A graduate of Arizona State University, where she majored in medical studies, MacCrone discusses everything from the inspiration of former colleagues to the local coffee trucks on campus, offering an inside look at life as an ATSU-ASHS PA student. Read more about her journey of building professional accountability, serving the community, and finding balance outside of the classroom.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“Aside from the beautiful campus and welcoming faculty and advisors, I chose ATSU-ASHS because as a medical assistant in dermatology, I worked with two providers who graduated from the same campus (one was a DO, and one was a PA who I worked very closely with). I wanted to follow in their footsteps as successful providers as I saw how much they influenced my own experience and growth within healthcare. Not to mention, ATSU’s PA program’s PANCE stats are continuously exceptional.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-ASHS PA student?
“I love the support that we receive as students. It is so much easier to go to school every day knowing that there is so much love, support, and dedication by every faculty member and advisor. They truly emphasize that they want to see each student succeed and will do everything in their power to make sure that it happens, oftentimes going out of their way to do so. The faculty really spends time on building meaningful relationships with students, even though there are 100 of us! Our school is great about putting on fun events such as the basketball and flag football games, where all of the programs are integrated together, and my personal favorite, Founder’s Day Open House AKA carnival and free food/activities. The coffee truck in the morning and Food Truck Thursdays are also a huge pick-me-up!”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career as a PA?
“I hope to become the most reliable, compassionate, and hard-working physician assistant that I can possibly be. I want to be wherever my community needs me, whether that be in primary care, ER, etc. I truly just want to do good for others and utilize my skills where they will be needed the most. ATSU-ASHS helps prepare me to become a PA by making sure I am held accountable as a student and, most importantly, as a future provider. They focus on whole person healthcare with an emphasis on underserved populations and building competent providers that truly care about their patients and community.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, like the Kettel Society?
“I initially heard about Kettel Society and becoming a student ambassador during an information session held during lunch on the first week of classes. Naturally, at first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to even handle doing anything extracurricular, but I was quickly encouraged to be as active as possible within my ATSU community. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had while being in both. I cannot picture my didactic year being any different and I am really happy that I made that leap of faith even when it did not seem quite achievable. I also get to spend a lot of time with my peers outside of lectures, which is super fun to see how all of our personalities mold together.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I knew that it would allow me to become involved within my school and community. I was excited to contribute to future students’ experiences and I wanted to be a positive reflection of my program! I remember the student ambassadors being such a great resource throughout my own interview process, and I wanted to have that same effect and offer the same support for others. Not only is my goal to be an important resource, but also a friend.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of my time studying I enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, spending time outdoors, and watching my boyfriend’s hockey games on Friday nights. I am always down for a good happy hour and spending time with friends and family. I also frequently plan events for my class outside of school to participate in and volunteer monthly with other classmates at the Food Bank in Mesa. I’m still a waitress at a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Chandler that I have worked at for 10 years, so you will find me picking up shifts whenever I am able to to catch up with my regulars!”
Selected following a national search, Dr. Smith returns to ATSU from MaineHealth in Portland, Maine, where she has been vice president for academic affairs since 2021. An accomplished leader and the former dental director for the State of Arizona, Dr. Smith’s extensive background includes senior academic roles at ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, ATSU-MOSDOH, and the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. Her deep roots with ATSU also include serving as associate dean for education and as a member of the inaugural leadership team at ATSU’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health.
“I am honored to be named as the next dean of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health and to be returning to the University,” Dr. Smith said. “I look forward to leading an incredible team of educators and team members as we continue to welcome high-performing students committed to excellence and work to improve the health of our communities. I am committed to collaborating with University and community leaders, and connecting with alumni and partners.”
As dean and chief academic officer, Dr. Smith will lead ATSU-MOSDOH’s academic programs and clinical enterprise, overseeing the School’s operations on both the Kirksville, Missouri, campus and at the St. Louis Dental Center, where oral healthcare services are provided through a partnership with Affinia Healthcare.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Smith back to ATSU,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Her recognized leadership in curricular design, assessment, accreditation, and health professions education aligns strongly with ATSU’s mission and MOSDOH’s continued commitment to educational excellence and community service.”
“With more than 30 years of combined experience in dental education, public health, and academic healthcare leadership, Dr. Smith brings expertise in strategic visioning, analytic skills, and leadership,” said ATSU Missouri Campus President Gaylah Sublette, MBA. “She is dedicated to empowering students, faculty, and staff to achieve their full potential while advancing oral health and dental education.”
Her funded scholarship has been supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Delta Dental foundations, private philanthropy, and state agencies with focuses on educational innovation, access to care for rural and underserved populations, health workforce development, and population health.
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) student Kort Myers, D2, didn’t need to go too far to find the dental school that was right for him. Myers is from Mesa, Arizona, and attended Arizona State University where he majored in medical studies, with a minor in business.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASDOH?
