ATSU-KCOM, founding school of osteopathic medicine, celebrates 162 graduates
A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), the founding school of osteopathic medicine, celebrated a new class of 162 graduates on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Kirksville, Missouri. Of the 162 graduates, 154 received their doctor of osteopathic medicine degree and eight received their master of science in biomedical sciences degree.
Jamie L. Wagner, DO, MBA, FACOS, FACS, ’04, division chief of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Health System, served as commencement speaker.
Speakers also included ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, interim president, ATSU’s Missouri campus, Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, who delivered the Board of Trustees greeting, and Todd N. Troxell, DO, ’17, president, Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA), with the KOAA induction.
Lori Haxton, MA, served as the grand marshal for the ceremony, and ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, provided closing remarks.
Additionally, the ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Tim Ostrowski, PhD, associate professor, physiology, and chair of ATSU-KCOM’s faculty senate, and a performance of “America the Beautiful” by ATSU’s student a capella group, the MEDleys.
Speakers included ATSU-MOSDOH Dean Dwight McLeod, DDS, MS, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, interim president, ATSU’s Missouri campus, and ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. Lauren Wagner, DMD, ’21, led the alumni induction.
Richard Valachovic, DMD, MPH, president emeritus of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and director of the Center for Oral Health Policy and Management at New York University College of Dentistry, delivered the commencement address.
She believes she’s in the right place to make those dreams become reality, gaining her osteopathic medical education at ATSU-KCOM.
“I am passionate about acute care and long-term patient wellness and hope to integrate community outreach, advocacy, and education into my future practice, whether in a fast-paced emergency setting or a specialty field,” she said. “ATSU has played a huge role in preparing me for my career. Its comprehensive curriculum has provided me with a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, while the simulated patient counters in the Drabing Human Patient Simulation Center and hands-on skills workshop hosted by student-led organizations have allowed me to develop the practical skills necessary for rotations. Additionally, ATSU’s emphasis on whole person healthcare and service-oriented learning has reinforced my commitment to working with underserved populations.
“With the strong foundation I am building at ATSU, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact on my patients and contribute to the well-being of the communities I serve in the future.”
Grant is from Albertville, Minnesota, and has a bachelor of arts in biochemistry from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. At ATSU-KCOM, Grant is president of the Emergency Medicine Club and co-director of the First-Generation Student Physicians Club.
“As president of the Emergency Medicine Club, I have been able to take an active role in prompting emergency preparedness and advocating for increased accessibility to life-saving interventions. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead our AED project, which aims to improve access to emergency medical services in rural areas of northeast Missouri, where care is often delayed due to lack of access or transportation barriers. Through internal grants, we have been able to secure funding to place AEDs in key locations where they can make a real difference in saving lives,” Grant said.
Grant and classmates and teaching hands-only CPR with ACAD at Hy-Vee in Kirksville.
“Beyond this initiative, the Emergency Medicine Club provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in acute and pre-hospital care. We organize skills workshops, simulation events, and guest lectures from emergency medicine physicians, all aimed at preparing students for a future career in emergency medicine. I have truly loved working alongside my peers to foster an environment where students can develop essential clinical skills, build connections with physicians in the field, and give back to the community that so willingly supports us in our academic journey.”
Outside of the classroom, Grant enjoys the lifestyle offered in Kirksville and northeast Missouri.
“I prioritize staying active. One of my boyfriend’s and my favorite ways to do this is by taking our two dogs, Knox and Maple, on long walks around town or through Thousand Hills State Park,” she said. “I also enjoy working out at the Thompson Campus Center to stay fit and unwind. Beyond staying active, I love experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes to cook.”
Grant, who will serve as a medical education fellow during the 2025-26 academic year, said being an ATSU-KCOM student is an incredibly rewarding experience.
“ATSU-KCOM offers a balance of rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical exposure, and a strong sense of community. One of the things I enjoy most is the collaborative and supportive environment among students and faculty. There are numerous student organizations and peer resource groups geared toward helping students succeed in their course work, get involved in research opportunities, and explore different medical specialities,” she said.
“One of my most memorable experiences at ATSU was presenting my research in anatomy at the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium last fall alongside my peers. The symposium fosters an incredibly supportive environment, where students and faculty come together to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s research accomplishments. Engaging with peers and faculty in such a collaborative setting not only deepened my understanding of my research but also reinforced the sense of community that makes ATSU such a special place to learn and grow.”
That’s one thing that helped make ATSU-MOSDOH a perfect fit for her dental education.
“I chose ATSU-MOSDOH because of its strong mission to serve underserved populations, which aligns with my personal values,” she said. “Additionally, I was drawn to ATSU-MOSDOH’s smaller class size, creating a close-knit, family-like environment. The sense of community here fosters collaboration and support, which I believe is essential for both personal and professional growth.
