UT Health Science Center College of Health Professions Magazine - Spring 2024

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE

Training Health Care Leaders

In the College of Health Professions, the White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage. Students pledge their professionalism and mark one of the biggest days of their academic careers.

As physical therapy, medical laboratory science, occupational therapy, pathologists’ assistant, and master of cytopathology students prepare for their White Coat Ceremony, they are responsible for providing the funds to purchase their white coats. You can help ease that financial burden.

We invite you to sponsor a College of Health Professions white coat to support our students.

A gift of $100 will support one student’s white coat and help offset the cost of the ceremony. When making your gift, please leave a note of advice or encouragement, which will be shared with a student at the ceremony.

To make a gift, please visit giving.uthsc.edu/hpwhitecoat.

Thank you in advance from our grateful students, who will proudly wear their white coat in the future.

For more information about the College of Health Professions or for assistance with making your gift, please contact the UT Health Science Center Office of Advancement at 901.448.5516 or email to giving@uthsc.edu.

Chancellor

Peter F. Buckley, MD

Dean, College of Health Professions

Stephen E. Alway, PhD, FACSM

Senior Associate Dean Research and Graduate Studies

James A. Carson, PhD, FACSM

Executive Associate Dean for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs

Neale R. Chumbler, PhD

Executive Assistant Dean, Finance, Operations, and Strategic Initiatives

Chermale Casem, MBA, PHR

Assistant Dean, Faculty Affairs

Patrick N. Plyler, PhD

Chair, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology

Ashley Harkrider, PhD

Chair, Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences

Neale R. Chumbler, PhD

Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy

Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L

Chair, Department of Physical Therapy

R. Barry Dale, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS, MBA, ATC, CSCS

Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Brigitte Grant, MBA

Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Bethany Goolsby, JD

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Chandra Tuggle

Senior Director, Advancement Services

Cherisa Lewis

Associate Director of Development

Ariel O’Brien

Director of Alumni Programs

Bettye Durham

Assistant Director of Alumni Programs

Blair Duke

Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing

Sally Badoud, MBA

Editor Janay Jeans, MA

Contributing Writers

Chris Green

Jeremy Jackson

Janay Jeans

Peggy Reisser

Designer Adam Gaines

Photographers

Kasey Funderburg

Caleb Jia

Innovating for Infants Chair of OT develops pillow to aid infant development >

< Making an Impact New Pathologists’ Assistant Program experiences growth

Continuing the Fight Student who survived brain cancer hopes to help others > < Historical Contributions Cytotechnology program has made lasting contributions to health care

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Access and Compliance, 920 Madison Avenue, Suite 825, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, telephone 901.448.2112 (V/TTY available). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity. E073701(023-241189) 6

From the Dean

The past year has been extraordinary for the College of Health Professions. We have achieved unprecedented levels of grant funding to reach underserved students and help them in developing careers in one of the health professions.

We have exceeded clinical and community outreach efforts from previous years through contacts in our communities and contracts with the state.

Our faculty members have collectively achieved greater research and scholarship success, as evidenced by the number of publications they secured in scientific journals.

The overall impact is that our college has taken important steps forward to train our exceptional students, who have come from across the state and many other states to work with our faculty. Additionally, we have recruited new faculty and staff to several of our programs, each of whom bring important expertise.

Our students have continued to achieve excellent first-time pass rates for licensure (from 95-100%). Training in fully accredited programs is important to our college because it guarantees our students that they are receiving high-quality instruction. To this end, it has been a busy accreditation time for several of our programs.

We have achieved full accreditation for our Master of Occupational Therapy program for another seven years and are seeking approval of a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with a proposed implementation date of August 2025. The Health Informatics and Information Management program achieved a seven-year reaccreditation. The Doctor of Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences programs had accreditation review in the spring. Our newest program, the Pathologists’ Assistant Program in the Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, has doubled the number of students in the incoming class to 12 after only two years. We will be submitting documentation for full accreditation of this program in the fall. We anticipate being fully accredited in 2025.

We are proud of our college team, who for the first time obtained more than $2.41 million in grants and contracts as principal investigators in fiscal year 2023. This is a 13% increase from fiscal year 2022, a previous record for the college.

A new Strategic Plan for UT Health Science Center was completed and implemented last summer under the direction of Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. The college is also nearing completion of its new strategic plan, which will align closely with the university’s plan and provide a blueprint for greater growth and academic excellence while increasing efficiency and productivity.

There is much more work to do, as we strategically evaluate new academic programs to assist our college in training students and meeting the health professions workforce needs of Tennessee. We are confident with the support and suggestions of our College of Health Professions alumni, community stakeholders, and our team, we will continue to train health care leaders, clinicians, and researchers, who will impact our communities, our state, and our world.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Alway, PhD, FACSM Dean of the College of Health Professions

From the Chancellor

For more than 50 years, our College of Health Professions has done an outstanding job training Tennessee’s health care workforce in essential professions, from occupational therapy to physical therapy, to audiology and speech pathology, to laboratory and diagnostic health sciences. Without question, its graduates improve lives from one end of the state to the other and beyond.

Increasingly, the college is focusing not only on this academic and clinical mission, but also on expanding the research efforts at its home base in Memphis and at its Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology in Knoxville.

This aligns perfectly with our new Strategic Plan, our increasing emphasis on UT Health Science Center’s statewide reach, and our exciting new vision statement: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. A growing research enterprise stands to increase the college’s national prominence and improve the care for the people of Tennessee now and in the future.

I like to say the university’s new strategic plan is part “perspiration” and part “inspiration.” It centers on five strategic pillars: Engaging Communities, Educational Excellence, Expanding Research, Advancing Health, and Developing Talent. Certainly, our College of Health Professions is fulfilling the plan.

In my time at UT Health Science Center, I have witnessed our outstanding alumni generously giving of their time, talent, and funds to support their college and the next generation of providers.

Please allow me to express my thanks for all you do for your college and the university. You are essential in the future of our students and trainees, and to the health of Tennessee.

With Gratitude,

Peter Buckley, MD Chancellor

The University of Tennessee Heath Science Center

New Pathologists’ Assistant Program Prepares More Students to Make an Impact

By Chris Green

In its second year, the College of Health Professions’ newest program is continuing to grow.

