A.T. Still University Board of Trustees appoints officers, elects new trustees
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) Board of Trustees appointed officers and elected two new trustees at its quarterly meeting July 24, 2026.
The following trustees were elected as officers for 2026-27: Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, FACOFP, ‘11, of Anthem, Arizona, chair; Michael Torgan, MBA, NHA, of Los Angeles, California, vice chair; and Renee Clark, MAcc, of Durham, North Carolina, secretary.
Two distinguished healthcare leaders and alumni, newly elected to the board, are Frederick D. Watson, DO, MBA, ’97, of Heath, Texas, and Matthew L. Williams, DMD, ’20, of Kirksville, Missouri. Together, they bring extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and community service.
Dr. Watson is a physician executive with Cigna, where he serves as senior medical principal for many of the company’s largest national clients, developing population health strategies and solutions to improve the well-being of a company’s workforce. A 1997 graduate of ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, he has been board certified in family practice since 2001 and completed the Physician Executive MBA program at the University of Tennessee in 2007. Throughout his career, he has held numerous executive medical leadership positions, leading initiatives focused on value-based care, quality improvement, physician engagement, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Watson previously served on the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association Board of Directors, including as president, and remains active in the American Osteopathic Association and other professional organizations.
Dr. Williams is a general dentist practicing in Kirksville, Missouri, and a 2020 graduate of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he also earned a certificate in public health with a dental emphasis. Born and raised in Kirksville, Dr. Williams chose dentistry to serve his community and is passionate about helping patients rediscover their confidence through healthy smiles. He is committed to expanding access to quality care for underserved communities and has participated in numerous community oral health initiatives throughout his career. As an alumnus, Dr. Williams shares ATSU’s commitment to a holistic approach to oral healthcare and expanding the healthcare workforce in underserved areas.
“ATSU board members, students, faculty, and staff welcome Drs. Watson and Williams to the board of trustees and look forward to working together. ATSU is fortunate to continue with an exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated board of trustees,” said Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, ATSU chancellor.
Trustees continuing service on the board include Kari Bernard, PhD, PA-C, ’04, of Norfolk, Virginia; Reid Butler, JD, of Phoenix, Arizona; Marco Clark, EdD, of South Bend, Indiana; Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, of Kirksville, Missouri; Herb Kuhn, of Lohman, Missouri; Helen McBride, PhD, of Woodland Hills, California; Alan Morgan, MPA, of Elkton, Virginia; Floyd Simpson, CFA, CAIA, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Felix Valbuena Jr., MD, DABFM, FAAFP, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held Oct. 16-17, 2026, in Kirksville, Missouri.
Labor Day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication, service, and hard work of individuals across our nation. At ATSU, the commitment of our faculty, staff, and students strengthens our mission each day and helps improve the health of the communities we serve. Thank you for the important role you play in advancing our University and its mission. In observance of Labor Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. Facility access will be limited. The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will also be closed.
To view library hours at each location, please click here.
I hope you have a safe, restful, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
Jackie Rufrano, MSOT, is a 2024 graduate of A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. A Weston, Florida native, she earned her bachelor of health science in pre-clinical studies from the University of Central Florida in 2021. During her time at ATSU, Rufrano served as vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and worked as a student ambassador. Today, she is an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where she works with patients recovering from respiratory complications. After just over a year in the field, she was selected to participate in a leadership development program for high-potential clinicians.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program?
“I used to love to answer this question as a student ambassador! When I was applying to graduate programs, I loved how welcomed I felt by the ATSU admissions team before I even committed to the program. I had the opportunity to ask current students to help me decide if I wanted to pursue my master’s or doctorate of occupational therapy, set my expectations, learn the culture, and always felt like the faculty was only one email away. It gave me this sense of security, especially moving across the country and not knowing anyone.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how did ATSU help prepare you for your career?
“I am now happily employed as an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where I am fortunate enough to be a part of the recovery for patients with respiratory complications. After only being employed just over a year, I was personally selected to participate in a leadership program designed to prepare high-potential clinicians for future leadership roles within the therapy world. I believe my involvement in ATSU’s student organizations fostered a passion for leadership and program development, something I never realized I even wanted to pursue until I became involved in ATSU’s extracurricular opportunities.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You were vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)?
