Karen Abraham, Ph.D., (pictured above) professor of physical therapy and interim dean, assumed the permanent role of dean of the School of Health Professions on Jan. 2. An accomplished teacher and scholar, Karen has already provided outstanding service in a range of leadership positions at Shenandoah. Karen was selected after a rigorous national search with a strong candidate pool, and her appointment received overwhelming support across the campus community, according to Vice President for Academic Affairs Adrienne Bloss, Ph.D.
Also beginning in January, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Sheri Hale, Ph.D., assumed the role of director of the Division of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions. Sheri has been serving in this role on an interim basis with great success, and the university is delighted that she will continue in a permanent capacity.
Distinguished Professor and Director of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Anthony Miller, MEd, PA-C, has been appointed as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education. The role of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education’s Editorial Advisory Board is to advise and provide guidance, recommendations and insights from the PA education community to help steer the direction of the journal. The editorial board provides input on a variety of issues related to the journal, including content, layout and distribution. Terms for editorial board members are three years. Miller’s first term of service began on Feb. 1.
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Erika Francis, MSPAS, PA-C, has been named to the Physician Assistant Education Association’s (PAEA) End of Curriculum Exam Development Board. Steering groups are functional groups that provide guidance, recommendations and insights from the PA education community on a specific area, project or initiative. The work of these groups contributes directly to the ongoing work of PAEA, manifested in specific products, services and activities. Francis is eligible to serve unlimited three-year terms starting on March 1.
Four students in Shenandoah’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program attended the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association’s Annual Hit the Hill Day on Feb. 13, in Richmond. The group visited the state capital to support Senate Bill 80, which is a bill to establish a school health advisory board for vetting health policy in Virginia public schools. Participating students were Megan Vanderburgh ’19, Tyler Hott ’19, Paige Koenig ’19, and Margaret Willoughby ’19.
Professor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences Craig A. H. Richard, Ph.D., saw his research into Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) featured in the Futurism.com article, “It’s 2018. Here Are Six Scientific Mysteries We Still Haven’t Solved.” The piece was then picked up and republished by approximately 40 additional online sites. His ASMR work is also featured in the Star Tribune article, “Scientists have found out why voices like Bob Ross’ are so soothing.”
The Virginia Pharmacists Association (VPhA) held its annual Pharmacy Legislative Day on Jan. 31, in Richmond. Seven Shenandoah University student pharmacists, a faculty member and the pharmacy school’s dean attended the event. Students were put on teams with other student pharmacists, residents and pharmacists from Virginia to offer health screenings (blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol) and to speak with legislators about legislation facing the profession of pharmacy in Virginia. Shenandoah’s group spoke with legislative aides, delegates and state senators, including 27th District Senator Jill Holtzman Vogel. Lauren Fox ’17 was one of the residents helping out with health screenings. Students also went to the House of Delegates and Senate gallery where the profession of pharmacy was recognized.
