Wackerman was drawn to ATSU by its culture of empathy, collaboration, and patient-centered care. Active across multiple student organizations, including the Internal Medicine Interest Group, Make-A-Wish at ATSU, the ATSU Harm Reduction Club, and the student ambassador program, he brings a strong commitment to community both inside and outside the classroom.
Why did you choose the DO program at ATSU-SOMA?
“I chose A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona because of the genuine sense of community I felt when speaking with current students. What stood out most was the culture of empathy, teamwork, and collaboration. It didn’t feel competitive or isolating – it felt supportive, like everyone was working toward the same purpose. I was especially drawn to the School’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and its holistic approach to medicine. It felt like a place where students are treated like family and where developing into both a skilled physician and a thoughtful human being truly matters.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One of the things I enjoy most about being an ATSU student is the inclusive and welcoming environment. From the beginning, I’ve felt supported by both my classmates and faculty. The open-door policy has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with professors, which has played an important role in my personal and professional growth. The culture here is centered on teamwork rather than competition; we collaborate, support one another, and genuinely want to see each other succeed.
“The campus also truly embodies diversity. There is a wide variety of student organizations and clubs that help everyone feel represented and included, and if something feels missing, students are encouraged to create it. That sense of empowerment and belonging is something I really value.
“Student life is vibrant and engaging as well. We have events like yoga sessions, mini-fairs, class-wide review sessions, sports tournaments such as basketball and flag football, and even traditions like Med Prom. These experiences help us stay connected, build community, and enjoy the journey through medical school together.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?
“Professionally, I hope to become a compassionate physician who serves diverse populations with empathy and cultural humility. I’m also excited to continue exploring different specialties as I discover the path that best aligns with my strengths and passions. ATSU has helped prepare me by exposing me to physicians across a wide range of specialties, giving me valuable insight into different approaches to patient care and the importance of collaboration in medicine. The CBI course, in particular, has strengthened my ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, helping me feel confident and prepared for the collaborative nature of the medical workplace.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I remember how overwhelming and nearly impossible the decision process felt during my own application cycle. I wanted to be the kind of resource I wish I had – someone who could offer honest insight, transparency, and reassurance during such a pivotal time.
“Serving as an ambassador allows me to help guide the next generation of physicians by sharing a genuine perspective on what makes A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona so special. I hope to strengthen our community by providing thoughtful, authentic conversations that help applicants determine whether this environment aligns with their values and goals. Ultimately, I want to ensure students feel informed, supported, and confident as they make one of the most important decisions of their careers.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of ATSU, I love spending time outdoors, especially hiking in the Arizona desert. I also enjoy staying active at my local gym. Being outside and moving helps me recharge and maintain balance during medical school.”
De La Pena chose ATSU-ASHS for its strong faculty mentorship, small class sizes, and fully in-person, hands-on curriculum. As a clinic board member and student ambassador, she is committed to both her professional development and to helping prospective students make informed decisions about their own paths in healthcare.
Why did you choose the DPT program at ATSU-ASHS?
“I chose ATSU because of its strong faculty mentorship, small class sizes that support individualized learning, and its fully in-person, hands-on lab curriculum that aligns with my preferred learning style.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“I truly value the wide range of resources available to support me as I work toward this challenging and rewarding career. I also appreciate the strong sense of community within the program. Building meaningful connections with my classmates has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my experience. Whether we are reserving study rooms to prepare for exams or taking walks around campus to recharge and enjoy the sunshine, these moments have helped create lasting friendships and a supportive learning environment.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career?
“Upon graduating from ATSU, I hope to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy, with a focus on supporting women during the pre- and postpartum periods, as well as helping individuals experiencing incontinence regain confidence and return to their daily lives. ATSU is equipping me with a strong clinical foundation that will prepare me to pursue advanced certifications in this specialty. Additionally, the guidance and mentorship of my professors have been instrumental in helping me move toward this professional goal.”
Why did you choose to join the ATSU OT/PT Clinic Board?
“I value being part of the ATSU OT/PT Clinic Board because it provides a meaningful leadership opportunity and offers insight into the operational and administrative aspects of running a clinic. It allows me to gain hands-on experience and perspectives that extend beyond what is taught in the classroom.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I chose to become a student ambassador to offer incoming students an honest and relatable perspective on the program. It is incredibly meaningful to help them explore whether this is the right environment for them and to guide them as they gather the information needed to make a thoughtful, well-informed decision.”
What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of ATSU?
“Outside of my academic commitments at ATSU, I enjoy crocheting and reading, both of which allow me to unwind and recharge. I also prioritize regular exercise, which not only supports my own well-being but reinforces my passion for physical therapy.”
William F. Brechue, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Physiology, ATSU-KCOM, served as grand marshal. After 37 years in higher education, Dr. Brechue will be retiring from the University in June.
Susan L. Thomas, PhD, president, Truman State University, was the recipient of the 2026 Chancellor’s Medallion Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Thomas was recognized for her outstanding service and support to healthcare and the osteopathic profession. Under her leadership, Truman State University has been a valued partner to ATSU and a cornerstone of Kirksville’s higher education legacy.
David L. Rhoiney, DO, FACS, ’14, vascular surgery fellow, Emory University, former department head of surgery, U.S. Navy, served as commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary doctor of science in osteopathy degree.
Speakers also included ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU’s Missouri campus, and Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, who delivered the Board of Trustees greeting. ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, provided closing remarks.
Watch the complete commencement ceremony and check out more photos below!
Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH, vice president and chief clinical officer, Dentsply Sirona, senior advisor and former chief dental officer, Overjet, delivered this year’s commencement address. Dr. Dolan urged graduates to lead with compassion and innovation to drive meaningful change for underserved patients and communities.
Speakers included Donald S. Altman, DDS, DHSc, EdD, ’12, interim dean, professor, ATSU-MOSDOH, Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU Missouri campus, and Jonathan Cleaver, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, FASMS, ’08, who delivered the Board of Trustees greeting. ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, provided closing remarks.
Watch the full commencement ceremony and view more photos below!
Dr. Burch joins the 2026-2027 cohort in September with the opening symposium in Washington.
The AGB Institute for Leadership and Governance is designed for innovative, adaptive leaders who have a passion for higher education, a drive to serve, and a commitment to shaping the future of the education sector.
The six-month institute is composed of challenging symposia, interactive online workshops, and one-on-one mentoring connecting participants with top higher education leaders to discuss challenges facing institutions of higher learning.
Memorial Day provides an opportunity to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our country’s armed forces.
In observance of Memorial Day, ATSU offices and patient care centers in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Santa Maria, California; and St. Louis, Missouri, will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Facility access will be limited.
The Kirksville Thompson Campus Center will be closed on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25.
Please click here to view library hours at each location.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84 Chancellor
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.