The first class in the Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA) Program started in January 2023, consisting of seven students who are now in clinical rotations and on track to graduate in December. The program expanded this January with 10 new students in its second cohort.

“We are really pleased with how our students are doing,” Program Director Michael Weitzeil said. “Our students are working hard, passing their exams, learning the psychomotor skills, and they continue to progress without any concerns. We are very pleased.”

Applications are open for the third cohort, starting next January, and Weitzeil said interest continues to spread. Dozens of people have begun applying for the 12 spots in the class. The high demand can largely be attributed to the program’s rarity as there are currently only 15 operational training programs for PathAs in the United States, none of which are in Tennessee or the Mid-South.

The program, which offers a Master’s of Health Science (MHS) in Pathologists’ Assistant degree, aims to train

highly skilled, entry-level pathologists’ assistants who are prepared to assume positions in the gross room and autopsy suite, including laboratory management, research, and education. The college began developing the program in 2018 and through Weitzeil’s diligent work received final approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) in July 2022. The program’s faculty is made up of Weitzeil along with Clinical Coordinator Samantha Etters and Education Coordinator Kathleen Reed.

Weitzeil’s efforts are far from over as he leads the program through the process of applying for accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The initial application was approved in May of last year, and a selfstudy explaining how the program meets each of the NAACLS standards is due this September. Once that is submitted, the program will be given Serious Applicant status, which grants students the same opportunities as fully accredited programs.

“Submission of the initial self-study report is an important milestone in the development of a NAACLS-accredited

program, for the program and the students. Submitting the report means our students will be eligible to sit for their American Society of Clinical Pathology, Board of Certification exam. Passing this exam will give our students the certification they need to get their jobs,” Weitzeil said.

After a site visit by NAACLS representatives next spring, final accreditation would be awarded in the fall of next year. Accreditation serves as public recognition that the program meets established education standards. Weitzeil said this recognition has the potential to double the number of applicants the program receives.

According to Weitzeil, many factors draw people to the PathA profession. In addition to having competitive salaries, job stability, and high job satisfaction, pathologists’ assistants play a crucial role by assisting pathologists in diagnosing diseases and determining treatment plans. While Weitzeil admits the clinical work is not for everyone, he said pathologists’ assistants make meaningful contributions to the health care system, which can be deeply fulfilling.

“Most people don’t have the opportunity to see the clinical work that happens behind the scenes in the hospital laboratory, especially the anatomic laboratory,” he said. “The work of a certified PathA includes the hands-on dissection of human tissue once it has been removed by the surgeon. We look for cancer (and other diseases), visualize how big it is, identify the anatomic

structures invaded, and aid in determining if the cancer was fully removed from the patient. We search for and identify the lymph nodes that will be evaluated for lymph node metastasis. We are the eyes and hands of the pathologist for the gross evaluation of the tissue. Not everyone is interested in doing this work, but those of us who do it tend to love it. We work behind the scenes, under the direction of a pathologist and contribute in a meaningful way to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.”

Weitzeil is proud of the program he is building and hopes to see continued growth in the years to come. He encourages anyone interested in the medical field to consider becoming a PathA, saying it combines aspects of many different medical practices into a job that is unique and exciting. Additionally, he looks forward to seeing the impact each PathA student will have as they complete their education and begin their career.

“They’re getting an excellent education here at UT Health Science Center,” he said. “Our students will enter the workforce ready to provide high-quality anatomic pathology patient care here in Tennessee, in the MidSouth, and all over the country. I think that’s meaningful. To train new PathAs in an already small field keeps me motivated to keep putting in the time and effort. It is a lot of work, but I know that the outcome is greater than myself.”

OT Chair Designs Pillow to Aid Infant Development

By Peggy Reisser

As a pediatric occupational therapist, Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L, has been a strong advocate of the importance of tummy time for the development of neck and shoulder muscles and motor skills in infants.

The chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at UT Health Science Center and the author of two books on infant development, Dr. Zachry has designed a pillow or wedge to help babies better tolerate time on the stomach.

The Tummy Time Trainer is a wedge tailored to support a baby in a prone position and lift the chest to help strengthen the neck, back, and shoulder muscles. This promotes an infant’s ability to eventually roll over, crawl, and pull up. Special contours allow a baby to support weight on the elbows, arms, and hands. The wedge is positioned so the baby’s weight is shifted toward the hips, making it easier to hold the head up.

“I had worked with so many babies that disliked tummy time, and so I started trying to make a wedge that would help the babies tolerate tummy time better,” Dr. Zachry said. After designing the pillow, she received a grant

through the UT Research Foundation (UTRF) to do a pilot study to see if it was effective. “It did show that babies tolerated tummy time better and longer without crying,” Dr. Zachry said.

UTRF submitted a patent application, which was recently approved.

That’s where Nathan Wilson comes into the picture. Wilson, 27, is pursuing a dual master’s in business administration and mechanical engineering at UT Knoxville. He was taking an entrepreneurship class and searched the listing on the UTRF website for available technologies to commercialize.

He and his wife, Megan, 27, had recently had a baby, and the Tummy Time Trainer caught his eye. “I wanted to see how it worked on my child,” he said.

Wilson reached out to Dr. Zachry, who sent a prototype for the baby.

“Before the Tummy Time Trainer, within 10 seconds, he would be crying,” said Wilson, who graduates in May. “With the Tummy Time Trainer, he would last significantly longer without crying or screaming.”

The Wilsons are in the process of forming a corporation so they can enter into a licensing agreement with UTRF to market the Tummy Time Trainer.

“Just in our circle of friends, a lot of friends have been having babies, and tummy time is the worst,” Megan Wilson said. “We just want to get this product out to as many parents as possible.”

“Tummy time is so important for infant development,” Dr. Zachry said. “My hope is that once the Tummy Time Trainer is on the market, tummy time will become an enjoyable experience for infants and parents.”

Nathan Wilson, center, and his wife, Megan, tried the Tummy Time Trainer with their infant son and liked it so much, they are trying to bring it to market. Bottom: Dr. Anne Zachry works with a baby to demonstrate how the Tummy Time Trainer is designed to support the upper body to make tummy time more comfortable.

