THE AFA INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Research Technician / Department of Pharmacology
Job Titles:
- Assistant CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
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- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
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- Instructional Coordinator
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- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director - Admissions ( Missouri Campus )
Andrew Taylor Still, DO, was born Aug. 6, 1828, in a log cabin in Lee County, Va. Around 1853, he decided to become a physician. It was common practice in those days for an aspiring doctor to train by studying medical books and working with a practicing physician - in this case, his father. He may have received additional, formal training at a school in Kansas City, but no records remain to establish where and when this training took place.
Job Titles:
- Instructional Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH Professor Course Director of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology Assistant Dean for Research Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH, is professor, course director of clinical medicine and pharmacology, and director of research at ATSU-ASDOH, where she also teaches part-time in the Special Care Clinic. Dr. Spolarich also serves as associate director of the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research & Practice. Dr. Spolarcih received her certificate in dental hygiene from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine and her bachelor's degree (summa cum laude) from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She holds both a master of science in dental hygiene and a PhD in physiology from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She received fellowship status in special care dental hygiene awarded by the Special Care Dentistry Association in 2016. Dr. Spolarich has formal training in both laboratory and clinical research and has completed the Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum through the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health. She has conducted research at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the University of Maryland Hospital, the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the National Office of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. Her research interests focus on the care of medically complex patient populations, specifically the care of older adults, and clinical of drug therapies and dental product formulations. Dr. Spolarich is an internationally recognized author and speaker on pharmacology and the care of medically complex patients. She has presented over 900 lectures nationally and internationally and has over 125 professional publications. Read More +
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Anatomy / Associate Professor
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- Rotation Site Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
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- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Ambassador Spotlight: Bansari Amin
- Ambassador Spotlight: Ellen Cravens
Job Titles:
- Ambassador Spotlight: Matt Gallup
- Ambassador Spotlight: Nicole Silvers
- Ambassador Spotlight: Sinhareeb Emara
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
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- Community Campus Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Urgent Care & Oral Medicine Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Education Integration Specialist
- Student Success Support
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Chairman
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor
- Director, ATSRI
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Education
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Information Technology
- Director of Information Technology and Services
Mr. Krusniak joined the ATSU family in November 1998 as director of information technology and services (ITS). Since 2005, Mr. Krusniak has served as assistant vice president for ITS. Throughout these years, he has developed a team of professionals who has guided the University though significant technology changes and institutional growth. Mr. Krusniak and the ITS team have worked with a variety of vendors to prepare the technology infrastructure necessary for new facilities/services and with students and faculty to integrate iPads into the curriculum of several programs. Mr. Krusniak and the team are increasingly building processes to secure ATSU data and address complex compliance requirements. In addition to his years at ATSU, Mr. Krusniak has worked in the automotive industry and as a management consultant. He has a bachelor of science in engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Krusniak's experience, commitment to service, and ability to integrate people, technology, and processes will help guide ATSU into a world that continues to blend the human touch with technology.
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Clinical Systems Analyst - Dental
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Services / Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Instructional Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education / Clinical Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Director, Clinical Faculty / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean of Innovation and Clinical Curricular Integration / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor / Residency Development Manager
- Assistant Professor / Wright Center
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Assistant / Department of Microbiology / Immunology
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion
Clinton Normore, MBA, is the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion. He began as the inaugural director of diversity at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) in September 2013, and was promoted to associate vice president in 2016. Mr. Normore leads a University-wide diversity effort, working with faculty, staff, students, deans, and leadership at the University's highest levels in support of ATSU's mission of providing healthcare to the underserved. Mr. Normore was a National Institution on Minority Health Disparities Scholar in 2015. He is a trained Civil Rights Investigator and is a certified Campus Security Authority. Since joining ATSU, Mr. Normore has been instrumental in developing a framework for diversity and a diversity strategic plan. Under his leadership, the University was the first health professions university to receive the coveted Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Since August 2014, he has been a faculty member of ATSU's Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and is currently conducting research on cultural proficiency. He chairs ATSU's Advisory Council On Diversity, and serves on many University-level committees and task forces. Normore worked at Oklahoma City University from 2001-13, and was a member of the 1988 University of Kansas national championship basketball team. He has also served as a police officer, owned several businesses, taught and coached at the high school level and was an assistant women's basketball coach for Oklahoma City University's 2012 national championship team.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine
Craig M. Phelps, DO, '84, is the twelfth president of ATSU. Prior to his presidency, Dr. Phelps served as ATSU's executive vice president for strategic initiatives and as provost of ATSU's Mesa, Ariz., campus for 12 years, overseeing the development and operations of School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and Arizona School of Health Sciences.
