A.T. Still University staff member selected for two national STEM ambassador roles
Stephanie McGrew, DHSc, MPH, MHA, ’25, assistant director of diversity & inclusion for A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU), has been selected for two national STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) ambassador roles. Dr. McGrew, who leads ATSU’s Dreamline PathwaysTM program for young students interested in health professions careers, was selected by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) as a Fields of STEM Ambassador and the Department of Defense (DoD) as a STEM Ambassador.
As a national STEM education leader, Dr. McGrew will be speaking at conferences across the country in 2026 to share the impact and innovation behind ATSU’s Dreamline Pathways™ program. Through these national platforms, she will highlight scalable models expanding access to hands-on, medical-based STEM learning for students in underserved communities.
Dr. McGrew frequently hosts middle school and high school students, as well as their teachers, at ATSU’s St. Louis Dental Center, a federally qualified health center operated in partnership with Affinia Healthcare. The dental center is a third- and fourth-year dental education clinic site for ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health students. At the St. Louis Dental Center, Dreamline Pathways™ students learn about dental science and innovations in dental practice through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. These immersive sessions are intentionally designed to engage young minds, demystify clinical environments, and encourage students to envision themselves pursuing careers in the health professions.
Through sustained University and St. Louis community partnerships and experiential programming, Dr. McGrew continues to build pathways connecting classroom learning to real-world clinical practice and long-term workforce development.
The NSTA Ambassadorship also opened the door for Dr. McGrew to become a DoD STEM Ambassador. Selected from a large pool of applicants from around the country, DoD STEM Ambassadors routinely meet and collaborate to share various resources to further STEM curriculum and education in schools across the U.S. “I am truly honored to be chosen to serve as a STEM Ambassador, and I look forward to contributing to STEM curricula throughout the country,” Dr. McGrew said. “Additionally, I will be able to share newly learned STEM resources with my University colleagues.”
A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Missouri Campus Student Government Association (SGA) recognized students and faculty during its recent 2026 Awards Ceremony.
The SGA Awards Ceremony is conducted annually to recognize exemplary students and faculty members who have gone above and beyond with their commitment to ATSU’s mission. Winners were as follows:
Global Scholar of the Year Award: Hannah Billig, OMS III
ATSU-MOSDOH Elsie Gaber Compassion and Integrity Award: Caitlin Kauff, D2
ATSU-MOSDOH Class of 2028 Outstanding Teacher Award: Ammar Musawi, MDS, BDS, MPH
ATSU-MOSDOH Class of 2029 Outstanding Teacher Award: Ali Pourian, DDS, MS
ATSU-KCOM Max Gutensohn, DO, Class of 2028 Outstanding Teacher Award: Sumitra Miriyala, PhD
ATSU-KCOM Max Gutensohn, DO, Class of 2029 Outstanding Teacher Award: Shanu Markand, PhD
ATSU Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents Researcher of the Year: Jacob Ayers, OMS IV
ATSU Student Researcher of the Year: Gracejit Chahal, OMS II
SGA Leadership Awards: Megan Ott, OMS II, Tiana Staudinger, OMS II, Louie Perotte, OMS II, Isabelle Donjoian, D1
It is with sadness I share with you the passing of H. Charles Moore, PhD, former president of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (now A.T. Still University). Dr. Moore served as the sixth president from 1973-1983.
The son of an osteopathic physician, Dr. Moore brought deep professional and personal roots to his leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Albion College in Michigan, and his master’s degree and doctorate in administration and higher education from Michigan State University. Prior to becoming president, he served in leadership roles, including director of development and vice president for general administration, experiences that prepared him well for the presidency.
During his tenure, Dr. Moore led the institution through a period of meaningful growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the University secured funding for and developed the the Gutensohn Osteopathic Health & Wellness Clinic, expanding clinical education opportunities and strengthening its commitment to training family physicians. He also led the successful drive to establish the Thompson Campus Center, a dedicated space to enhance student life and campus community.
Dr. Moore was recognized nationally for his leadership in higher education and osteopathic medicine. He served as president of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, represented higher education at the White House Conference on Domestic and Economic Affairs in 1975, and was selected by the U.S. Jaycees as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” for his professional achievement as the youngest college president in the country.
Just a few weeks ago, Dr. Moore’s wife, Sonya, passed away. Mrs. Moore was remembered by her family for her love, humor, and many talents. Charles and Sonya recently celebrated 42 years of marriage and shared a life centered on family and service.