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CoHP Research Accomplishments

Researchers in the College of Health Professions obtained more than $2.41 million in grants and contracts as principal investigators in the 2023 fiscal year. This record high is a 13% increase from the college’s previous record set the year prior.

The 16 new grants and contracts included 10 federal, four foundation, and two state awards. A collaboration between staff and faculty yielded the college’s first Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant award totaling more than $3.25 million dollars over five years. The faculty were also successful in obtaining a new multi-year Department of Education grant worth approximately $2.4 million.

“The dedication to research and scholarship success for our college team has been outstanding, and their dedication has yielded great success,” Dean Alway said. The college’s research faculty continues to aim high, submitting 47 grant applications requesting over $18.4

million in fiscal year 2023. This productivity compares with 18 submissions requesting $5.9 million in research dollars in 2017. Additionally, the faculty has published more than 100 peer-reviewed research papers in the past three years, including over 40 Scopus-indexed publications in 2023.

This research growth has been facilitated by support from the CoHP Research Office, led by James Carson, PhD, FACSM, senior associate dean of Research and Graduate Studies. Chermale Casem, assistant dean of Finance and Operations, provides critical project budgetary planning and oversight for grant submissions. Through faculty interactions with Janine Twitchell, grants and contracts coordinator, the office supports faculty, staff, and student research and scholarship efforts, including assisting with grant development and submission, post-award functions related to grant management, research collaborations, funding opportunities, research publication, and more.

Here is a look at some of the projects and achievements:

Chermale Casem, MBA, is the principal investigator and project director of a five-year, $3.25 million Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant to support a new Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP). This groundbreaking five-year grant, known as Reimagining Education for Advance Careers in Healthcare (REACH), aims to strengthen health care education while addressing the critical need for a skilled and diverse health care workforce in West Tennessee. Coinvestigators include Jacen Moore, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences; LaToya Green, DPT, EdD, associate professor of physical therapy; and Pamela Lewis-Kipkulei, PhD, associate professor of occupational therapy.

Ilsa Schwarz, PhD, CCC-SLP, professor emeritus in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, received a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Education to fund a five-year project addressing the need for diversity in highly trained professionals in speech-language pathology. The project, known as Project PAL, also aims to address the supply of speech-language pathologists. The project’s co-investigators are Jillian McCarthy, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Erinn Finke, PhD, CCC-SLP, both associate professors in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, and Melanie Schuele, PhD, professor in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at Vanderbilt University.

Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, is part of a multidisciplinary team investigating a two-year, $1 million grant from the HRSA Behavioral Health, Workforce Education, and Training-Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults (BHWET-CAY) Program for Professionals. The project, called Recruiting Interprofessional Scholars for Excellence in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood (RISE-CAY), is a collaboration between the University of Memphis and UT Health Science Center. It aims to increase the behavioral health workforce in Memphis and the Mid-South by training 17 graduate students and residents per year from the disciplines of social work, psychiatry, occupational therapy, counseling, and counseling psychology to work with at-risk youth in the community.

Cailin Hannon, fourth-year Doctor of Audiology student, received a 2023 Mentored Student Research Presentation Travel Award from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH-NIDCD) to present at the American Auditory Society Annual Meeting in Arizona. As one of only 20 students to receive the award nationwide, Hannon presented, “Do Eardrum Electrodes Affect Sound Transmission in the Ear?” Her research mentor is James Lewis, PhD.

CoHP Launches Program to Mentor Students on Health Career Paths

By Jeremy Jackson

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Health Professions recently launched the 2024 Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) National Ambassadors Program, an initiative to connect students with mentors in the fields of medical laboratory science, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

The HCOP National Ambassadors Program is made possible through a $3.2 million award from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the College of Health Professions’ Reimagining Education for Advanced Careers in Healthcare (REACH) Project.

Chermale Casem, MBA, the executive assistant dean of Finance, Operations, and Strategic Initiatives in the College of Health Professions and the program’s director, said she is enthusiastic about fostering meaningful connections between students and mentors in their chosen health career paths.

“Our mentors from our clinical partners within the community have all agreed to help our scholars with

career development, networking, and professional growth,” Casem said.

Gloria Jenkins, clinical lab manager at Regional One Health and a mentor in the HCOP program, said she is excited to engage with the future workforce of the allied health field. As an alumna of the UT Health Science Center College of Health Professions, Jenkins underscored the significance of providing a well-rounded experience for students.

“I have always been passionate about volunteering, and there is no greater honor than to serve the students at my alma mater,” she said. “I want my mentee to understand, while academics are important, it is also great to have a veteran in the field to help them navigate those spaces.”

“My parents are immigrants and they both lack the medical knowledge needed to teach me how to navigate specific medical spaces, and being a first-generation graduate student, I hope that my mentor can provide me with the necessary tools needed to excel in those environments,” Tran said.

College of Health Professions Dean Stephen Alway, PhD, left, and Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, back center, joined the students and mentors to celebrate the launch of the HCOP National Ambassadors Program.

Katelyn Taylor, also a second-year physical therapy student, credited program faculty, Latoya Green, DPT, for encouraging her to apply. Taylor, who is from a small, rural town in Tennessee, said she aspires to provide proper health care in her hometown, drawing inspiration from her personal life.

“My grandfather underwent double knee replacement surgery, but the lack of medical facilities in rural areas means I must drive him to his physical therapy sessions every day,” Taylor said. “The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes, presenting a significant challenge for individuals without adequate transportation options.”

Casem said she hopes the program instills a sense of community service among scholars, particularly those who are first-generation college students. She envisions these students becoming mentors themselves, contributing to the growth and support of future generations of health professionals in their communities.

UT Health Science Center Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, congratulated the inaugural cohort of HCOP National Ambassador scholars and extended a warm welcome to the dedicated mentors who have volunteered from clinical partners within the community.

Victoria Martin, left, and Sthefany Delgado, right, are UT Health Science Center graduate students taking part in the HCOP National Ambassadors Program.

From its Earliest Days, Cytotechnology Program Has Made Major Contributions

Back in the 1950s, the cytotechnology program at what is now the University of Tennessee Health Science Center was recruited to provide support for a mass screening project that has been critical to the health of generations of women.