Dr. Phelps is a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine physician and is board certified in family medicine. Practicing for more than 20 years in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Dr. Phelps served as primary care physician for the NBA Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury, physician for Ballet Arizona, team physician for Grand Canyon University, Scottsdale Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, and Gateway Community College.
Dr. Phelps is a fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, and he is a member of the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association. He also served as the 2013-14 president of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association.
In 2012, Dr. Phelps was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Most Admired CEOs and Top-Level Executives. He was chosen as one of the Phoenix-area's 25 most admired executives based on past achievements and ongoing outstanding leadership.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Vice President for Finance
Dana Funderburk, CPA, MBA, joined ATSU in 2016 as associate vice president for finance. With more than 30 years in public accounting, corporate finance, and higher education administration, she will provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of the University's comprehensive financial administration and human resources.
Funderburk earned her bachelor of science in accountancy degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois, and master of business administration degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. She is a registered certified public accountant in the state of Illinois. Prior to joining ATSU, she served as vice president for finance/CFO at Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois.
Job Titles:
- Simulation Clinic Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Admissions Leadership Team
- Assistant Vice President - Admissions
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
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- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director - Admissions ( Arizona Campus )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Assistant Vice President - Enrollment Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Associate
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Sponsored Research and Program Development
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Department of Physiology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director - Admissions Processing
Job Titles:
- Professor and Chair of the Postgraduate Orthodontic Program at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
- Program Director, Postgraduate Orthodontic Program
Dr. Jae Hyun Park is Professor and Chair of the Postgraduate Orthodontic Program at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. He is a Diplomate of and Examiner for the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Park has received several awards for scientific and clinical excellence, including the Charley Schultz Award (1st Place Winner in the Scientific Category at the Orthodontic Resident Scholars Program) and the Joseph E. Johnson Award (1st Place Winner at the AAO Table Clinic Competition) from the AAO.
He also serves as an editorial board member of several peer-reviewed orthodontic and dental journals, including The Angle Orthodontist, Seminar in Orthodontics, Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO), and Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry as well as associate editor of American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, Journal of World Federation of Orthodontists, and Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. He was recently appointed to be deputy editor of the new clinical journal, AJO-DO Clinical Companion. While working as a full-time faculty member since 2008, he has published more than 260 scientific and clinical articles in peer-reviewed orthodontic and dental journals, including five cover pages in the AJO-DO, three cover pages in the JCO, three books, and 22 book chapters.
He lectures nationally and internationally and represented the AAO at the 2018 ADA Annual Session, where he presented a three hour lecture. Dr. Park is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) Bulletin, Past President of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association, and Thesis Committee Co-Chair of Northern California Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists. He also works for the NBDE Part II Ortho-Pediatric Dentistry/ADAT Test Construction Committee and CODA Site Visitor. He was recently appointed to the 2021 Scientific Program Chair at the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (CDABO) annual meeting. In addition, he was recently appointed to replace Dr. Steven Dugoni as the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Director representing the PCSO. He will be the ABO President in 2024.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Undergraduate Medical Education Faculty
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- Associate Professor
- Chairman
- Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Co - Director, Center for Research in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair
- Vice Chair / Atlanta, Ga.