Dr. Moore will be remembered with gratitude by colleagues, alumni, students, and friends whose lives were touched by his leadership and commitment to osteopathic education.
On behalf of the entire ATSU family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Moore family and their many friends during this difficult time.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
The spirit of the Old West met the cutting edge of medical education this April as A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) hosted the 7th Annual Simulation Challenge.
The event, held Saturday, April 11, combined rigorous clinical testing with a “Wild Wild West” theme, bringing a high-energy “Edu-Tainment” atmosphere to the clinical simulation labs. Six teams of four – consisting of two second-year and two first-year students – competed in high-stakes medical scenarios, judged by a panel of experts.
Team Glascow Cowboy Scale galloped away with the top prize. Members Edmund Conroy, OMS II; Elliott Briddle, OMS II; Charles “Chuck” Cooper, OMS I; and Madhuran “Maddy” Selvaa, OMS I, were awarded a $100 cash prize and unique 3D-printed A.T. Still trophies, custom-made by the University’s own 3D print shop.
Defending the home turf: Regional success
The Glascow Cowboy Scale team advanced to the 3rd Annual Regional Simulation Challenge on Saturday, April 18. ATSU-KCOM hosted challengers from Kansas City University and the defending champions from Southern Illinois University.
The judging panel crowned ATSU-KCOM the regional winners. The winning students received a $250 cash prize and gold 3D-printed A.T. Still trophies. Their achievement will be permanently commemorated with photos displayed in the trophy case on the first floor of the Interprofessional Education Building.
From left: Lisa Archer, RN, BSN, CHSE, director of simulation & performance assessment; Charles “Chuck” Cooper, OMS I; Elliott Briddle, OMS II; Madhuran “Maddy” Selvaa, OMS I; Edmund Conroy, OMS II; and Jake Settles, DO, medical director.
These events were made possible through the generous support of ATSU-KCOM Alumni and the University Advancement Team.
Enjoy these photos from the event!
A.T. Still University (ATSU) recently recognized faculty and staff at ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) and the St. Louis Dental Center during the Faculty & Staff Recognition and Award Ceremony.
Five-year honorees were: Jane Clark, MPH, Director, Dentistry in the Community
10-year honorees were: David Greaves, DDS, Assistant Professor and Director, Specialty Care; Akshay Vij, BDS, ACT, Associate Professor and SCU Director
For the third consecutive year, ATSU-KCOM is ranked No. 1 in graduates who go on to practice in rural areas. Additionally, ATSU-KCOM ranks No. 5 in most graduates practicing in primary care fields, and No. 22 in most graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas.
ATSU-SOMA ranks second for graduates practicing in primary care fields and is No. 24 in graduates practicing in rural areas.
U.S. News & World Report worked with the Robert Graham Center, a division of the American Academy of Family Physicians, as the data provider, and ranked medical schools by the percentage of each school’s 2017-19 graduates practicing in primary care fields.
Data shows 23.5% of those ATSU-KCOM graduates are practicing in rural areas, 44.6% in primary care fields, and 58.1% in health professional shortage areas.
“ATSU-KCOM is once again gratified to have served its mission by the rankings noted in U.S. News & World Report,” said Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, dean, ATSU-KCOM. “Our commitment to rural communities, the underserved, and the need for primary care is reflected by these lists. The school continues to strive to meet the healthcare needs of the nation and does so with great pride.”
For ATSU-SOMA, 47.1% of those graduates are practicing in primary care fields, 10.1% are practicing in rural areas, and 31.9% are in health professional shortage areas.
“I am thrilled ATSU-SOMA has again been recognized and ranked for medical schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care,” said Sharon Obadia, DO, FNOAME, ’97, dean, ATSU-SOMA. “I am so very proud to share in this impressive distinction with our ATSU-SOMA alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, students, and University leadership as a testament to our thriving mission fulfillment.”
According to projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. will face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, including 20,200-40,400 in primary care fields. Another study published by the University of Washington’s Rural Health Research Center showed the rural physician workforce is aging rapidly, with fewer young doctors entering the field, widening the gap in access to care between rural and urban areas.
“We are honored to learn that ATSU-KCOM, the founding college of osteopathic medicine, continues to rank as a national leader in producing the type of physician most needed in America today; those who go into primary care specialties and are dedicated to serving rural and other health professional shortage areas. By doing so, we are living our mission and serving those most in need,” said Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU Missouri campus.