“The strong sense of camaraderie makes it easy to collaborate and support one another throughout our education.”
Harker is from Vienna, Missouri, and has a bachelor of science in biology with minors in chemistry and business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Delta honors society, Dental Business Club, American Student Dental Association, and serves as a student ambassador.
“I joined the student ambassador program because I wanted to play a role in helping prospective students navigate their journey to dental school,” she said. “I believe in creating a welcoming environment for future students and showing them all that ATSU-MOSDOH has to offer. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to make their transition into dental school smoother and help them feel more connected to the community here.”
Outside of class, Harker enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is passionate about the outdoors and spending time on her family farm with her dogs, Skeeter and Si. She also enjoys running, lifting, cooking, and plants, and has earned her American FFA Degree, the highest attainable degree in the National FFA Organization.
Ultimately, Harker hopes to provide dental care to underserved populations in a rural setting.
“ATSU-MOSDOH is helping me achieve this by providing rigorous training and education that ensures I’m well prepared for the challenges of the profession. Additionally, ATSU-MOSDOH’s strong focus on public health is a key component of my preparation, as it aligns with my passion for serving communities in need and addressing healthcare disparities,” she said.
Harker has always wanted to be a dentist.
Agatha Beier, OMS II, grew up a little more than two hours away from Kirksville, Missouri, calling Carlisle, Iowa, home.
“During my interview, I felt welcomed by everyone I met, who genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person, rather than just a transcript,” Beier said. “As the founding school of osteopathic medicine, ATSU has a strong sense of pride, evident with both the students and staff, which further solidified my decision. Additionally, I chose ATSU for the professional staff and class size, which has fostered a strong, close-knit learning environment.”
Beier has a bachelor of science in health service management from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. At ATSU-KCOM, she serves as medical president of Still Caring Health Connection, vice president for the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and as a member in ATSU’s Garden Club, OB/GYN Club, Hope’s Kitchen, and Student American Academy of Osteopathy.
Members of Still Caring Health Connection
“As a member of Still Caring Health Connection, I have had the opportunity to give back to community members and strengthen my clinic skills, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our student organization offers free healthcare clinics and educational events for members of the Kirksville community, and we have made numerous trips to an Amish community in La Plata, Missouri to provide free healthcare,” she said. “IIn addition, we have hosted a weekly booth at the local farmers’ market to connect with the community and distribute educational materials on a variety of topics.
“I became a member of the executive team for the Christian Medical and Dental Association, as I enjoy Bible studies and wanted to assist with the preparation of the organization’s weekly Bible studies, as well as to organize semester events. We have also created prayer boxes that are located around campus and allow students to submit anonymous prayer requests that we pray over each week.”
Beier also serves as a student ambassador, recalling how impactful the ambassadors were who she met during her interview day and tour.
Outside of class, Beier enjoys exercising, gardening, and reading, and recently took up making sourdough bread. On campus, she truly appreciates all the University has to offer, from student organizations and staff support, to intramural sports and community events.
“The staff is exceptional – fair, compassionate, and dedicated to both their roles and the success of students,” she said. “ATSU is unique in many respects, including the fact that ATSU has integrated an ultrasound course into our curriculum and has leveraged the human patient simulation lab to provide a valuable, safe environment for practicing patient care and clinical skills.”
Beier is looking forward to leading a meaningful and impactful career in medicine.
“While I am still exploring which field to pursue, my goal is to provide compassionate care, educate patients on their healthcare options, and empower them to advocate for their own health,” she said. “ATSU offers a wealth of opportunities that have exposed me, and will continue to expose me, to various areas of medicine, helping me determine the right path for my future.”
A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) is educating students like Taylor Lauren Lavender, D3, for careers of service to underserved communities, providing them with necessary tools for success after graduation, and doing so in an environment where people can thrive.
“From the first time I stepped on campus in Mesa, Arizona, ATSU-ASDOH felt like a home,” Lavender said. “Everyone is so welcoming and willing to help out however they can. I’ve been able to sustain a work-life balance and have created lifelong friendships.
“It’s important to have a life outside of school so that you don’t get burned out and overwhelmed. Dental school isn’t easy, but the key to success is finding your people, studying hard, and making time for the things that are important to you.”
Lavender is from Nashville, Tennessee, and has an undergraduate degree in corporate management with a minor in biology and chemistry, and master’s degree in biomedical science.
She’s leader of the Give Kids a Smile Aftercare Committee, fundraising chair for the Hispanic Student Dental Association, class of 2026 social director, and a student ambassador.
“I enjoy being a student ambassador because I too was once in their shoes. I was the first person to go to college, get my masters, and now on my way to graduating dental school,” Lavender said. “The whole process can be very daunting and I like to help them however I can. It was a long road for me to get into dental school and I hope to show them to never give up on your dreams even when you don’t see the end in sight.”