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at a.T. Still University
- Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Gary Cloud, PhD, is vice president for strategic partnerships at A.T. Still University. Dr. Cloud earned his doctorate in philosophy with an emphasis on ethics and health policy as well as his bachelor's in business administration with an emphasis on personnel and health administration from Arizona State University. He completed his master of business administration with an emphasis on health administration from University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Kirksville Family Medicine Residency Program Director & Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean, American Indian Affairs
Dr. George Blue Spruce, the nation's first American Indian dentist, is the former assistant surgeon general and director of the Indian Health Service Phoenix Area Office. In 1990, he was instrumental in the organization of the Society of American Indian Dentists and has been its president for the past 16 years. This position has allowed Dr. Blue Spruce to continue his life's work in the encouragement of American Indian individuals to pursue a career in dentistry and other health professions. He holds membership in numerous American Indian organizations, with missions that promote post-secondary education. Dr. Blue Spruce, a member of the San Juan-Laguna Pueblos of New Mexico, firmly believes in true self-determination for Indian people. He says, "True Indian self-determination will occur only when our American Indian people are given opportunities to pursue those educational credentials that allow them to assume meaningful leadership roles in their respective Indian communities. As leaders, Indians will be able to assess their peoples' needs, prioritize them, and most importantly manage and control their own programs." In his new position, Dr. Blue Spruce hopes to continue addressing the severe dearth of American Indian dentists and other health professionals. Dr. Blue Spruce remains an active tennis competitor and in 1996 was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. He is the first and only male tennis player to be inducted.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, Prosthodontist
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor / Director, Medical Skills
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Clinical Science Education / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Director, Research Support
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Medical Director, ATSU Osteopathic Medicine Center / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Patient Care Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Academic Assessment
Janet Woldt, PhD, MS, is the associate dean for academic assessment at ATSU-ASDOH.
Dr. Woldt ensures the academic success of the predoctoral and postdoctoral students, manages the accreditation process, directs the assessment efforts of ATSU-ASDOH, and serves as the School's student services liaison.
Dr. Woldt received her undergraduate degrees from Indiana University (1986), Northwestern University (1990) and her graduate degrees from Iowa State University (masters 2001, doctorate 2004).
From 1986-90, she practiced as a clinical dental hygienist in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Woldt also served as a didactic and clinical instructor at Indiana University from 1988-90. From 1990-93 she served as the examination coordinator of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Woldt worked for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) as manager of dental hygiene education, 1993-99. In her tenure with CODA, she managed the revision of the accreditation standards for dental hygiene education, provided guidance to the dental education community regarding accreditation, and formulated and implemented policies related to dental education, utilization, and licensure. While conducting her graduate studies at Iowa State University, Dr. Woldt developed and implemented faculty enrichment programs for both new community college instructors, and masters and doctorate programs for experienced instructors. She worked in the vice provost for undergraduate programs office at Iowa State University as well.
Dr. Woldt and her husband Phil live in Phoenix with their daughter, Katarina.
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Associate Dean, Patient Care & Clinic Education
Jeffery L. Parent, DDS, is the associate dean of patient care and clinic education at ATSU-ASDOH. He received his DDS degree from the University of Detroit. Dr. Parent practiced general dentistry for 30 years as a sole proprietor in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was very involved in the community, treating patients locally in hospitals and nursing facilities as well as promoting dental health in local schools. During his years in private practice, he became an adjunct restorative faculty in 2001 at the University of Detroit Mercy. In 2010, he joined as full-time faculty prior to joining ATSU. Dr. Parent was a clinic group leader, director of admissions and a course director of practice management. Dr. Parent has served as an expert witness in dental cases in the state of Michigan. He is a lifetime member of the American Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director - Learning & Disability Resources
Job Titles:
- Supervisor of Curriculum / Department for the Advancement of Osteopathic Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Core Imaging & Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Administrative Support
- Business Operations Specialist
Job Titles:
- Operations Assistant / a.T. Still Research Institute / a.T. Still University
- Operations Assistant, ATSRI
Job Titles:
- Co - Director
- Assistant Dean, Research
- Director of Research, Special Projects, & Initiatives
Job Titles:
- Administrative Support for Dean 's Office
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Chairman
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Innovation and Curriculum
Jonathan Brennan, MD, DMD, ‘12, MPH, ‘12, is the associate dean of innovation and curriculum at ATSU-ASDOH. In this capacity, he provides ongoing analysis, implementation and evaluation of dental informatics utilized in clinical systems, works in conjunction with the associate dean of pre-clinical education on curriculum and co-teaches the Oral Medicine course. Dr. Brennan graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2004. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. Dr. Brennan continued his studies at ATSU earning a master of public health from the School of Health Management (now the College of Graduate Health Studies) and a doctor of dental medicine from ATSU-ASDOH. In 2014, Dr. Brennan co-founded Brennan Dental in Chandler, Arizona. where he continues to practice general dentistry. Dr. Brennan and his wife live in Chandler with their two daughters and one son.