From July 1952 to June 1957, the Memphis Project tested 290,000 women with a new procedure, the Pap smear, to determine its effectiveness. Sponsors for the project included what was then the UT College of Medicine, the Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society, the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, the Bluff City Medical Society, and the local American Cancer Society.

Through that mass screening, the Pap smear, named after George Papanicolaou, MD, proved successful in detecting cervical cancer.

Today, the Cytotechnology and Histotechnology program resides in the Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences in the College of Health Professions. A master’s degree program, it prepares graduates for certification in both cytotechnology and histotechnology, two related professions in laboratory pathology.

The program has a 100 percent graduation rate, a 100 percent exam pass rate, and a 100 percent employment rate within six months of graduation.

The program is affiliated with 40 clinical sites in Tennessee and surrounding states. All clinical sites are cytopathology or histopathology laboratories accredited by the Health Care Financing Administration and/or the College of American Pathologists and all have a qualified medical director and qualified technologists on staff.

Students work with cytologists and histotechnologists in laboratories to develop clinical skills.

“The faculty of the Master of Cytopathology Practice Program are so proud of the rich history we’ve been a part of in making a positive impact on women’s health and health in general,” said Keisha Brooks Burnett, EdD, associate professor and program director for cytotechnology and histotechnology. “The development of the Pap test has saved millions of lives, and it all starts at the microscope. With the development of a technique to collect Pap test specimens came an explosion of techniques to collect cells from all parts of the body that further advanced modern cytology. The cytology profession has changed with the development of emerging technologies, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to using those technologies in providing the best patient care.”

Making an Impact

Ethan Reichle, in photo at right, a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was a recipient of a Student Impact and Advocacy Leadership Award in December. He is the PT student director for Clinica Esperanza, a student-run medical clinic for the underinsured Spanish-speaking population in Memphis. Reichle coordinates the multiple health care programs at Clinica Esperanza to help ensure all are working collaboratively to treat patients in the most effective manner. He serves as a voluntary tutor for Gross Anatomy and Physical Therapy in Orthopedics II, and volunteers at Memphis Rox climbing team by providing injury prevention and mobility training sessions to young climbers. The Impact Awards recognize faculty, staff, students, and trainees for the outstanding work they do at UT Health Science Center.

$6,000 Raised for Pro-Bono Pediatric OT Clinic

The Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center (RKSTC) at UT Health Science Center held its 7th Annual Art Show and Auction in September, a fundraising event aimed at supporting the operations of the clinic and providing occupational therapy treatment to uninsured and underinsured children in Memphis. The Annual Art Show and Auction raised over $6,000 dollars, exceeding the goal of $4,000. The event featured more than 100 pieces of art donated by RKSTC patients and local artists. Established in 2016, the RKSTC was founded in remembrance of the late Rachel Kay Stevens. A former OT student, Stevens was said to have had an unyielding passion for helping those in need. The center is the only pro-bono pediatric occupational therapy center in the area. It is run by OT students under the supervision of OT faculty.

Student Recognition

Anne Mones, a cytology/histotechnology student, was recognized at the National Society of Histotechnology Convention in 2023 for her poster illustrating the diagnostic aspects of pancreatic tumors and the link between pancreatic health and insulin production. Her research was conducted in collaboration with her professor, Sheila Criswell, PhD, an assistant professor in the College of Health Professions. Dr. Criswell, who played a pivotal role in guiding the research project, submitted the poster, along with a manuscript titled, “Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Hormones Secreted by Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors.” The poster garnered third place and the manuscript was published in the journal Biotechnic & Histochemistry.

Pathologists’ Assistant Program Welcomes New Faculty Member

Kathleen Reed, MS PA(ASCP)CM, is the new education coordinator and instructor for the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. She is a certified pathologists’ assistant, most recently working with the University of Minnesota Physicians in Minneapolis, and at the Cleveland Clinic previously. Reed attended the Pathologists’ Assistant graduate program at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago and obtained her undergraduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Finke Named a Fellow by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

In November, Erinn H. Finke, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, was awarded the title of Fellow by the American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Association at the 2023 ASHA Convention Awards Ceremony in Boston. The prestigious Fellowship of the Association award is one of the highest honors ASHA bestows. Awardees are those who are recognized for their outstanding professional and scientific achievements to the field of speech, language, and/ or audiology. Dr. Finke was recognized in the areas of academic teaching, research, and service to the ASHA organization. One nominator stated, “Dr. Finke has an outstanding body of work which has discovered a new clinical approach for informing optimal ways to support relationship development in those with autism ranging from school-age to young adults.”

Expert Educator

Rebecca Reynolds, EdD, professor and program director for Health Informatics and Information Management in the College of Health Professions, is the first faculty member to complete the Teaching and Learning Center Medallion program. She received her Expert Educator medallion in December, completing the program. The TLC Medallion Program helps educators master skills related to teaching and learning and exhibit growth in professional development. Each medallion requires 20 hours of work, and completion of 17 unique medallions leads to the Expert Educator designation.

Kumar Recognized by World Council of Optometry

Sajeesh Kumar, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, was honored by the World Council of Optometry for his contribution to vision care. Utilizing innovative health information technology, Dr. Kumar spearheaded initiatives aimed at assisting rural and remote regions in tropical areas like Madagascar and other island nations. His efforts have ensured access to essential eyewear, profoundly impacting the lives of communities in need.

Reading with the Rescues

Grad Honored by Health Information Association

Alyssa Brown, a recent graduate from the Master of Health Informatics and Information Management program, was honored as the Tennessee Health Information Management Association Outstanding Student at the organization’s March meeting in Franklin, Tennessee. Brown works at West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson, after completing her studies in May 2023.

Olivia Hecker, PhD student in speech and hearing science, regularly takes several students in the master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program to Reading with the Rescues, a fun-filled, literacy-based opportunity for children with speech-language challenges to interact with horses at Faith-N-Friends Horse Rescue. Providers work across disciplines to ensure that each child gets to engage with horses in developmentally appropriate ways, using a variety of communication strategies to learn and express themselves.

