage. White oak is significantly heavier than black walnut, providing added stability for the staff to stand securely. 

For the year-round stand, which features a long post with a leather strap to secure the staff in place, he shaped the post by hand because it was too long for his lathe. To add weight and stability to the commencement stage base, he melted down lead strips from dental film he saved from his years of clinical practice. He poured the molten lead into undercut bored holes, a process similar to how a dentist would apply tooth fillings. 

As a finishing touch, Dr. Collinge’s wife, Peggy, sewed a cloth covering for the staff when not in use. The couple chose blue satin and lilac velour fabrics, colors representing ATSU and the dental profession. 

ATSU-MOSDOH’s staff is as unique to Missouri and dentistry as the School itself. Even if it were possible to purchase a staff of similar quality, material, and level of detail, it would cost thousands of dollars. Dr. Collinge chose to donate it to the School as a gift, calling it a labor of love. 

“I was satisfied with the project, and most importantly, the School was satisfied with the project,” Dr. Collinge says. “It’s been a real privilege.” 

The Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory: Mesa, Arizona

A shared research space brings faculty and students together to explore questions crossing disciplines and pushing healthcare research forward. 

New location

Established in 2004, the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (IRL) was relocated to the second floor of 5845 Building where it opened its renovated space in summer 2025. 

Renovated space

The approximately 1,000-square-foot shared space is divided into six working zones, with dedicated areas for bioinstrumentation and biometric data collection and analysis. 

Tools for discovery

The IRL brings together an array of technologies, including diagnostic ultrasound, muscle and nerve activity recording, gait and balance analysis, eye tracking, physiologic sensors, and 3D imaging. 

The power of collaboration

The IRL is more than a collection of sophisticated equipment; it is a physical space where multiple disciplines, perspectives, and questions come together. The lab is a shared space, not restricted to a single department or research team. Students are able to join active projects as research assistants or complete mentored capstone and scholarship work with faculty, gaining experience in research extending beyond what they learn in a classroom. 

“The support we’ve received from the University is what makes this lab possible – not just the space and the instruments, but the trust to build something shared,” says Kellie C. Huxel Bliven, PhD, ATC, FNAP, professor and chair of interdisciplinary health sciences at ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) and director of the IRL. “Each of us is advancing knowledge in our own discipline, and because we do it in the same room, we end up generating knowledge together that none of us would have reached on our own.” 

One project brings together Dr. Bliven’s expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with the ultrasound and blood-flow expertise of Inder Raj S. Makin, MD, PhD, professor at ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona; the occupational therapy and hand therapy expertise of Tania Shearon, DHSc, CHT, C-IAYT, FNAP, associate professor, ATSU-ASHS; and four third-year dental students at ATSU’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. 

Together, the team is studying the median nerve in dental students and practicing dentists, looking for early signs of strain that could eventually affect hand function. In addition to helping design the study and conduct pilot testing, the students will play an integral role in data collection and analysis. 

Another collaboration examines how patient positioning affects the muscles surrounding the shoulder blade. Four physical therapy students conducted the project under the guidance of Dr. Bliven and J.A. Graves, PT, DPT, assistant professor and co-director of clinical education, physical therapy, ATSU-ASHS, using diagnostic ultrasound to observe changes in muscle orientation and depth as a patient shifts position. 

Additionally, the IRL demonstrates how interdisciplinary research extends beyond physical health. Quincy Conley, PhD, director of ATSU’s Teaching & Learning Center, led a team using eye tracking and other biometric tools to study how graduate health sciences students navigate different Canvas course layouts. The research helps faculty develop evidence-based course designs to make online learning easier to navigate and more effective. 

For Dr. Bliven, the space’s value ultimately comes down to what happens when researchers with various expertise work alongside one another. 

“It’s rare for a university to invest in a research space that doesn’t belong to any one of us, and ATSU did exactly that,” she says. “Each of us walks in with questions from our own discipline, and because we work side by side, we walk out with questions we never would have thought to ask alone.” 