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Chairman
Job Titles:
- Chairman of SOMA Dept. of Public Health
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Student Achievement Success Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Coordinator ( Midwestern Region )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean
- Assistant Dean for Osteopathic Principles and Practice and Professor, OMM
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Standardized Patient Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director Student Financial Aid
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Education Coordinator / Internal Medicine
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Coordinator ( Central Region )
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Director - Student Life
- Student Life
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Director, Student Success
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor
- Chairman
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor / Chair of Department of Graduate Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Assistant VP for Clinical Education Development
Job Titles:
- Medical Simulation Technician
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Director of Simulation and Performance Assessment
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Standardized Patient Simulation Center Manager
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for OPP
Job Titles:
- Student Affairs
- Vice President for Student Affairs
Lori Haxton, MA, is ATSU's vice president for student affairs overseeing Admissions, Enrollment Services, Learning & Disability Resources, Behavioral Health Wellness Counseling, Wellness Programs, the National Center for American Indian Health Professions, Student On-campus Housing, and Student Life. Employed with the University since 1988, her focus in higher education includes residential life, admissions, alumni services, and student affairs.
Haxton holds a faculty appointment with the ATSU-KCOM Family Medicine department. She is active with numerous University committees and professional organizations and is a faculty adviser for student governance and multiple student organizations.
Haxton was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from ATSU and the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA) and was awarded a KOAA honorary membership. She is also the recipient of the MAOPS Medallion Service Award.
Haxton received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and her master's degree from Truman State University.
Job Titles:
- Student Success Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( off - Site )
Job Titles:
- Dean
- Associate Dean, Curriculum and Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator
Job Titles:
- SP and Education Support Specialist
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean of Innovation and Curricular Integration / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education / Clinical Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Disability Resources Advisor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Simulation Clinic Equipment Specialist
Job Titles:
- CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Vice President
Matthew R. Heeren, JD, received his undergraduate degree from Truman State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Prior to joining A.T. Still University, Mr. Heeren served as general counsel of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and deputy general counsel to the governor of the state of Missouri.
Mr. Heeren has served as vice president since 2008, overseeing legal affairs for A.T. Still University campuses and the Board of Trustees, compliance, risk management, and Missouri and federal legislative affairs.
Mr. Heeren currently serves on the board of directors for the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce and is vice president on the Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc. board of directors. Mr. Heeren supports local youth soccer, coaching several teams in the Northern Missouri Futbol Club.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Medical Education Support
- Residency Curriculum Coordinator / Wright Center
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons
Maureen Perry, DDS, MPA, MAEd, is a professor of special care dentistry and the director of the Center for Advanced Oral Health at ATSU-ASDOH, Mesa, Arizona. She received her bachelor's from Adelphi University and her DDS from New York University College of Dentistry.
Following a general practice residency at Staten Island University Hospital, Dr. Perry completed a two-year New York State Consortium of Medical Education in Developmental Disabilities Fellowship in Special Care Dentistry. She received her master's in public administration with a concentration in healthcare administration from Long Island University. Dr. Perry also received an MA in education from the Benerd School of Education of the University of the Pacific.