Student Survived Brain Cancer and Now Wants to Help Others Battle Disease

By Jeremy Jackson

Surviving brain cancer led Nicole Riha to pursue a career in health care.

Now, a first-year student in the Master of Cytotechnology and Histotechnology Practice program at UT Health Science Center, she was diagnosed with brain cancer during her third year at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

After the diagnosis, she decided to educate herself about the disease.

“Being a nerd, I’ve always enjoyed diving into diagnoses and paperwork, finding it oddly satisfying, and when it comes to cancer, I believe it’s crucial that anyone diagnosed receives a detailed pathologist’s report after a biopsy,” she said. “It’s not just information, it’s empowering.”

Riha said she was interested in studying human anatomy, physiology, and cell biology, but was not sure what path in health care to pursue. “Then, I met a student who did a cytotechnology program at another community college and it piqued my interest,” she said. “Now, here I am.”

She chose UT Health Science Center because of the Cytotechnology and Histotechnology dual programs offered.

“I never realized the significance of early cancer prevention through gynecological care and Pap smears until I discovered cytotechnology,” she said. “Many

women may overlook early signs, but being able to educate and potentially prevent others from going through what I did brings me immense reassurance. The thought that I can fight against cancer as part of my profession feels like a dream fulfilled. Pursuing this dual track not only provides me with more resources, but also shapes me into a stronger candidate” for jobs in the future.

Keshia Burnett, EdD, the program director for cytotechnology and histotechnology, said Riha is an inspiration.

“To successfully battle a life-threatening brain tumor and get accepted into a program that is dedicated to the cytopathology profession is amazing,” Dr. Burnett said. “Nicole is an outstanding student and I admire her determination and positive outlook on life.”

Riha said she was filled with joy when she finally had the opportunity to ring the bell signifying the end of her treatment. She believes she found her calling to assist others because of the dedicated medical professionals who supported her throughout her journey.

“I’ve chosen this path because it’s deeply connected to my own experience with cancer,” Riha said. “I don’t want anyone else to endure what I went through. By helping with early detection, I aim to give others hope and the chance for recovery, like the doctors did for me.”

Student with Unique Perspective Reflects on Her Path in Audiology

By Jeremy Jackson

Megan Keyser, a third-year Doctor of Audiology student, was born deaf and has bilateral cochlear implants. She said she chose a career in audiology to one day innovate the field and help others who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“As a clinician, I get the needs of our patients, including those like me who are deaf. But to give top-notch care, I’ve had to adapt. In fact, I’ve learned to accept accommodations and use tech for better communication. Now, I connect better with everyone, whether they can hear or not,” Keyser said.

Despite the occasional challenge, she manages her coursework, clinical practicum, and other responsibilities like any other student, she said.

“The audiology program is equipping me to accomplish my dream of becoming an audiologist,” Keyser said. “I owe much of my recent growth to my cohort, faculty, and patients.”

She said due to her deafness some clinical skills have been more of a challenge, but thanks to the faculty and staff, she has discovered workarounds and uses assistive technology to aid her in clinical judgment.

“During one of our tests for auditory processing evaluations, patients have to hum both low- and highpitched sounds. But even with my cochlear implants, telling them apart can be tricky. That’s where this vocal tuner app comes in handy. It shows me visually if the

sound is high or low, making my clinical judgments a whole lot easier,” Keyser said.

Keyser was drawn to UT Health Science Center because of its understanding and accommodation for deaf students. While leading tours for prospective students, she encourages all to take risks and build relationships in the program. “I hope you make as many wonderful memories as possible and experience the joy that I did here,” she said.

Dr. Jen Hausladen, a clinical associate professor of Audiology at UT Health Science Center, said that Keyser stands out as one of the most committed students she has had the honor of teaching.

“Megan is one of the most dedicated students I have taught,” she said. “She takes every opportunity to help in the clinic and volunteered for every single lab in my Clinical Protocols class. This not only helped the labs to run smoothly, but it also helped Megan to master the material and hone her clinical skills.”

“Megan views every clinical encounter as a learning opportunity,” Dr. Hausladen said. “After each clinic block, she seeks out feedback and asks what she can do to improve.”

As Keyser prepares for her fourth-year externship placement at Georgetown University, she said she is confident in her clinical skills and eager to continue refining them in her future career as an audiologist.

DPT Student Honored for Commitment to Service and Leadership

By Janay Jeans

Joshua Miller’s journey into physical therapy began when he shadowed at a clinic in Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital while studying for his bachelor’s degree.

“Coming into undergrad I was pre-med, so I was planning to be a doctor. In my sophomore year I thought, ‘do I actually want to be a doctor, or have I just been told this would be a good career?’ So, I took a step back and my mom encouraged me to shadow at physical therapy clinics. My brother did PT for a while. I shadowed around

a few places and wasn’t sold, and then I shadowed at Le Bonheur. Le Bonheur sold me because I was there for half a day, but it flew by because from my perspective as a 19- or 20-year-old, it was having fun with kids all day,” Miller said. “Now I look back and I know they were doing very skilled things, but at that point I thought ‘this is fun.’ That’s what sold me and got me to apply.”

Miller, who is from Memphis, earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson,

Joshua Miller, middle, with his father Jerome Miller, left, and his mother Melodie Miller, right, when he was honored for his outstanding leadership at the 2024 Black Student Association awards ceremony.

Mississippi. He joined UT Health Science Center for its affordability and to return to his hometown and family. He graduates in May from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

While studying in the Department of Physical Therapy, Miller has been dedicated to leadership and service. He was recently recognized as an outstanding student leader at the 32nd annual Black Student Association awards. The annual event honors the achievements of seven student leaders from across the colleges at UT Health Science Center.

“I was grateful to not only be honored, but to be a good representative of all my classmates, and some of them came to the awards ceremony. Many of the things I did, I had others doing it with me, so it was really cool. I felt grateful to be honored as a representative of everybody’s hard work,” Miller said. “Also, I was grateful to be there amongst all the other candidates. They were doing great things for themselves, for the school, and for the community. It was a humbling experience to be there and hear what everybody else was doing and realize that they count me among them as an honoree.”

Miller has volunteered at Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM), a Christian organization that provides mentoring programs to youth in neighborhoods across Memphis.