“As an Arizona native, I grew up driving past ATSU every day on my way to junior high, high school, and eventually undergrad. When it came time to choose a graduate program, I knew that I wanted to stay close to home and family while receiving a high quality education. ATSU-ASDOH offered that and much more. The school’s strong clinical training, combined with a well-organized curriculum, ensured I would gain both hands-on experience and the knowledge needed to succeed. With its combination of excellent academics, invaluable clinical opportunities, and close proximity to family, choosing ATSU-ASDOH was an easy decision.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-ASDOH student?
“It’s important to me to remember the health of an individual goes beyond solving a single issue and involves a systemic, whole-person approach. ATSU-ASDOH continually strives to embody this holistic health philosophy in both classroom and clinical experience, which will be invaluable as I grow into a future dental professional.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“ATSU-ASDOH does an excellent job of introducing students into the pace and rigor of dental school while still allowing time for personal well-being. Despite the stresses of school, I rarely feel overwhelmed because the program balances academic challenges with support and resources that help students succeed and maintain overall wellness.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations? You serve as vice president of ASDOH’s class of 2028 in addition to serving with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Special Care Dentistry Association, Orthodontic Specialty Club, and Give Kids a Smile.
“As class vice president, I have an opportunity, alongside our class president, to advocate for continued improvements on behalf of our entire class. It’s an important and humbling role, knowing that I have the support of my classmates. I have enjoyed leading by example and being someone they can rely on.
“I joined HSDA as an education co-chair to help students at ATSU-ASDOH feel more confident in engaging in conversations with our Hispanic patient population. Learning Spanish as a second language while living in El Salvador has allowed me to develop skills to support non-native speakers as they learn and communicate. This has been especially rewarding, as we serve many patients with Hispanic backgrounds.
“I also wanted to be involved in life outside of dental school by promoting, planning, and coordinating events that allow students to decompress and enjoy themselves. As a member of the ASDA activities committee, I have helped organize golf and pickleball tournaments, socials, and other recreational events for staff and students to enjoy.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I enjoy connecting with applicants and prospective students and serving as a resource for those pursuing their path to dental school. I’ve always found it rewarding when people seek guidance and I am able to share my experiences to support them. As a student ambassador, I have the opportunity to do this through meaningful engagement with prospective students, answering questions, and helping them feel confident about their journey.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
I enjoy playing slow pitch softball, watching college football and baseball – especially the Sun Devils and the Arizona Diamondbacks – running, grilling, and spending time with my wife!
“ATSU-KCOM felt like home when I stepped onto campus. The students and staff were all so welcoming and encouraging when I came for my interview day, and that really stuck with me.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-KCOM student?
“What I love about being an ATSU-KCOM student is the camaraderie and support within my class. Given the structure of this education, I have learned to lean on my peers and my professors when I am going through a difficult time. Being at ATSU means I have built-in friends for life. I especially love that the school puts on events where we can relax and have fun. My friends and I get so excited for the karaoke night and Halloween party every year. In fact, my friends and I won the costume contest at this year’s Halloween party!”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM helping prepare you for your career?
“My goal is to be a pediatrician and to practice in my home state of Arizona. ATSU-KCOM is providing me with the education and the skills to perform this job, but it is also preparing me by helping me believe in myself and my abilities. Through the support of the staff and my peers, I am being prepared to become the best physician I can be.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, including the Pediatrics Club, Still Kids Club, Gamma Beta Phi, Sigma Sigma Phi, Family Medicine Club, and Point of Care Ultrasound Club?
“As someone who wants to be a pediatrician, I have enjoyed being a member of our two pediatrics-focused clubs here on campus. Through them, I have gained valuable insight into what it is like working with children and how to best serve that patient population. I have especially enjoyed tutoring kids at the local elementary and high school throughout my time at ATSU-KCOM.”
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 give an honest look at what life is like at ATSU to prospective students. The positive attitude and genuine love for the school that the student ambassadors displayed on my interview day was a large factor in my decision to attend. I hope through my time as an ambassador that I am able to make prospective students feel welcomed and leave with an understanding of all that the school has to offer.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I really enjoy writing poetry. It is a way for me to unwind and melt away any of the stress I am feeling. I wrote and self-published a poetry chapbook at the beginning of the year that I am really proud of.
“I also do a lighthearted video series on my social media page, where I do interpretive dances of different medical topics. I like doing this because I love to dance and it’s been the perfect blend of being active and learning to not take myself too seriously.”
Originally from Speedway, Indiana, Rendes has a degree in biology from the University of Southern Indiana, and will complete her master’s program at ATSU-KCOM in 2027.
Why did you choose ATSU-KCOM?
“I chose ATSU-KCOM for their biomed program, as it seemed like the best fit for me!”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-KCOM student?