When members of the ATSU family gather, a common thread emerges. Friends reconnect, new bonds develop, and students find inspiration. From coast to coast and many points in between, recent events brought energetic, diverse, accomplished groups of individuals together – enriching and reinforcing the tapestry of social and professional networks that bind the University community together. 

Spring-Summer 2026

DO Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation 
The Broadmoor 
Colorado Springs, Colorado 

DO Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars 
Signia by Hilton 
Orlando, Florida 

ATSU Diversity & Inclusion Annual Reunion: Scholars in Health 
ATSU Arizona campus 
Mesa, Arizona 

Audiology Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Annual Convention + HearTECH Expo 
San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk 
San Antonio, Texas 

Occupational Therapy Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo 
Hilton Anaheim 
Anaheim, California 

Dental Alumni Informal Meet-up | American Association of Endodontists (AAE) 
The Roof 
Salt Lake City, Utah 

Orthodontic Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session 
Hyatt Regency Hotel 
Orlando, Florida 

ATSU-KCOM Words of Wisdom Alumni-Student Engagement Event 
ATSU Missouri campus 
Kirksville, Missouri 

Physician Assistant & Doctor of Medical Science Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | American Association of Physician Associates Annual Conference 
Hilton New Orleans Riverside 
New Orleans, Louisiana 

Dental Alumni Informal Meet-up | American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 
The Flamingo 
Las Vegas, Nevada 

Athletic Training (AT) Alumni, Students & Friends Reception | National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Clinical Symposia & AT Expo 
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

1980s

Ellie Campbell, DO, ’89, wrote a chapter about integrative management of hypertension for a medical textbook, “Integrative Nephrology.” Additionally, Dr. Campbell co-published the article, “The Liver as the Central Regulator of Cholesterol Homeostasis: Statins, Gut Microbiota, Hepatic Inflammation, and the Proposed Oral–Gut–Liver–Artery Axis in Atherogenesis” in Metabolites. 

Dr. Campbell is the co-chair of a continuing interprofessional dental/medical education course on oral-systemic health connections through the Augusta University Medical College of Georgia. She is also a co-host of an educational podcast about the ways oral health is related to the rest of the body. 

1990s

Marshall S. Grillo Jr., DO, ’90, Grand Blanc, Michigan, was recognized as a fellow by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons during the 2026 Annual Clinical Assembly Ceremonial Conclave in New Orleans.

John S. Barton III, DO, ’91, Gallatin, Missouri, was recognized as a fellow by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons during the 2026 Annual Clinical Assembly Ceremonial Conclave in New Orleans.

2000s

Michael Millette, MS, ’03, is a physician assistant with Michigan Better Health & Wellness in Gaylord, Michigan. He provides care to the public as well as contracting with Bear River Health in Boyne Falls, Michigan, to care for approximately 130 men with in-patient substance abuse treatment offering detox and medically assisted therapies.

Julie Rake, MS, PA-C, ’03, delivered a TEDx Talk titled “Can love heal what divides us?” in Glasgow, Ireland.

Kelly M. Van Fossen, DO, FACOS, ’04, Fayetteville, North Carolina, received the Guy D. Beaumont Award of Academic Excellence from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons during the 2026 Annual Clinical Assembly Ceremonial Conclave in New Orleans.

Amanda Baright, DO, FACOS, FACS, ’06, was promoted to associate dean of clinical affairs at Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Juliëtte Sterkens, AuD, ’06, retired from her Oshkosh, Wisconsin, private practice. She is currently an advisor on hearing loop and other assistive listening technology with the nonprofit Center for Hearing Access. Her TEDx Talk “What You Don’t Know About Hearing Aids” recently passed 1.3 million views.