Dr. Perry is a fellow of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Special Care Dentistry. She is a past president of the Special Care Dental Association and serves as the United States council member for the International Association for Disability & Oral Health. Dr. Perry has presented at many national meetings and has published on such areas of special care dentistry as autism, restraint and consent, rare syndromes, pre-doctoral education, and self-injurious behavior. Her current research focus is on fluoride delivery systems for patient undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Admissions Leadership Team
- Assistant Director - Admissions Support
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Department Manager
- Clinical Education Support
Job Titles:
- CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President - Student Affairs
- Student Affairs
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Basic Science Education
Job Titles:
- Assessment Coordinator
- Undergraduate Medical Education Support
Mindy Motahari, DMD, MAEd, ‘08, is the assistant dean for comprehensive care and director for inter-professional education at ATSU-ASDOH. After graduating summa cum laude from Georgia State University, she received her doctor of dental medicine from ATSU-ASDOH, along with a certificate of core public health concepts from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Motahari is a graduate of the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning. She received her certificate of dental education along with her master of art in education with the concentration on dental education from the Benerd School of Education of the University of the Pacific in California. She received her business/legal certificate from Arizona Summit Law School.
She has been a member of ATSU-ASDOH faculty since 2008 in different positions. Dr. Motahari is active with state and national licensing organizations and currently serves as a consultant for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments. Her current research involves interprofessional education for students from dental, physician assistant, and medical programs. Meanwhile, she follows her passion for patient care in the private practice setting.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director Student Financial Aid
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the President, Secretary to the Board
Norine Eitel, MBA, serves as assistant to the president, secretary to the board, and University liaison to the Higher Learning Commission. Employed with the University since 1984, Eitel worked in human resources and sponsored programs prior to her appointment to the president's staff. In 2009, she was awarded KOAA honorary membership.
Eitel received a certificate and two undergraduate degrees from Truman State University and her master's degree from William Woods University. Eitel served four terms on the La Plata R-II school board.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Norman Gevitz, PhD, is A.T. Still University's senior vice president of academic affairs. Dr. Gevitz earned a BA and an MA in political science from New York University and a PhD in sociology from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining ATSU, he was professor of history and sociology of medicine, Department of Family Medicine, at New York Institute of Technology, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he also served as director of the Academic Medicine Scholars program and associate director of the Health Policy Fellowship certificate program.
Dr. Gevitz served as co-director of the undergraduate Rehabilitation Counseling program at the Illinois Institute of Technology and as director of the Medical Humanities program within the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. He served for 12 years as chair of the Department of Social Medicine at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Gevitz is the author of the book "The DOs: Osteopathic Medicine in America," published by John Hopkins University Press. He is the editor of two other books.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, University Planning & Strategic Initiatives
For five years, Dr. Wendel was on faculty at Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine and published several papers in the area of neuropharmacology. During this time, he worked as a physician assistant (PA) faculty member to begin the second PA program in the United States and published the first comprehensive curriculum for the education of PAs.
Dr. Wendel joined the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) in 1979 before moving to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) in 1986. While at COMP, he served as an associate professor of pharmacology and an assistant dean of medical education. In 1991, he was promoted to dean of the School of Health Professions at Western University (formerly COMP) and then served as vice president for planning and assessment.
In 1998, Dr. Wendel joined ATSU's Mesa, Ariz., campus (formerly Southwest Center for Osteopathic Medical Education and Allied Health Sciences) as associate provost and dean of the faculty. Additionally, he held the position of vice president for operations on the Arizona campus prior to his current role.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director Faculty Development & Continuing Education
Job Titles:
- Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Advanced Dental Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education & Osteopathic Principles & Practice / Clinical Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Project Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor for Finance, Human Resources, and Facilities
Richard Rieder, MBA, MM, brings 28 years of executive-level finance experience in private higher education to ATSU. Prior to his position with the Kansas City Art Institute, he served as vice president for finance at several institutions of higher learning, including Millikin University (Decatur, Illinois), Malone University (Canton, Ohio), and Greenville College (Greenville, Illinois). His primary responsibilities included oversight of finance, human resources, facilities, risk management, investments, and auxiliary services.
Mr. Rieder's professional affiliations include the National Association of College and University Business Officers, College and University Personnel Association, financial review board and consultant/evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission, and Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges.
Mr. Rieder earned a bachelor of arts degrees in business and music from Baker University (Baldwin City, Kansas), a master of music from Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), and a master of business administration from Regent University (Virginia Beach, Virginia).
