Lori Haxton, ATSU vice chancellor for student affairs, to retire April 30
After more than 36 years of recruiting and counseling A.T. Still University (ATSU) students and leading the Office of Student Affairs for the past 12.5 years, Lori Haxton, MA, vice chancellor for student affairs, will retire effective April 30, 2025.
Haxton began her career at ATSU in December 1988 as director of admissions and enrollment services. Her caring personality, combined with her expertise in residential life, admissions, alumni services, and student affairs, led her to be named vice president for student affairs in July 2012 and vice chancellor for student affairs in July 2024.
As vice chancellor, Haxton is responsible for overseeing key areas across all university locations, including Admissions, Enrollment Services (Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office), Learning Resources & Accommodation Services, Behavioral Health & Wellness, Student Wellness, Thompson Campus Center, On-campus Housing, and Student Life. Under her leadership, the University has navigated numerous challenges, from adapting to shifting regulatory landscapes to managing evolving state and federal education mandates, executive orders, and regulations.
Haxton’s commitment and service to the University have been long recognized. She has received Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA) Honorary Membership (1999), Missouri Campus Distinguished Service Award (2001), KOAA Distinguished Service Award (2006), Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons Service Award (2012), KOAA Living Tribute Award (2015), and George Windsor Award (2017 and 2022). Since 2014, Haxton has represented ATSU at AACOM’s Council of Student Affairs, where she served as chair in 2021-2022. Prior to 2014, she served on AACOM’s Council of Admissions (1988-2013).
During her tenure, Haxton witnessed ATSU’s transformation from a single-discipline institution to a multi-campus health professions university. Throughout this journey, she has had a profound influence on the lives and careers of thousands of students and applicants.
“While we will greatly miss Lori’s leadership and thoughtful contributions to ATSU, please join me in wishing her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. May her retirement bring her fulfillment, happiness, and well-deserved time to enjoy the things she loves,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84.
Deanna Hunsaker, DHEd, MBA, currently assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services, will serve as interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
ATSU-ASDOH student Loryn Young, D2, is leaving nothing on the table. If there’s a chance for her to increase her knowledge, her experience, her connections with others, she’s doing everything possible to make it happen.
“From the moment I walked through the doors of ASDOH, I made it my priority to embrace every opportunity that would help me grow as a leader and advocate,” she said. “With only four years in this program, I am committed to making the most of my time by staying as actively involved as possible.”
Young and classmates pose at their white coat ceremony.
Young, from New Hill, North Carolina, majored in human biology and minored in global health at University of California, San Diego, before deciding to pursue dentistry.
“I chose ATSU-ASDOH because of its strong commitment to whole person healthcare and public health. As someone passionate about serving underserved populations, I knew I needed a program that integrated public health into the curriculum and offered a dual-degree option, allowing me to earn both my DMD and MPH,” she said. “ASDOH’s service-oriented mission aligned perfectly with my personal and professional goals, providing the education and opportunities necessary to become a clinician who prioritizes community impact.
“Ultimately, ASDOH was the perfect fit because it embodies the values that matter most to me: service, collaboration, clinical excellence, and public health advocacy. Every day, I am surrounded by peers and mentors who inspire and challenge me, reinforcing that I made the right choice in joining this incredible community.”
To say Young is an engaged student is an understatement. She is national chair for the Council on Membership, District 10 Community Outreach chair, and local chapter president with the American Student Dental Association; ASDOH student representative to the Council on Membership and New Dentists with Arizona Dental Association; president of Pediatric Dental Study Club; fundraising chair of Business in Dentistry and Students United for America’s Toothfairy; and Aftercare Committee member with Give Kids a Smile.
Young and classmates in Washington, lobbying with the American Dental Association
“My leadership roles have taken me across the country, allowing me to represent ASDOH at the local, district, and national levels,” she said. “Through conferences, I’ve not only expanded my professional network but also built lifelong friendships with dental students from across the country. Additionally, I have had the privilege of connecting with doctors and specialists who treat me as a colleague, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance.
“I have remained deeply engaged in the organizations I am part of and will continue to invest in them until the day I graduate. I take immense pride in being an ASDOH student and am grateful for the leadership opportunities that allow me to amplify the voices of my peers and contribute to an unforgettable dental school experience for our community.”
Additionally, Young serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador.
“My ATSU pride runs deep, making it easy for me to talk about the many aspects of my program that I love,” she said. “As an ambassador, I enjoy reminding pre-dental students that dental school doesn’t have to put life on hold. You can excel academically, stay involved, travel, spend time with friends, and still enjoy the journey. Everyone deserves to feel supported and fulfilled in school, and I can’t thank ASDOH enough for fostering a culture where students can truly thrive – not just in their education, but in all areas of life.”