“We are encouraged by this national recognition of ATSU-SOMA’s mission and outcomes,” said O.T. Wendel, PhD, president, ATSU Arizona and California campuses. “ATSU-SOMA is purposefully aligned with the realities of a growing physician shortage, particularly in primary care, rural, and underserved regions.
“At a time when access disparities are widening and the rural workforce is aging, we believe medical education must be both socially accountable and forward-looking. ATSU-SOMA was designed with that responsibility in mind, and these outcomes affirm that our graduates are not only well-educated but are also choosing to serve where they are most needed. This is the essence of our mission and a point of great pride for our university.”
As a student ambassador planning a future residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Rusen discusses how ATSU-ASDOH is preparing him to pursue his future goals.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASDOH?
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH for its mission-driven focus on whole person healthcare, community service, and public health. I was also drawn to its clinically driven curriculum, early hands-on patient care, and fourth-year external rotations providing diverse clinical experiences.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“The people are what I enjoy most. ATSU is a collaborative and supportive community. Our program provides a meaningful dental school experience, while our active Student Life office hosts numerous events and offers many opportunities for involvement.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASDOH helping prepare you for your career?
“I plan to pursue a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. ATSU-ASDOH continues to provide me a strong clinical foundation, medical knowledge, and professional development to support this goal.”
You are president of the local Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) and represent ATSU-ASDOH with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). Why did you choose to join different student organizations?
“Serving as SCDA president allows me to lead initiatives that improve care and access for patients with special healthcare needs while educating peers about inclusive dentistry. Through ASDA, I represent ATSU-ASDOH at both the district and national levels, participating in leadership initiatives, student advocacy, and professional development programs that support dental students nationwide.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador to share my experience at ATSU and help prospective students understand the school’s mission and culture. I enjoy connecting with applicants and representing ASDOH to pre-dental students across the country.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“I enjoy playing golf, watching movies, and spending time with my fiancée and our two cats.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Kouyate is dedicated to amplifying student voices and advocating for the profession. As a student ambassador, he is passionate about expanding awareness of occupational therapy and preparing for his future as a provider. Why did you choose the OTD program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because it aligns closely with both my professional goals and the kind of learning environment I thrive in. The program offers meaningful opportunities for leadership, allowing students to take initiative, like roles like the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) executive board, grow as advocates for the profession in the form of a strong social justice club, and develop confidence beyond the classroom. Additionally, ATSU’s emphasis on collaboration with PTs, OTs, and PAs through interprofessional clinics mirrors how healthcare actually functions. Working alongside other disciplines in simulated real-world environments strengthens communication, teamwork, and clinical reasoning. It’s also a great chance to apply what I have learned in the classroom.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I really enjoy the weather, and there always seems to be something going on. Events are easy to find, with information readily available through things like postings around campus. I never feel bored at school and there’s always something to do outside of class, whether that’s going on a hike or playing soccer most days of the week.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“Ultimately, I hope to be a competent healthcare worker. A personal goal is my capstone. I aim to investigate along the lines of how high-intensity, personalized neurological rehabilitation protocols potentially incorporating telehealth and novel technologies can improve functional outcomes and fill the gap between current clinical practice and what research suggests is necessary to maximize neuroplasticity and recovery after something like a brain injury. This is just the preliminary idea and I’m still in my first year! “
You are president of SOTA. Why did you choose to pursue that role?
“I chose to pursue the role of president because it represents a meaningful opportunity for leadership and advocacy within the occupational therapy community. Through this position, I am able to help amplify student voices, advocate for the needs of my peers, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen our program and profession. My role is to engage in activities such as organizing meetings and events with special interest sections, facilitating communication between students and faculty, promoting professional development opportunities, and supporting advocacy efforts related to occupational therapy. Serving as president allows me to develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills while actively giving back to a community I care deeply about.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I see it as an opportunity to help expand and advocate for the occupational therapy profession. Being able to explain what occupational therapy truly means, along with what ATSU offers, is something I strongly believe in. I value having the chance to represent the profession and the program, and I’m grateful to be given a platform so early in my academic career to share that message with others.”