“Honestly, I can’t think of enough reasons other than why not?! I had no idea what to expect, but it seemed fun and like a good opportunity to break out of the ‘school is nothing but stressful’ mindset. It has the potential to be so much more than that, you just might have to put yourself out there a little bit. With the help of my amazing cohort, we developed SOTA into a thriving organization that hosted frequent events, both on campus and off. One of my favorites was our Senior Spa Day, for which we partnered up with an assisted living facility, and took some pointers in a voluntary crash course for massage techniques (shout out Dr. Story!), and spent the day making older adults feel pampered. If it wasn’t for SOTA, I don’t know if I would’ve ever been able to help put something like that together.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I decided to become a student ambassador because I wanted to pass along the warmth I felt when I was making the nerve-wracking decision regarding my next steps with my education. I think the openness of the ambassadors I spoke to made my decision to become a part of ATSU’s community so easy for me. So, I wanted to pay it forward.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements?
“I foster animals, including medical and senior cats/dogs/rabbits. I love to go on backpacking trips (most recently crossed Havasupai Falls off my list this past May), puzzles (I love joining puzzle competitions), hiking, and trying new restaurants.”
The organization that oversees these residency programs, formerly called Still OPTI, will now be known by the ATSU-KCOM name. The change was approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and helps prospective residents more easily identify the schools and hospitals involved with each residency program.
“This approval represents an important step forward for our institution and our residency programs,” said Richard LaBaere, DO, MPH, FAODME, FNAOME, designated institutional official for ATSU-KCOM. “By aligning our graduate medical education programs more closely with the ATSU-KCOM name, we reinforce the strength of our osteopathic heritage, academic mission, and commitment to preparing exceptional physicians.”
Going forward, each residency program’s name will include both ATSU-KCOM and the name of its clinical partner. Sites include Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) in Kirksville, Missouri, and Rocky Vista University (RVU) in Englewood, Colorado. The updated names apply across specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, and osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
Kent Blanke, DO, director of medical education at NRMC, said the new names better show how closely the programs work together.
“Our residents benefit from outstanding clinical training opportunities, while also being connected to the legacy and academic excellence of ATSU-KCOM,” Dr. Blanke said. “This rebranding strengthens that identity and helps prospective residents immediately recognize the quality and depth of our partnerships.”
Scott Wilkie, DO, program director at RVU, said the change also reinforces the shared values among the partner institutions.
“This change highlights the collaboration and shared educational values that support our residents and ultimately benefit the communities they serve,” Dr. Wilkie said.
Sydney Mendoza is a student in A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Audiology program, set to graduate in 2029. A Pomona, California native, she earned her bachelor of science in speech and hearing science from Arizona State University in 2025. Mendoza has a personal connection to ATSU – her mother earned her doctorate here – and she’s continuing that legacy while serving as fundraising chair for the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), a member of the Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology (SADA), and a student ambassador.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Audiology program?
“I chose ATSU because it has always held a special place in my heart. My mom earned her doctorate there, so I grew up hearing about the incredible education and supportive environment the faculty provided. As I learned more about the program myself, I saw that the professors truly care about their students; not just about helping them pass classes, but about making sure they understand their field, think critically, and grow into compassionate, knowledgeable doctors.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of my favorite parts about being an ATSU student is the opportunity to connect with students from other healthcare programs and build relationships outside of audiology. I enjoy sharing what audiologists do and helping others better understand our profession, since it is often a smaller field that doesn’t receive much attention despite the important role we play in patient care. I also appreciate the sense of community created through student life events, including open houses, food truck and coffee truck visits, and the therapy dogs that come to campus during finals week. These events make campus feel welcoming and help create a fun, supportive environment.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to make a meaningful impact in my patients’ lives by building relationships where they feel truly heard, understood, and cared for. I want every patient to leave my office feeling more confident and connected because of the care they received. One day, I also hope to take over my mom’s private practice, Optimum Audiology, and continue providing compassionate, patient-centered care to our communities. ATSU is preparing me for this career by giving me a strong clinical foundation, hands-on experiences, and supportive faculty who challenge me to think critically, grow professionally, and become the best audiologist I can be.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You have a role with the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) as fundraising chair on the board, and are a member of Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology (SADA).
“I joined SAA and SADA to become more involved in the audiology profession and connect with my classmates and future colleagues. As the fundraising chair for SAA, I enjoy helping organize fundraising efforts that support student events and activities, but one of my favorite parts of being involved is attending the social events and building relationships with my fellow classmates and future colleagues. Through SADA, I have gained a better understanding of professional advocacy and the future of audiology. Being involved in both organizations has helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to help prospective students feel welcomed and supported as they begin their journey into the program. I know how valuable it is to have someone who has been through the process and can answer questions honestly about classes, clinic, and student life. I enjoy being a friendly, approachable resource and helping future students feel more confident and excited about joining the program.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Cooking, baking, gardening, thrifting, playing records, and hanging out with my dog, Ham.”