Young said there’s a healthy balance that comes with being an ATSU student, as the University prioritizes student well-being and provides time to enjoy diversions and explore what Arizona has to offer. She enjoys pilates, reading a good book, laying by the pool, traveling, running, exploring coffee shops, and being with friends.
“I also love our small community on campus and the fact that faculty and students feel like family. I know that my faculty members want to see me succeed and that my peers will help me achieve my goals. I am thankful to be at a program where I feel supported and also feel like I can thrive both in and out of school,” she said.
Young would like to specialize in pediatric dentistry, providing children a comfortable, safe, and positive experience at the dentist. Beyond clinical care, she is committed to staying involved in organized dentistry, advocating for her profession, peers, and patients.
“My passion for serving underserved communities drives my interest in public health, where I hope to make a meaningful impact on access to pediatric dental care. Additionally, I am eager to pursue interprofessional collaboration, potentially working alongside other specialties in a hospital-based setting to treat more complex pediatric cases, care for children facing medical challenges, and provide specialized support for patients with special needs,” Young said. “As I progress in my career, I also want to give back to the next generation of dental students, mentoring and supporting them just as others have done for me.”
“I have always loved the Phoenix area and wanted to live here,” he said. “I read about the pro bono clinic to give back to the community and practice learned skills, and was excited about the opportunity.”
His experience on campus has met his expectations.
“There are many events on campus to show their love for the students that attend, all professors are friendly with open door policies, and we have opportunities to practice what is being learned in the classroom,” he said.
Cordier is from Columbus, Indiana, and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and master’s degree in exercise science.
At ATSU-ASHS, Cordier serves as a student ambassador.
“I chose to become a student ambassador because I have really enjoyed being a student at ATSU and wanted to share my experiences with other individuals,” he said. “I offer a unique perspective because I am a husband and father of two boys, and wanted to be able to encourage others that may be in similar situations to pursue their educational goals.”
Ultimately, Cordier hopes to open his own clinic, and says a course about administration is helping him gain valuable insights.
“It has been great to learn and understand what that may look like in my future,” Cordier said.
Avina, who is president of ATSU-KCOM’s Student Government Association and part of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP), conducted research with Suhail Akhtar, PhD, MS, BSc, assistant professor, biochemistry, at ATSU-KCOM, to examine the effects vitamin D3 has on lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis in human intestinal epithelial cells. Avina presented the research as part of COSGP’s research symposium at the AACOM event.
“I feel honored and proud to represent ATSU-KCOM at these conferences and will cherish the opportunities this school has given me,” Avina said.
A.T. Still University (ATSU) Advancement hosted the inaugural Thank-A-Thon on Thursday, April 17, 2025, on the University’s Kirksville, Missouri campus, where ATSU students, faculty, and staff composed handwritten notes and made phone calls to show gratitude to our generous donors.
Nearly 30 volunteers came together to write nearly 200 notes and make more than 100 phone calls to donors who supported the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, ATSU Student Emergency Funds, ATSU and ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Greatest Need Funds, and more.
ADLS provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles played by first responders, government agencies, and hospital staff, helping students recognize where they fit into disaster management as future providers and public health officials. The large-scale simulation offers a firsthand look at the chaos these events create and equips students with skills to navigate and manage such crises effectively.
Participants included the Adair County Ambulance District (lifesaving interventions such as needle decompression/narcan and apparatus and equipment demonstrations), ATSU Campus Security (basic safety and situational awareness), Kirksville Fire Department (man-down rescue carries and apparatus and equipment demonstrations), Kirksville Police Department (first-responder down gear removal), MU-4 Air Evac Team (intubation with PPE and other airways/rescue breaths and apparatus and equipment demonstrations), Northeast Regional Medicine Center (Stop the Bleed training), and Truman Public Health. Additionally, 36 volunteers served as trauma patient actors.
“The 2025 ADLS course was a great success,” said Peyton Grant, OMS II, ATSU Emergency Medicine Club president. “Students were able to learn advanced disaster response strategies and put practical skills into action through a mass casualty simulation. We are so grateful for all of the volunteer instructors, community agencies, community members that volunteered as patient actors, Truman State University’s Public Health Department, and our very own ATSU faculty members, Lisa Archer, BSN, RN, and Christy Fenton, who made this event possible.”
Students from A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health visited Macon Elementary in Macon, Missouri, on Friday, April 11, 2025, for Give Kids a Smile.
The annual event brought dental education, games, dental screenings, and dental work provided by Northeast Missouri Health Council.