“I love how all the professors and staff truly do care about each student and want us to succeed.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-KCOM’s biomedical sciences program helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to become a general physician, and by coming to ATSU-KCOM for the biomed program it increases my chances. However, the master’s program also sets me up for success even if I don’t end up going to medical school, as I will have gained research experience and could get a job in that.”
Why did you choose to join the Biomedical Science Club?
“I joined it to get to know the others in the program better and for the volunteering opportunities!”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Reading, embroidery, sewing, hanging out with my cat, Garlic, and spending time with friends and family. I also love to go shopping.”
Meet Leah Friedman, OMS I, of A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). Friedman has a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and business administration from the University of San Diego, and is a member of ATSU-SOMA’s class of 2029.
Why did you choose ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose ATSU-SOMA because it offered the combination of a strong medical education and the opportunity to stay close to my hometown and family. I have always wanted to serve Arizona communities, and ATSU’s mission and emphasis on whole person healthcare aligned with the kind of physician I aspire to become. I believed that ATSU-SOMA would give me the support, the mentorship, and the training needed to grow to become the best doctor.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-SOMA student?
“I enjoy the collaborative environment within my class and the many events happening on campus. There is always something to participate in and the community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. I love learning medicine alongside my classmates and engaging in activities where we support one another.
“Student life at ATSU is also enriched by the wide variety of clubs and events held throughout the year. There is always a club hosting something each week that adds depth and diversity to our medical education. These events include physician guest speakers, discussions on social determinants of health, skills labs such as suture clinics, volunteer opportunities, research involvement, and even sessions on business in medicine. There is always something new to learn, and these activities help us grow both personally and professionally while also building meaningful connections with our peers.”
Friedman and other ATSU-SOMA students volunteer at Feed My Starving Children.
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to become a physician who has a meaningful impact on patients’ lives and helps improve their long term health and quality of life. ATSU’s focus on whole person healthcare is helping me build the skills to understand patients beyond their diagnosis and to appreciate the broader context of their health. I hope to bring strong clinical ability, compassion, and leadership into my future work within the Arizona community.”
Why did you choose to join the Internal Medicine Interest Group, where you serve as Journal Club coordinator?
“I joined the Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) because I have always been drawn to the wide scope of internal medicine and the strong clinical reasoning that the specialty requires. I recently began serving as the Journal Club coordinator, and although I am still new in this role, I am excited to work with our IMIG team to host programs that expose students to important clinical topics.
“I enjoy being part of an organization that brings students together around curiosity and shared interests. IMIG provides meaningful learning opportunities outside the classroom, including case discussions, faculty talks, and other collaborative events. I am looking forward to helping expand these opportunities through thoughtful Journal Club sessions and future activities that support student learning and professional development.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I had a very positive and welcoming experience during my own interview at ATSU-SOMA. The student ambassador on my interview day made me feel like I truly belonged here and helped the school feel like a second home. That personal connection meant a lot to me and it inspired me to provide that same sense of comfort and support to future applicants.
“I enjoy connecting with prospective students and helping them feel informed and welcomed. I love answering questions, sharing my experiences, and giving applicants a sense of the community they can look forward to. It is very meaningful to be part of someone’s journey into medical school.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school I enjoy golfing, hiking in the Arizona desert, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I also love traveling and am always planning a new trip whenever we have a break!”
ATSU-SOMA students support the SOMA women’s flag football team in Mesa.
A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) class of 2028 student Haley Przespolewski, D2, is from Spring, Texas, and has a degree in biology from Texas A&M University. Przespolewski is a member of several student organizations at ATSU-MOSDOH, where she also serves as a student ambassador.
Why did you choose ATSU-MOSDOH?
“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because its mission to serve underserved communities aligns with the kind of dentist I want to become. ATSU-MOSDOH’s curriculum also stood out to me. It’s designed to build strong clinical skills early and prepare students for board success. I knew this was a place where I could learn, serve, and grow into a compassionate provider.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-MOSDOH student?
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU-MOSDOH student is the sense of community. I’ve made some great friends here, and having a supportive group makes even the busiest weeks feel manageable.”
Przespolewski and her friends celebrate the start of their second year of dental school.
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-MOSDOH helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to become a well-rounded dentist who supports overall health and wellbeing. ATSU-MOSDOH is preparing me through strong clinical training, a curriculum that encourages lifelong learning, and a mission that emphasizes serving patients and communities with a whole person approach.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, including the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), MOSDOH American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and American Dental Education Association (ADEA)?
“I’ve gotten involved in these organizations because each one lets me grow in a different part of dentistry. Through ASDA, I have become really interested in dental advocacy and using evidence-based research to understand how policy impacts our profession and our patients. AAPD has helped me appreciate the importance of pediatrics and early prevention in general dentistry. Finally, I’ve always been passionate about teaching and lifelong learning, and ADEA allows me to explore academic dentistry while supporting my classmates’ education.”