It is with sadness I share with you the passing of John Egbert Krogh, PhD, longtime faculty member and administrative dean of A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Krogh passed away on August 19 at age 91. He joined KCOM’s faculty in 1976 and taught anatomy and conducted research for more than two decades. He continued his dedication to medical education after his retirement in 1998, serving as a dean for medical student rotations in Utah and later returning to the classroom to teach at Provo College. Many in our University community will also remember Dr. Krogh as one of two survivors of the 2004 Corporate Airlines Flight 5966 crash, which claimed the lives of 13 people, including six members of the KCOM community. Following the tragedy, Dr. Krogh spoke openly about compassion, healing, and his gratitude for the care and support he received from the ATSU community.
Dr. Krogh will be remembered for his dedication to students, his kindness and genuine care for others, and his lifelong commitment to education. He continued to find ways to support medical education throughout his life, including his decision to donate his body for medical education following his death. His legacy will live on through the many students, colleagues, and others whose lives he touched. On behalf of the entire ATSU family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Krogh family, his friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time. The obituary and information regarding Dr. Krogh’s funeral services may be found here: John Egbert Krogh.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
It is with sadness I share with you the passing of William G. Anderson, DO, a trailblazing osteopathic physician, educator, and civil rights leader. Dr. Anderson passed away on August 16 at age 98. He made an extraordinary impact on our nation and the osteopathic medical profession. As a leader of the historic Albany Movement during the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Anderson later became the first Black surgery resident in Detroit and established a successful surgical practice in Michigan. In 1994, he made history again as the first Black president of the American Osteopathic Association, having already served for two decades on the AOA Board of Trustees.
Dr. Anderson’s commitment to service and opportunity extended to future generations of osteopathic physicians. In 1998, he established the William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship Fund through the American Osteopathic Foundation to support minority osteopathic medical students who champion health equity. His legacy of courage, compassion, leadership, and service will continue through the many lives he touched and the physicians he inspired. I encourage you to learn more about Dr. Anderson’s remarkable life and contributions to our profession here: AOA mourns passing of Civil Rights Movement leader and influential physician William G. Anderson, DO.
On behalf of the entire ATSU family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Anderson family, his many friends, and colleagues.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
Gwendolyn Miller is a student in A.T. Still University’s College for Healthy Communities’ Central Coast Physician Assistant program, set to graduate in 2027. A Pleasant Hill, California native, she earned her bachelor of science in nutrition science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2025. Before beginning the program, Miller worked in healthcare on the Central Coast, and she now serves as a student ambassador, building connections with prospective students throughout the region, including at her alma mater, Cal Poly.
Why did you choose ATSU-CHC’s Central Coast Physician Assistant program (CCPA)?
“I chose ATSU because it felt like the perfect fit for both my personal values and professional goals. After working in healthcare on the Central Coast, I knew I wanted to stay in the region and eventually serve the community as a primary care PA. As a nutrition science major, I also appreciated the program’s osteopathic philosophy and emphasis on treating the whole person. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside several ATSU-CHC CCPA graduates, and current students gave me an authentic perspective on the program. Their mentorship solidified my decision to become part of the ATSU family.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of my favorite things about being an ATSU student is the incredible sense of community. PA school is challenging, but having such a supportive group of classmates has made the experience so much fun. My best friends, Gianna Novelli, Claire Dicke, and Kayla Montoya. Gianna, Claire, and I all attended Cal Poly and worked together at a family medicine clinic in San Luis Obispo, so we were beyond excited to continue our journey together at ATSU. Kayla joined us from out of state, and we loved welcoming her to the Central Coast and making her feel at home. Some of my favorite memories have been studying together at the beach, taking weekend trips to Big Sur, paddle boarding in Morro Bay, hiking the trails in Pismo Beach, and celebrating each other’s successes every step of the way. The friendships I’ve made at ATSU are something I’ll cherish long after graduation, and they’ve shown me that while PA school is rigorous, it can also be full of adventure, laughter, lifelong friendships and future bridesmaids.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“My dream is to become a primary care PA on the Central Coast and give back to the community that has shaped me both personally and professionally. Through my experiences working in local clinics, I’ve seen how meaningful it is to build lasting relationships with patients and be someone they can trust throughout every stage of life. I hope to provide compassionate, whole person healthcare while helping improve access to primary care in our region. ATSU has reinforced that passion through its mission-driven curriculum, incredible faculty, and strong connections within the Central Coast healthcare community. Every day, I feel like I’m becoming the kind of provider I always hoped to be.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador to build stronger connections with my classmates, support and encourage pre-PA students throughout the application process, and help prospective students see that PA school is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I wanted to continue building relationships with undergraduate students across the Central Coast and hope to inspire more future healthcare providers to stay and serve our local communities, ultimately helping improve access to care in the region.