Kerry Knievel, DO, ’07, an ATSU-KCOM graduate, was named one of Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors for 2026. Dr. Knievel is a board-certified neurologist specializing in headache medicine at Barrow Neurological Institute. Prior to attending ATSU-KCOM, she completed a master of science in neuroanatomy and neurobiology, solidifying her love for neurology and creating a deeper understanding of neuroscience.

2010s

Mark Brown, DO, ’11, was named medical director for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s emergency department in Fort Scott, Kansas. Dr. Brown resides in Carl Junction, Missouri, with his wife Melinda Brown, MHA, ’09, director of the Gipson Center for Healthcare Leadership at Missouri Southern State University, and their children, Zakory; Maggie, an ATSU-CGHS student; and Ashdyn.

Travis Williams, MS, PA-C, ’13, is now providing spine care services in the Specialty Clinic Department at Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, Iowa. Williams received his master’s degree in athletic training from ATSU-ASHS and spent eight years working as an athletic trainer in high schools, junior colleges, and Division 1 athletic programs. Now, he focuses on treating orthopedic spine conditions, including radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, and chronic neck and lower back pain. Williams practices at the Van Diest Medical Center once a month and practices full time at Iowa Ortho in Des Moines, Iowa.

Michael Jejna, DMD, ’15, acquired Desert Breeze Dentistry in Tempe, Arizona, after nearly a decade practicing as an associate dentist in the Phoenix area. As owner, Dr. Jejna is focused on providing comprehensive, patient-centered dental care by offering access to in-house specialists, advanced digital technology, and treatment options designed to help patients with dental anxiety. Dr. Jejna is a graduate of ATSU-ASDOH.

Taisei Suzuki, DO, MIPH, CCHP-CP, FAAFP, ’15, completed a 10-day trip to provide medical aid following the earthquakes in Venezuela. This work was a part of the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia, an international nongovernmental organization founded in Japan that focuses on global medical and humanitarian relief. Dr. Suzuki is a graduate of ATSU-KCOM and a member of the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association board. 

Charles Dolan, DHSc, MBA, FACHE, ’16, was appointed to the board of trustees of Wor-Wic Community College by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Dr. Dolan is vice president of clinical operations at TidalHealth, where he is responsible for system-level direction of ambulatory surgical services, pharmacy, medical imaging, and laboratory medicine.

2020s

Troy Jensen, DO, ’20, is now accepting patients at CommonSpirit Medical Group – Family Medicine – Ringgold in Ringgold, Georgia. Dr. Jensen is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a graduate of ATSU-KCOM.

Matthew West, DO, ’20, an ATSU-SOMA graduate, finished an addiction medicine fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2024. He is now the addiction medicine medical director of Washington state’s first Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) located in a jail, which he discussed on the Oregon Public Broadcasting radio show “Think Out Loud.” He is also working in multiple OTPs across Washington; in medically supervised substance withdrawal in Portland, Oregon; and as a subject matter expert for OHSU to help jails across Oregon improve their addiction treatment for adults in custody. 

Shannon Youngblood, EdD, ’20, was elected president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section. In this role, Dr. Youngblood will lead initiatives focused on advocacy for nuclear medicine professionals, expanding equitable access to education and mentorship, and advancing professional development to keep pace with innovations in theranostics and cardiac PET-CT.

Melinda Knudson-Stanley, EdD, ’21, was promoted to teaching professor of healthcare management at Indiana University Kokomo. Dr. Knudson-Stanley joined the university as an adjunct faculty member in 2014 before becoming a visiting lecturer in 2015. She is a three-time recipient of the IU Trustees Teaching Award. Additionally, she has received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Technology and an IU Bicentennial Medal. 

Maria Holden, MS, ’22, joined Good Shepherd Primary Care in Hermiston, Oregon. She earned her master of science in physician assistant studies from ATSU-ASHS. 

Kevin Cooper, DHSc, ’23, was named head of marketing of T2 Group, a healthcare IT consulting and technology services company. In this role, Dr. Cooper will lead enterprise marketing strategy across the company’s four business divisions. 