Bri Corey is a student in the A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, class of 2027. Corey, originally from Acton, California, came to ATSU after graduating from Colorado Mesa University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in business administration. Drawn to the University’s mission of serving underserved populations, Corey found a welcoming community that felt like home from her very first interview.
Why did you choose the PA program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU-ASHS because of its mission of serving underserved populations through a whole person healthcare approach. Being from a rural community with limited resources I felt that my passions aligned with the mission of ATSU. From the minute I stepped foot on campus for my interview, the faculty and staff made ATSU feel like home. As I toured the campus with ambassadors, I knew that ATSU was where I wanted to be.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“What I love about being an ATSU student is how much ATSU strives to foster a sense of community amongst the students. From the faculty and staff, to students of other departments, down to the PA department, ATSU feels like one big family. The professional degrees that ATSU offers are no easy feat and can be challenging, but getting to come to campus and feel like I am at home makes the hard days much easier.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“Beyond becoming a physician assistant, I am passionate about starting a nonprofit organization in the future to help victims of accidents caused by drivers under the influence, as well as their families. Having personally experienced a life changing situation of this nature I hope to help others navigate the medical, emotional, and legal challenges that often follow.
“In the future, I hope to help fill the gaps in healthcare in rural communities of Arizona as a physician assistant. I have a passion for helping rural communities like the one I was raised in and inspiring residents of those communities to be proactive about seeking healthcare. ATSU is helping me prepare for my passions by providing me with an osteopathic education that will allow me to treat the whole person and navigate the unique hardships my future patients may be facing, and to provide them with reasonable and achievable solutions.”
You are the Leadership and Professional Development chair of the PA class of 2027 with the Kettel Society. Why did you choose to join this student organization?
“I joined Kettel Society as the Leadership and Professional Development chair because of my background in business and passion for networking. As the Leadership and Professional Development chair, I network with practicing PAs and arrange events for them to come to campus and speak with my classmates about their experiences surrounding the PA profession and their careers. This opportunity has allowed me to meet so many inspiring physician assistants and provide my classmates with valuable resources for 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 have a passion for helping individuals from similar backgrounds as me learn more about the PA profession, and providing them with resources to be successful in applications, interviews, and their education. Being from a rural community and the first person in my family to go into healthcare, the PA profession was something I had not heard about until I was a few years into my undergraduate degree. Having to navigate the PA school application and interview process was foreign to me. I spent countless hours researching the process and how to be successful, even contacting the ATSU ambassadors myself as a prospective student.
“This inspired me to join the student ambassador program so I could provide prospective students with the same valuable information that was provided to me. It is such a rewarding experience to be on the journey with prospective students who possess so much passion for becoming physician assistants as they go through the application and interview process, and then following up with them again to congratulate them on their acceptance.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“My hobbies include spending time with my family, friends, and rescue dog, Jinx. While completing my undergraduate degree, my family moved from California to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and I love visiting them to spend time on the lake, in the mountains, and exploring everything the area has to offer. Arizona provides countless opportunities for both professional growth and adventure and I love being able to call it home.”
Tate Buchanan, OMS I, arrived at A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) after graduating from Colorado Mesa University in 2023 with a degree in exercise science. Originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, he was drawn to the School’s commitment to serving underserved populations and its deep history in osteopathic medicine.
As a student ambassador, he is passionate about helping prospective students navigate the decision to pursue medical school and find a supportive, collaborative community.
Why did you choose ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose ATSU-SOMA for its strong sense of community, its mission to serve underserved populations, and its deep history in osteopathic medicine. The supportive, collaborative environment and meaningful clinical exposure within diverse communities made ATSU the ideal place for me to grow.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I enjoy the collaboration between different programs and organizations, as well as the strong sense of community at ATSU. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and motivated by similar goals, which creates an environment where we continuously push each other to be our best.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?
“I hope to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery to help patients regain function and mobility. ATSU-SOMA has supported me through a collaborative learning environment and early hands-on clinical experiences that will help me build a strong foundation for my future career.”
You are president of the Student American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (SAOAO). Why did you choose to join this student organization?
“I joined the orthopedic surgery club because that is what I aspire to do. I find many aspects of orthopedic surgery to be very interesting and fun. We host Q&As with residents, are planning a splint/casting workshop, and looking to get involved with the local orthopedic community.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“Medical school is a big decision. I wanted to help prospective students see what ATSU-SOMA has to offer and help them make an informed decision. I also just enjoy making connections and talking to people.”