“Helping out at Memphis Athletic Ministries started off as a class project, but it was really cool because MAM primarily serves inner-city kids. In my group, it was me and three other Black men and it was special for all of us to be present as people who look like them who are getting their doctorate, especially to the younger boys, which is something a lot of them probably never thought of. That was special for all of us,” he said.

He has volunteered at Clínica Esperanza, a primary care clinic serving uninsured and underserved patients in the Hispanic or Latinx community in Memphis; and Memphis Rox.

“Memphis Rox started as the class volunteering to help the local rock-climbing team, and me and another classmate turned it into going every Thursday and led the team through strength and mobility drills and exercises. It helped sharpen our PT clinical skills, but turned into a cool thing,” he said. “When any of the kids got injured, we were there hands-on. It was cool to go consistently and get to know the people who work there. Memphis Rox is a special place.”

He also enjoyed tutoring students in the Orthopedics I and II classes. “It really brings me a lot of joy to help other people along their way and help them get to their goals and dreams wherever they want to be,” he said.

Miller’s achievements include passing the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist examination and receiving a distinction as the top performer in Kinesiology. In addition, he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and was a recipient of the fraternity’s national Distinguished Collegian award. After graduating, Miller will begin a sports residency working with Rice University’s athletic programs at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He said it is a great opportunity to continue learning and building on what he has learned. His future goal is to work in professional sports.

“I have been grateful for my time at UT Health Science Center. I was accepted into other PT programs but I’m thankful I went here, because I know the university has a commitment to diversity and I have really seen that,” he said. “It’s been enjoyable to interact with a diverse group of students all achieving big things.”

Doctoral Student from Bangladesh Conducts Outstanding Research in Language Processing and Learning

By Janay Jeans

Tanzida Zaman’s research and drive for studying language processing and learning inspired her to move from her home country, Bangladesh, to the United States, in pursuit of a doctoral degree in Speech and Hearing Science at UT Health Science Center.

Zaman earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. After graduating, she served as a Clinical Speech Language Pathologist at Chattogram Maa-OShishu Hospital in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

While serving at Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, she conducted research to address the needs of underserved populations, including children with Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

“I had a remarkably high caseload, and I implemented several group therapies and conducted quasi-experimental research to assess their effectiveness while I was collaborating with a multidisciplinary team,” she said. “The results found that low-tech approaches, such as posture adjustments and modifications in utensils and food textures, can enhance the feeding experience of children with Cerebral Palsy, and help improve their health and quality of life.”

Additionally, her research indicated that early intervention programs for younger children with autism spectrum disorder led to improvement in their preverbal skills. Her research and service motivated her to continue her education in language learning, expand her knowledge of the English language, and study in the UT Health Science Center College of Graduate Health Sciences and Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology.

“My diverse experiences of conducting research while working as a clinician inspired me and fueled my curiosity to gain a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind my work,” she said.

Now, in her fourth year of studying in the Speech and Hearing Science program, she is a member of the Cognitive Linguistics Lab, led by Devin Casenhiser, PhD, associate professor and program director in Speech Pathology, which studies what factors improve or hinder language learning in developing and developmentally delayed populations.

“I chose the UT Health Science Center primarily because of my interest in the Cognitive Linguistics Lab. I initially intended to pursue research that is centered around treatment outcomes, however upon joining this lab, I became so fascinated by the intricate neurological aspects of language processing and acquisition,” she said. “This fascination aligns well with my aspirations to develop foundational language models and therapeutic approaches for children and adults in the area of communication and language.”

While studying in the program, she conducts research for her doctoral projects on the neurophysiological investigation of language processing in native English speakers, with plans to expand the research across diverse cultures and languages, to obtain insight into the diversity of language processing. Her study examines multi-sensory input and how brain activity changes when individuals receive information through vision or hearing.

“I find interpreting the outcomes of my research projects to be very cognitively engaging, as it allows me to compare the results from different perspectives, of both non-native and native English viewpoints,” she said.

For her achievements and outstanding research, she recently received the Outstanding Student in Speech and Hearing Science award at the 2023 Graduate Health Sciences Awards ceremony.

“It is truly an honor and recognition of my hard work and dedication toward my academic journey. It is a

very humbling experience to be acknowledged for my achievements in these fields,” she said. “It serves as validation of my passion and commitment to advancing my knowledge and making a positive impact in the realm of speech and hearing science.”

After earning her doctoral degree in 2025, she plans to construct a neuroimaging research lab, conduct research, increase collaboration between clinicians and researchers, and mentor students. In addition, she hopes to visit other countries, especially in the sub-Saharan region, and support health care professionals in those areas.

“I am very fortunate to have a group of amazing individuals, whom I consider my American families, consisting of the faculty, staff, and students,” she said regarding her experience in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology. “All of the PhD students engage in activities together, but most importantly, we support and care for one another through the ups and downs of our lives.”

Congratulations to Our 2023 Graduates!

Commencement ceremonies for the College of Health professions were held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis on May 8, 2023 for spring graduates and on December 11, 2023 for fall graduates. The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology held its commencement ceremony May 21, 2023 in Knoxville.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Appolonia Monique Golden

Nathan M. Hoang

Lynette Nicole Rohrbacher

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Jordan Taya Barnes

Andrea Ruth Kilgannon

Jada J. King

Shea C. Parker

MASTER OF CYTOPATHOLOGY PRACTICE

Rana Abdullah

Levi H. Haven

Jerrica Reshi Henderson

Merri Allise Rhodes

Joanna Rudasill

Kayla A. Schroer

Sara Streit

Sha’Kendria Summers

MASTER OF HEALTH INFORMATICS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Alexandria Farooq Ansari