In her free time, she enjoys being with friends, trying new restaurants, traveling, and going on walks with her dog, Millie.
Lavender said ATSU-ASDOH places a strong emphasis on whole person healthcare and serving underserved communities, things she believes are important to remember as a future dentist.
“You are treating a patient, not a number,” she said. “Being able to learn about how your oral health can negatively affect your physical health, and vice versa, will make me a stronger and more well-rounded dentist in the future. Additionally, participating in Dentistry in the Community and Sealant Days at local schools has continued to fuel my passion for giving back to the community.”
It may only be a short time before A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) student Kaitlyn Carpenter, D4, crosses a stage and graduates with her doctor of dental medicine degree, but the memory of her first moments on ATSU’s Kirksville, Missouri campus remain strong. It was those first moments that helped the Easley, South Carolina native decide this was the place to pursue her dental education.
“I was really drawn to how warm and welcoming everyone was during my interview. It immediately made me feel at home,” Carpenter said. “I also appreciated the opportunity to live and learn in different locations – Kirksville and St. Louis – two polar opposite places, which made it fun.
“What truly stood out, though, was the program’s strong reputation for clinical training. I knew I wanted to be part of a curriculum that would challenge and prepare me to serve patients from all backgrounds.”
Carpenter has a degree in health sciences from Fruman University and has made the most of her four years at ATSU-MOSDOH. She’s founded and served as president of the Special Care in Dentistry Club, is class of 2025 secretary for the Student Government Association, was president of the American Student Dental Association chapter, coordinator for ATSU-MOSDOH Interview Day, first-year representative for Cosmetics Club, member of Delta Sigma Delta, wellness chair of the American Student Dental Association chapter, and is presently a member of Gamma Phi Beta Honor Society and a student ambassador.
“What I enjoy most about being an ambassador is getting to help those who are on the pre-dental track learn more about MOSDOH. Whether I’m giving tours, speaking on student panels, or connecting one-on-one with applicants, I love being able to share my MOSDOH journey with them,” she said. “It’s fun to see the impact of those interactions, especially when I hear later that something I said helped someone decide that ATSU-MOSDOH was the right fit for them.”
When she isn’t busy in clinic, Carpenter loves spending time with her family and friends, creating crafts with her Cricut machine, trying new restaurants around St. Louis, walking her dogs Daisy and Jax, and seeing what she can make using her sourdough starter.
On campus, she enjoys being part of a community where she’s made deep connections over the last four years.
“I have met some great people whom I know I will stay in contact with once I graduate. During my time in Kirksville, I loved participating in various intramurals and getting to know all the medical students. Then in St. Louis, the faculty and my classmates have been a great support system, helping me learn and grow as a dentist,” Carpenter said.
After graduation, Carpenter will head to Augusta University, Dental College of Georgia, where she matched in pediatrics.
“Since I am a National Health Service Corps Scholar, I hope to be able to give back to underserved kiddos by working in an Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting. ATSU has helped me prepare for this by allowing us to go on various rotations through FQHCs during our fourth year to learn more about dentistry in that setting,” she said. “I was also lucky with what clinical care unit I got put in during my clinical years, where they allowed me to see and gain exposure to various procedures on children that helped me know I was meant to be a pediatric dentist.”
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) student Haley Schuster, OMS III, received the Marie Wiseman Outstanding Osteopathic Student of the Year Award during the recent American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) conference in Palm Springs, California.
The award winner is selected in partnership between ACOFP and the Auxiliary to the ACOFP and recognizes an osteopathic medical student who demonstrates strong philanthropic and community service.
Schuster certainly fits the criteria. She has been active in extracurricular activities since beginning at ATSU-KCOM, having just completed her term as secretary of the Student Association of ACOFP (SAACOFP) National Student Executive Board, and previously serving as ACOFP chapter vice president, student delegate for Missouri to the ACOFP Congress of Delegates, and SAACOFP Education Committee member.
She is also currently a student member of the board of directors with the Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.
“I was really surprised when I won the award,” Schuster said. “I was not expecting it at all.”
Having been heavily involved with ACOFP since her early days as a student, Schuster said the organization offers many opportunities and benefits to DO students. From mentorship to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) workshops at conferences, there are ample chances for support and involvement. Plus, she said, nearly everything is at no cost to students.
“It really shows how dedicated they are to students and how much they want students to do well,” she said. “They make it so easy for students to get involved.”
Schuster, from Portage, Wisconsin, sought a career in health sciences from an early age, though her interest in chemistry initially led her to look into pharmacology. After doing some shadowing she believed the field lacked in working directly with patients, something she wanted to do, and she shifted her sights to medicine.