Job Titles:
- Simulation Center Operations Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director, Clinic Operations - Main Clinic
Job Titles:
- Assistant SCU Director, Special Needs / Assistant Professor
Robert Trombly, DDS, JD, is the dean of ATSU-ASDOH. Formerly, he was the associate dean of clinical education and student success.
Dr. Trombly earned his bachelor of science and doctor of dental surgery degrees from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry; completed a general practice residency program at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Denver School of Law.
Dr. Trombly began his academic career in 1985 at the University of Colorado as a part-time clinical instructor while in private general dental practice. Prior to joining ATSU-ASDOH, Dr. Trombly served in several faculty and administrative roles at dental schools including associate dean for academic administration at the University of Detroit Mercy, executive associate dean at Western University of Health Sciences, associate dean for clinic administration, and associate dean for community affairs and curriculum, both at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Trombly is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. His scholarly interests include educational research, community-based education, law and ethics. While at the University of Colorado, Dr. Trombly served as the principle investigator for a six-year Ryan White grant to increase access to oral healthcare for HIV-infected populations through training dental students at community-based sites. He is an active member of the ADA and ADEA, where Dr. Trombly has held officer positions, and served on many local and national committees, including site visitor and review committee member with the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary / Washington, D.C.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean for Student Achievement / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director - Student Affairs
Job Titles:
- Executive Administrative Assistant to the Dean
Job Titles:
- Clinical Education Coordinator ( Western Region )
Job Titles:
- Director - Behavioral Health and Wellness
Job Titles:
- SCU Director, Periodontics / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- CCU Director / Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Vice President for University Advancement
- Vice President of University Advancement for ATSU
Shaun Sommerer, PhD, is vice president of university advancement for ATSU. In this role, he leads the offices of development, donor relations, alumni relations, and the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to joining ATSU in December 2014, Dr. Sommerer had been with the University of Arizona Foundation where he served as the vice president for Arizona Health Sciences overseeing all fundraising operations for the colleges of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health together with seven associated centers of excellence.
From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Sommerer served as the associate vice president of development at University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) where he was responsible for managing all fundraising for both the professional schools and academic colleges of the university. Prior to UNLV, he served as a major gift officer for the University of Michigan and Saint John's University (MN). From 1991 to 1998, Dr. Sommerer was an educator serving as an assistant professor of chemistry at Penn State - Erie and then as associate professor of chemistry at Barry University in Miami, FL where he also served in multiple departmental administrative positions.
Dr. Sommerer has a bachelor's and master's degree in chemistry from Saint John's University (MN) and South Dakota State University respectively. He obtained his PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Florida. Dr. Sommerer has published over 30 research papers in peer reviewed journals together with two book chapters. He was awarded two Cottrell Foundation research grants and has presented invited lectures at both national and international meetings.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Department of Biochemistry
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Data Informatics Specialist
Job Titles:
- Simulation Clinic Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Clinical Technology Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Success
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Operations
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator ( on - Site )
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- Student Life
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Osteopathic Principles & Practice Faculty Team
- Chairman of OPP / OMM / Associate Professor
Job Titles:
- Chairman, University Faculty Senate
- Professor
Dr. Wayne Cottam is the vice dean at ATSU-ASDOH. Formerly, he was the Associate Dean for Community Partnerships. In that position, he developed and oversaw the external rotation program for ATSU-ASDOH as well as other student community activities and partnerships. Dr. Cottam teaches Head and Neck Anatomy and serves on the senior administrative team of the school. Prior to working at ATSU-ASDOH, he was the Dental Director with Community Health Centers in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Cottam graduated from the University of Utah in 1990 and attended dental school at the Oregon Health Sciences University, graduating with honors in 1993. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the University of Utah Hospital and went into an associateship in private practice for one year. In 1995, he re-opened an Urban Indian Dental clinic and ran that program until joining Community Health Centers developing that program from one clinic to four clinics. During that time he received a Master's Degree in Anatomy from the University of Utah Medical School and served on the faculty in the Gross Anatomy course until taking the position in Arizona. Dr. Cottam and his wife Marie have three daughters and one son.
Job Titles:
- Rotation Site Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Medical Education