Faisal Kamal, DHSc, MS, PA-C, ’24, a graduate from ATSU-CHC’s Central Coast Physician Assistant program, completed his Doctor of Medical Science degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. 

Michelle Congdon, DHSc, MBA, ’25, presented a poster at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans. Dr. Congdon’s poster, “Wisconsin Stroke Nurses Support Implementation of New Tools for HRSN Assessment,” was based on research she conducted for her applied research project. 

Kelley Cooper, EdD, ’25, published his doctoral research project manuscript from ATSU-CGHS and started a new faculty position at Texas Christian University. 

Kelli Hillerman, MPH, ’25, was named the new administrator of Sullivan County Health Department in Milan, Missouri. Hillerman, an ATSU-CGHS graduate, brings more than 26 years of experience in public health, including knowledge of communicable disease management, epidemiology, emergency preparedness, WIC, public health education, and regional public health leadership. 

Dina Jarjees, DHA, ’25, and her faculty mentor, Lihua Dishman, DHA, MBA, FACHE, professor, health administration, ATSU-CGHS, published a paper based on Dr. Jarjees’ doctoral research project. The publication, “Do Allied Health Professionals’ Workplace Experiences Affect Their Decisions to Stay? A Quantitative Investigation Into the Relationship Between Wellness and Employee Retention in United States Hospitals,” appeared in Patient Experience Journal, Vol. 13, Issue 1. 

Andrew Mielcuszny, DO, ’25, an internal medicine resident at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan, presented a poster at the hospital’s 33rd annual Medical Education Research Forum. Dr. Mielcuszny received first place for a junior case report titled “A Case for Point-of- Care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pneumothorax Ex Vacuo, a Rare Complication of Thoracentesis,” which was based on the ultrasound skills he learned as a student at ATSU-KCOM. 

Olatunde Oshikoya, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, ’25, was appointed director of Correctional Healthcare Partners’ medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services and rapid response. In this role, Dr. Oshikoya will lead the development of clinical protocols and the implementation of person-centered policies aimed at expanding access to evidence-based substance use treatment, including MAT, for individuals within the criminal justice system. Dr. Oshikoya brings more than 10 years of clinical experience in urgent and emergency care, infectious diseases, psychiatric care, and addiction medicine. 

Blood Orphan 

By Ashley Glosson, DHSc, ’22 
Published March 2026, Barnes & Noble Press 

In this memoir, Dr. Glosson tells her story about abuse, survival, and the lifelong cost of growing up in fear. She takes readers through the moments that nearly destroyed her, the faith that sustained her, and the determination that helped her rise beyond the horrors of her past to become an accomplished scientist, advocate, and survivor.

In the spring/summer 2026 issue of Still Magazine, we asked readers to share who influenced them the most during their ATSU education. The responses highlighted some of the beloved former professors from ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

From Jack Stinogel, DO, ’84 

Influencer: Pressley Crummy, PhD, former anatomy professor 

“He had a quiet, easy-going mannerism. He was always positive and encouraging. A very kind man! I was always impressed how he could dissect with his bare hands and his anatomy knowledge.” 

From David Glickman, DO, ’61 

Influencer: Max Gutensohn, DO, ’41, 

former president and professor emeritus of internal medicine 

“It was Dr. Max Gutensohn. He overcame many physical and social handicaps to become the physician he was.” 

From Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82 

Influencer: Delbert Maddox, DO, ’55, former professor and head of general practice 

“Dr. Delbert Maddox greatly influenced me during my years at ATSU-KCOM. He was a role model and mentor who significantly shaped my decision to become a family medicine physician. He was truly the compassionate, caring doctor who took care of the whole family (which he did for my parents, siblings, grandparents, and me as a kid growing up in Kirksville). He created the Rural Clinic system for ATSU-KCOM and gave so much of his service to the community as a whole through clubs and other activities.”