Amanda Michele Cross

Marcus Ray Coleman Hubbard

Azyza Ideis

Ryan Christopher Meacham

Whitney Pearson

Destiny Sarah Watkins

Ning Zhang

MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Raegan Misako Avrit

Courtney T. Aycock

Rachel Bray

Anna Claire Briscoe

Paulina Sara Bullard

Riley Elizabeth Burford

Mariwood Tatum Cabot

Emma Kay Choi

Peyton Caroline Clark

Emma Marie Gadberry

Audrey Laurel Gamby

Cameron Jade Goodman

Olivia Hope Hamby

Hailey S. Hanson

Ashlee Rebecca Hodges

Carol Marie Houston

Carlton Hubbard

Keelie Johnson

Olivia Kincaid

Lindsay Lampkin

Alissa Lee

Molly McWilliams

Morgan Leigh Mills

Tarason L. Moore

Claire A. Napier

Cassady Lauren Ozanich

Alishah Shiraz Pirwani

Anna Bosi Pollan

Anita Elizabeth Seals

Siham Younis Sherif

Nathan David Smith

Virginia Ella Strawn

Hillary Talley

Courtney Carter Travis

Delaney Katherine Weller

Anna Elizabeth Willoughby

Kayla M. Woods

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Kirsty Anne Adams

Alexander Rougelot Arnold

Chance Isaiah Arnold

Shannon McKay Beaty

Addison Michelle Beckham

Josh Franklin Bell

Hannah Mae Black

Mitchell Todd Bodiford

Craig Wright Brooks III

Ashely Elizabeth Bunch

Lauren Michelle Collins

Kristofer Chase Collums

Destinee Jade Dixon

Demarcus Mardell Douglas

Isabelle Grace Early

Braden Tyler Goodlett

Olivia Sanderson Gregory

Austin Samuel Gwaltney

Parker Pittman Haberstroh

Holly Hagood

Allison Harmon

Andrew Charles Hill

Shawna M. Houston

Bradley Lynn Hudson

Whitney Maeleigh Ingle

Karishma Rajesh Jardosh

Phillip Matthew Jenkins

Monica Stacy Kelsey

Samuel Drake Latendresse

Riley J. Lawyer

Caroline Aubrey Leverett

Hannah Elizabeth Lightfoot

Peter John Linn

Stuart D. Martin

Kathryn Forbes Mathieu

Hannah Carolyn McCown

Alexa Ohara McLemore

Kayana I. Mitchell

Bailey Lynne Mullins

Keenon Vachon Myers

Courtney Morgan Newman

Justin Joon Pan

Sydney Danielle Pate

Steven Pham

Moses S. Pinzur

Kelly Ann Polivka

Peyton Rhodes Presley

James Tyler Ratliff

Robert Rowe

Hozyer Saeed

Kevin Dungog Sodachanh

Kelly Jean Stewart

Nathaniel Robert Stickles

Lillian Carroll Swanner

Thomas Peyton Walsh

David Robert Watson

Brandon Zesheng Wen

Seth D. Wiley

Jared Fuqua Wortham

Regina Claire Zipperer

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Abbigail K. Alcocer

Elouise Arp

Ariel Michelle Barnes

Dayton Kaley Beshires

Riley Mckale Biondo

Hannah M. Bolinger

Natasha R. Boxwell

Buckley Elizabeth

Young Campana

Athena Mari Casoglos

Logan A. Cheeley

Margaret Claire Coley

Alexis Marie Crawford

Hailey McClay Davis

Kaylen Elizabeth DeFreece

Katherine Analiese Evans

Marian Mae Evans

Leonore Amalia

Everett-Ramirez

Ivanna Maria Figueredo

Chloe Elizabeth Fleenor

Ansley Carter Ford

Allison Marie Fowler

Ellen Elizabeth French

Avery Claire Gilleland

Sarah Gobbel

Grace Lisabeth Greenhill

Katie Lynn Gwinn

Summer Ann Hall

Miriam Hanna

Kiley Grace Hannon

Emma Elizabeth Hutsell

Adrianna Renee

Wadad Jackson

Emily Faith Kelley

Chloe Alexis Krutyansky

Kaylee G. Kuykendoll

Logan Ashley Lawrence

Mary Pratt Lewis

Phoebe M. Marker

Melayna Grace Maynor

Michelle D. Medina

Payton Megowen

Sima Sophia Mehdian

Carly Taylor Minhinnett

Anna Camile Moffatt

Kayla Grace Moody

Mary Grace Myers

Julia C. Nadeau

Kylan E. Nash

Callie Adrian Nichols

Sarah Elaine Parker

Mary Kathryn Phelps

Paige Alexandra Phifer

Dannah J. Powers

Molly Presley

Krishna Arvind Ramani

Ruth Ann Ramsey

Lona Faith Rhodes

Sydney Marie Roach

Abigail Mary Rohn

Chloe E. Rose

Audrianna N. Shafer

Sydney Elizabeth Shotts

Caitlin Elizabeth Silva

Rachel Ann Simmerman

Jordan Taylor Sloan

Gracie B. Smith

Sara Elizabeth Smith

Madison Grace Stepp

Katelyn Rose Strother

Caroline Grace Testerman

Alexia Jade Thompson

Emily V. Thompson

Isabelle Katherine Toth

Chloe E. Van Slooten

Isabella Venturino

Kelly Rae Vogler

Hannah M. Wallace

Samantha R. Warren

Mariah A. Webb

Alexis Ty Williams

Sydney Mae Zurita

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPEECH

LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Carly Nadine Ayers

Skye Marie Beaty

Haleigh Lynne Black

Mackenzie Brown

Melissa Ann Burns

Rosalie Caso

Caroline Janelle Chism

Kathleen Elizabeth Clark

Ashley Nicole Crockett

Elaine Audrey Dean

Jocelyn Diane

Dwyer-Ellison

Emily Nancy Fabel

Margaret Allison Fee

Amanda Marie Fitzgerald

Michalina Marie Florio

Isabella Darby Freeman

Alice Claire Galloway

Claire Greer Garrett

Grace E. Gregory

Rachelle Nicole Hawkins

Elizabeth Henry

Olivia Leftwich Holcomb

Olivia Isabella Horrigan

Abigail Camille Hovdet

Grace Ryann Juby

Amanda Kane

Abigail Boswell King

Kassidie Reagan Kirkham

Emma Kathryn Korte

Kelly Marie Lacy

Adrianna Leith

Alanna Marie Martin

Margaret Anne Murr

Kallie Renee Nixon

Molly Katherine O’Neal

Jordan Osanna Palumbo

Rachel E. Paty

Hailee C. Phillips

Annamarie Elizabeth Porto

Lydia Elizabeth Pritchett

Margaret Paige Rabon

Ruth Atchley Rogers

Kathryn Elizabeth Rusher

Kathryne Gayle Shillings

Bonnie Lee Simmons