“I think medicine gives you a unique opportunity,” she said. “Like in any field, you could say you’re helping people, but helping people live well and feel well, I think, is really important. As a physician, you get to be a leader of the team but also have a really great influence on your patients, and can have some positive impacts.”
With a growing interest in holistic care she was encouraged to shadow a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Within a few days Schuster knew it was the right path for her.
“The first day she had this patient, I think with lower back pain and maybe some urinary tract infection-type symptoms. She did a few OMT techniques and the patient got up and was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I feel so much better.’
“I was like, this is not something you can see in other offices, where someone leaves feeling better by something you did with your hands. I need to learn what this is.”
Schuster chose ATSU-KCOM, and while in Kirksville was part of Still Caring Health Connection, a student organization that provides free health screenings and education throughout the community. It provided another opportunity for Schuster to use her OMT skills, something she feels passionate about keeping in her toolkit.
“Even if you don’t use it in your practice, it gives you such comfort with touching your patients and learning how things are so interconnected,” she said. “It sets us up really well for success in the future. I’ve really tried to utilize my time when I’ve had access to physicians who do OMT frequently to find opportunities to practice those skills.”
She also thoroughly enjoyed her time in Kirksville, calling it a great place for students to dive into their studies while also being surrounded by a supportive environment. She and her classmates forged strong bonds, getting together for weekly dinners, movie nights, and more.
Schuster is now on clinical rotations and is currently doing radiology in Peoria, Illinois. The rotations have offered new insights, as she’s shifted her focus from family medicine to internal medicine.
And though she said she’ll miss being so heavily involved in ACOFP, she’s looking now to join an osteopathic internal medicine student organization.
“I think it’s important for students to get involved and apply for those opportunities,” Schuster said. “With a lot of these organizations, there’s always some way for students to get involved. You just have to figure out how to do it.”
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) celebrated a remarkable milestone on April 12, 2025 – 30 years of advancing healthcare education, innovation, and service. The afternoon celebration gathered alumni, faculty, students, and friends of ATSU-ASHS for a heartfelt reunion and recognition of the School’s enduring mission and transformative legacy.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Ann Lee Burch, PT, MPH, EdD, FNAP, dean of ATSU-ASHS, who set the tone for the celebration by sharing key highlights and achievements. Her remarks celebrated the school’s growth, commitment to whole person healthcare, and the collective impact of its community.
Following Dr. Burch’s address, university leadership, ATSU-ASHS vice-dean, department chairs, faculty, students, and alumni shared meaningful memories and aspirations for the future. Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C Emeritus, former dean of ATSU-ASHS and invited guest, reflected on the early years of the School and the evolution seen over the past three decades. Each individual’s reflection underscored the deep bonds within the ATSU-ASHS community and the forward-looking vision that continues to guide the School.
Founded in 1995, ATSU-ASHS has grown from a bold vision into a thriving academic community dedicated to whole person healthcare. Throughout the celebration, attendees reflected on the journey of the institution and honored those who have shaped its success – most notably, several extraordinary alumni whose professional paths reflect ASHS’s highest ideals.
2025 ATSU-ASHS alumni award honorees
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Community Service Award Shira James, MS, ’14, OTR/L Through her commitment to pediatric occupational therapy, James has brought care and hope to countless children and families, while honorably serving her community, including its most vulnerable populations. Her service-centered approach embodies the ATSU-ASHS mission to create healthier, stronger communities.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Healthcare Innovation Award Rhianna Freiburger, DAT, ’22, MS, ’19, LAT, ATC A leader in athletic training, Dr. Freiburger is transforming the future of sports medicine with her innovative clinical practices and dedication to athlete wellness.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Emerging Scholar Award Nikki Harris, EdS, DAT, ’17, LAT, ATC, CSCS With a dynamic research portfolio and a passion for innovation, Dr. Harris is guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing meaningful scholarship to the field.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Distinguished Scholar Award Barton Anderson, DHSc, MS, ’03, ATC Dr. Anderson’s career reflects a profound commitment to advancing athletic training through education and research. His leadership continues to elevate the profession nationally.
A bright future rooted in purpose
As ATSU-ASHS enters its fourth decade, the School remains grounded in the values that have defined it since the beginning: academic excellence, service to others, and innovation in healthcare. The 30th anniversary celebration served not only as a moment of reflection, but as an affirmation of its unwavering dedication to preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare leaders.
Dr. Mayo has been with ATSU’s Board of Trustees since 2016 and her connection to Kirksville, Missouri, extends further. A first-generation college student, Dr. Mayo attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in education. It was during this time she met former ATSU board member Bertha Thomas, who recommended Dr. Mayo’s appointment.
Dr. Mayo joins Claflin University after serving as associate provost for student success and dean of undergraduate studies at California State University, Monterey Bay. She previously served as associate provost for academic programs and undergraduate research at North Carolina Central University.