“One of my favorite parts of being a student ambassador has been connecting with prospective students. I’ve had the opportunity to represent ATSU at the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Graduate School Fair and speak with members of the Cal Poly Pre-PA Club (my alma mater), as well as welcome the Cal Poly Pre-PA Club during their visit to our campus.
“As a pre-PA student, I remember how overwhelming the application process and choosing a program felt. Because of that, I enjoy having honest conversations with prospective students, sharing my own experiences, and reassuring them. I love giving them an authentic look at life at ATSU and as a PA student, answering their questions, and hopefully making the journey feel a little less intimidating. One thing I especially want future students to know is that PA school can be incredibly fun. Although it is academically challenging, I’ve been able to continue surfing, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and doing the things I love outside of school. Finding that balance has made my experience even more rewarding, and I hope it reassures prospective students that it’s possible to work hard while still enjoying life. It’s incredibly rewarding to help future students feel excited and confident about pursuing their dream of becoming a PA.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I love spending time outdoors and staying active. I enjoy surfing for fun and competitively and also love diving, hiking, camping, and exploring California’s beautiful coastline. Traveling is another passion of mine. I’ve had the opportunity to visit 17 countries (and counting!), and I love experiencing different cultures, foods, and perspectives. I also enjoy being involved in my community as an active member of the Central Coast NP/PA Club, where I have the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and continue learning outside the classroom.”
Ashwini Anupindi, OTD, ’28, is a student in A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. A Houston, Texas native, she earned her bachelor of science in integrative physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2024 before continuing her education at ATSU. Beyond the classroom, Anupindi serves as OT chair of the OT/PT Pro Bono Clinic Board and works as a student ambassador, helping guide prospective students through their own paths to ATSU.
Why did you choose the ATSU-ASHS Doctor of Occupational Therapy program?
“I chose ATSU for its dedication to wanting students to succeed clinically and educationally. I wanted to continue into a smaller and more intimate academic environment and ATSU has allowed me to learn and grow into a client-centered clinician. The faculty at ATSU truly wants to see the students succeed and exposes us to new ways of teaching and learning.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy having a space to learn new things alongside my cohort. We all come from such diverse backgrounds both personally and educationally that we can teach one another new ways to see the world. I also enjoy how close the faculty is to the students. They truly want to see them succeed and they foster a relationship where students are encouraged to ask for guidance.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“After graduating, my long term goal is to open up my own pediatric occupational therapy practice with an emphasis in sensory integration and hand therapy. ATSU is helping me achieve this goal through hands-on opportunities in our pro bono clinic.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, such as becoming OT chair of the OT/PT Pro Bono Clinic Board?
“I joined the board of our OT/PT pro bono clinic to help learn a more business and leadership side to healthcare. I enjoy getting to work with PT students to help improve and maintain our clinic for our school and patients. I am getting exposure to a side of healthcare that will be useful later in my career.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador in an effort to help incoming and prospective students learn more about ATSU.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Reading, golfing, staying active, crafting or anything to work my creativity, and writing music.”
Layton Zea is a student in the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, with an expected graduation in 2028. A Lakeshore, Utah native, he earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science with a minor in Spanish from Utah Valley University. Zea serves as a student ambassador and is active in ATSU’s community outreach efforts, including events for Parkinson’s disease and Special Olympics.
Why did you choose ATSU?
“I was drawn to the approach to healthcare being focused on the whole person.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy the many events that our school encourages us to participate in, such as events for Parkinson’s and Special Olympics. We also participate in an interdisciplinary ‘Matter of Balance’ class which is a falls prevention class for older adults.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“I aspire to be an expert in the field of physical therapy and be able to treat the whole person exceptionally. As a Spanish speaker, I hope to treat many people who primarily speak Spanish. The next language I plan to implement in my practice and master is American Sign Language. ATSU has helped me understand not only how to prepare in the field of health, but also how to prepare the way I communicate to treat the whole person.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I wanted to help other students succeed in their studies and aspirations at ATSU. I enjoy working with people to help them find confidence and find a place where they can do their best.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Exploring the outdoors, rock climbing, singing and playing guitar.”