Haley and her friends at the ASDA District 9 Conference with former ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler.
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a Student Ambassador because I enjoy connecting with prospective students and providing them with an honest view of life here at ATSU-MOSDOH. I love answering their questions, sharing my experiences, and helping them feel comfortable and welcomed as previous ambassadors have done before. It’s rewarding to be part of the first impression they have of our school and to help make their decision easier.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school I love spending time with my dog, Kylo, exploring local trails, and playing intramural volleyball.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, January 19, 2026, our nation will honor the life, courage, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A.T. Still University remains dedicated to advancing Dr. King’s vision through continued commitment to cultural proficiency and inclusion and respect for all members of the ATSU community—students, faculty, staff, and patients alike.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Monday. Facility access will be limited. The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will also be closed.
Please click here to view library hours at each location.
“I chose ATSU-SOMA for many reasons, but the biggest one was the people I met and the conversations I had with students and staff. I already knew I wanted to attend a school with a more interactive curriculum, so the case-based inquiry style of learning immediately stood out to me. When I reached out to ask questions, everyone I spoke with was kind, genuine, and eager to share what they loved most about the school.
“As an out-of-state applicant, I had trouble finding a time to fly in and tour the school, but the admissions staff went above and beyond to come in on their day off to show me around. ATSU-SOMA stood out as a school that not only gave me what I was looking for academically, but felt like somewhere I would genuinely enjoy being.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“Before school started, a big group from the class of 2029 went tubing down the Salt River, and I knew right then I was joining an amazing group of people. ATSU-SOMA offers so many ways to connect, not only within our program but across other healthcare fields at ATSU. From flag football tournaments to social events and post-exam mixers, there’s always something going on and a new way to meet people. Our class is incredibly collaborative and supportive, and it’s so motivating to be surrounded by people who are genuinely excited to become physicians.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“My goal is to become a well-rounded physician and strong problem solver. I value how research is integrated into the curriculum, the opportunities for involvement and leadership, and the many resources on campus that foster wellness and community. It’s important to me to enjoy this part of my journey, and I feel supported and equipped with the tools to do so while on the way to being the best physician I can be.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“Near the end of my application process, it was important to me to speak with a current student about their experience at ATSU-SOMA. I connected with a third-year ambassador who spent over an hour on the phone answering my questions and sharing her perspective. She played a major role in my decision to attend ATSU-SOMA, and I knew I wanted to be able to do the same for future students.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I really enjoy golfing, running, and exploring Arizona (I’m especially excited to do more of that as it cools down). It’s been great getting settled in, and I’m looking forward to finding opportunities for research and volunteering as the school year continues.”
At ATSU-ASHS, Beyfuss is a student ambassador and member of the Garden Club and Project RISE (Reaching In Student Excellency).
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because I resonated with the mission and vision of learning in a hands-on fashion, and serving the underserved in mind, body, and spirit.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“So far, I’ve enjoyed seeing the various types of students on campus. I’m often at the library, where the white boards are filled with anatomy diagrams, biological mechanisms and pathways, and words I have yet to understand. Coming to campus every day and seeing students from other programs interact gives me imagination for a future as a PA, where I am collaborating with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and more. After only a few short months here, I already feel part of a community that I look forward to watching evolve.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“My goal over the next two years is to grow my professional personality, challenging myself to be intentional in my interactions, jumping at skills opportunities, and doing things that scare me. ATSU-ASHS has been guiding me on this path through the didactic curriculum. I have been fed with difficult realizations that have shifted my perspective of medicine towards a vision that I look forward to learning to embody, and actually embodying as a professional. The challenging content, guest lectures, skills and lab days combined are setting me up for confidence in a field I am still learning to navigate.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“I have enjoyed the connections I’ve made through clubs in my past and wanted to take advantage of the clubs on campus while I am here. During my undergraduate studies, I was a part of a garden project that helped plant native seeds back into the desert grounds. I wanted to bring this experience to the ATSU campus and have found enjoyment in the garden here on campus.
“Project RISE is an organization where American Indian and Alaska Native students are provided mentorship and support in becoming graduate health professional students. My experience in my undergrad with Indigenous professors and students inspired me to join this organization, as I believe it’s important to empower and uplift Indigenous communities.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“While I liked what I saw about the school on paper, it was my experiences with the student ambassadors that solidified ATSU-ASHS as my top choice for PA school. The ambassadors spoke highly of all the faculty, staff, resources and support provided to the students. I understood that PA school was going to be very academically rigorous and emotionally challenging. After speaking with the student ambassadors, I knew ATSU would give me the opportunities to evolve into a well-rounded PA.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of school I enjoy rock climbing, biking, cooking meals with friends, and finding new ways to be creative.”