Check out our photos from the event!
This week, we join osteopathic physicians, students, and educators across the country in celebrating National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week. This is a special time to reflect on the unique principles and profound impact of osteopathic medicine, and there is no better place to celebrate than A.T. Still University.
We stand on historic ground. ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) holds the distinct honor of being the founding school of osteopathic medicine. It was here, in Kirksville, Missouri, where A.T. Still, DO, pioneered a revolutionary approach to healthcare focused on whole person wellness, the body’s innate ability to heal, and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. We carry Dr. Still’s legacy forward every day.
Our pride extends across the university. ATSU-KCOM and ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Arizona School of Health Sciences, College of Graduate Health Studies, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and College for Healthy Communities are consistently recognized for their success in fulfilling a core part of our mission: preparing graduates who go on to practice in underserved communities. This commitment to service is a testament to the dedication of our students, excellence of our curriculum, and unwavering support provided by each of you.
Furthermore, our Kirksville campus is home to The Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, a treasure trove preserving our rich history and heritage. This vital resource ensures the story of osteopathic medicine, its challenges, and its triumphs are remembered and shared, inspiring future generations of healers. For NOM Week, the museum is highlighting Dr. Still’s treatment table. We encourage you to visit the museum this week, or whenever you are in Kirksville, to learn more about these pieces of osteopathic history.
Your work – whether in teaching, research, clinical care, administration, or support services – directly contributes to advancing osteopathic principles and fulfilling Dr. Still’s vision. You are essential to educating the next generation of compassionate, skilled osteopathic physicians and health professionals who embody our mission.
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to A.T. Still University and the osteopathic profession. Let’s take this week to celebrate our remarkable history, our impactful present, and the bright future of osteopathic medicine.
Four teams, each including two first-year and two second-year ATSU-KCOM students, rotated through four different patient scenarios. Each scenario provided teams 15 minutes to examine their patient and reach a proper diagnosis.
The team A.T. Still Alive, featuring Angelina Hein, OMS II, Laura-Ashley Childress, OMS I, Maggie Hatfield, OMS I, and Emily Dofing, OMS II, won first place and will represent ATSU-KCOM in a Regional Simulation Challenge in April on the University’s Kirksville, Missouri campus.
Check out these photos from the event, and follow us on Instagram to view video from the competition.
In fact, it was those experiences with people connected to the University that led him to apply.
“I chose ATSU because I had the opportunity to connect with alumni during my clinical experience prior to PA school,” he said. “Observing their development and success as confident providers solidified my belief that the PA program at ATSU is exceptional. As a current student, I am confident that I made the right choice, as the faculty here have done an outstanding job preparing me for the PANCE, our national certification exam.”
Sayed, a first-generation student, graduated from Arizona State University summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in biological science.
He serves as a student ambassador for Residential Student Life and the Leadership and Professional Development Chair with Kettel Society, the PA program’s student association.
“For Kettel Society, I love building up a campus culture to be proud of. Any PA program across the country will be very intense and demanding, so being able to provide opportunities and empower my peers to network and form intercollegiate relationships before entering the workforce is an awesome part of my role at Kettel. I wish nothing but the best for my peers. Additionally, as a student body, we help break the monotony of school. Remembering to decompress and prevent burnout among my peers means that we enter the workforce stronger together,” Sayed said.
“As a student ambassador, I take pride in reassuring prospective and accepted students that our school promotes a collaborative environment, rather than fostering competition. While we are trained to be ‘the most competitive applicants,’ in practice, we function as part of an interdisciplinary team, working together to enhance patient care. Serving as an ambassador also allows me to continually learn about the other programs, gaining insights I might not otherwise have.”
Off campus, Sayed enjoys hiking and working out, and also loves to cook.
“I believe food is the key to bonding, so making delicious food and sharing with the people I care about fills me with joy,” he said.
In the program, Sayed said his favorite part of being an ATSU student is the supportive atmosphere that fosters growth and development.
“We are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives on various healthcare modalities. For example, exposure to fields such as naturopathic medicine and chaplaincy, both of which were new to me, has broadened my ability to provide comprehensive care. This experience has reinforced the importance of recognizing that patients are multi-dimensional, and that being exposed to a wide range of approaches, within a nonjudgmental learning environment, is essential to providing holistic care,” he said.
Sayed says professionally, he’s committed to achieving excellence, and ATSU is helping him develop the tools to get there.
“To me, excellence is defined by saving lives, restoring trust in medicine, and delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care,” he said. “I am confident that ATSU has provided a strong foundation, and it is now up to me to apply myself fully in order to realize this goal.”