Marissa Danielle Simmons

Kellie Renee Swift

Abigail R. Tonos

Caroline Dorris

Van Hooser

Margarett Kathryn Waller

Katelyn Marie Weyenberg

Anna Marie Widin

Callie E. Wilmore

DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Alexandra Leigh Barker

Cydney Jamilla Braumuller

Nathaniel Casey Christakis

Alex Ciara Dawson

Jessica Rene Defenderfer

Teresa Lyn DeNiro

Sarah Elizabeth Gunning

Lauren A. Harris

Laura Frances Hermann

Student Leaders Honored

Mary Catherine Howell

Leann Rose Hutker

Jordan Russell King

Skylar Orr Kramer

Sarah C. Lang

Emily Mae Livingston

Jackson Alexander Marshall

Alana Michelle Stephens

Virginia Tallmadge

Kailey Jae Thompson

The College of Health Professions is proud to have recognized the following graduates during the 2023 commencement ceremonies.

ALPHA ETA SOCIETY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Lynette Nicole Rohrbacher

Nathan Michael Hoang

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Katherine Analiese Evans

Chloe Elizabeth Fleenor

Allison Marie Fowler

Kaylee G. Kuykendoll

Logan Ashley Lawrence

Phoebe M. Marker

Payton Megowen

Sima Sophia Mehdian

Kayla Grace Moody

Mary Kathryn Phelps

Ruth Ann Ramsey

Lona Faith Rhodes

Katelyn Rose Strother

Isabelle Katherine Toth

Kelly Rae Vogler

Mariah A. Webb

Alexis Ty Williams

Sydney Mae Zurita

MASTER OF CYTOPATHOLOGY PRACTICE

Levi Michael Haven

Sara Streit

MASTER OF HEALTH INFORMATICS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Marcus Ray Coleman Hubbard

MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Courtney T. Aycock

Rachel Anne Bray

Anna Claire Briscoe

Olivia Hope Hamby

Ashlee Rebecca Hodges

Olivia Kincaid

Morgan Leigh Mills

Claire Anne Napier

Anna Bosi Pollan

Siham Younis Sherif

Virginia Ella Strawn

Delaney Katherine Welle

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Andrea Ruth Kilgannon

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Skye Marie Beaty

Kathleen Elizabeth Clark

Emily Nancy Fabel

Michalina Marie Florio

Olivia Leftwich Holcomb

Olivia Isabella Horrigan

Amanda Kane

Kallie Renee Nixon

Margarett Kathryn Waller

Katelyn Marie Weyenberg

Anna Marie Widin

DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Teresa Lyn DeNiro

Skylar Orr Kramer

Alana Michelle Stephens

Kailey Jae Thompson

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Kirsty Anne Adams

Shannon McKay Beaty

Hannah Mae Black

Craig Wright Brooks III

Ashley Elizabeth Bunch

Braden Tyler Goodlett

Holly Hagood

Bradley Lynn Hudson

Whitney Maeleigh Ingle

Monica Stacy Kelsey

Bailey Lynne Mullins

David Robert Watson

Jared Fuqua Wortham

THE IMHOTEP SOCIETY GRADUATING MEMBERS

Chance Isaiah Arnold

Courtney T. Aycock

Hannah Mae Black

Whitney Maeleigh Ingle

Philip Matthew Jenkins

Sydney Danielle Pate

Anna Bosi Pollan

AURAL HABILITATION CONCENTRATION

Carly Nadine Ayers

Caroline Janelle Chism

Nathaniel Casey Christakis

Emily Nancy Fabel

Amanda Marie Fitzgerald

Alice Claire Galloway

Grace E. Gregory

Mary Catherine Howell

Emma Kathryn Korte

Kelly Marie Lacy

Hailee C. Phillips

Shannon O’Connell Roberts

Alana Michelle Stephens

Anna Marie Widin

Callie E. Wilmore

SCD AND AAC CONCENTRATION

Margaret Allison Fee

Margaret Paige Rabon

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Frances Guthrie Outstanding Student Award in Medical Laboratory Science

Nathan Michael Hoang

MASTER OF SCIENCE ON CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Alice Scott Hitt Faculty Award in Medical Laboratory Science

Appolonia Monique Golden

Brenta G. Davis Outstanding Clinical Laboratory Science Graduate Student Award

Andrea Ruth Kilagannon

MASTER OF CYTOPATHOLOGY PRACTICE

Cyrus C. Erickson Award in Cytotechnology

Sha’Kendria Summers

Gerre Wells Gourley Award in Histotechnology

JoAnna Rudasill

MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Achievement Award in Occupational Therapy

Siham Younis Sherif

Leadership Award in Occupational Therapy

Delaney Katherine Weller

The Rosemary Batorski Community Service Award in Occupational Therapy

Raegan Misako Avrit

Hillary G. Talley

President’s Award for Service in Occupational Therapy

Courtney T. Aycock

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

The Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award

Dr. Hannah Mae Black

Dr. Bradley Lynn Hudson

Ayers Award

Dr. Whitney Maeleigh Ingle

Physical Therapy Faculty Award

Dr. Chance Isaiah Arnold

Physical Therapy Class President Recognition

Dr. Chance Isaiah Arnold

HONORS GRADUATES

AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Logan A. Cheeley

Katherine Analiese Evans

Chloe Elizabeth Fleenor

Kaylee G. Kuykendoll

Logan Ashley Lawrence

Melayna Grace Maynor

Sima Sophia Mehdian

Carly Taylor Minhinnett

Anna Camile Moffatt

Kayla Grace Moody

Callie Adrian Nichols

Mary Kathryn Phelps

Paige Alexandra Phifer

Dannah J. Powers

Ruth Ann Ramsey

Lona Faith Rhodes

Abigail Mary Rhon

Chloe E. Rose

Audrianna N. Shafer

Katelyn Rose Strother

Isabelle Katherine Toth

Kelly Rae Vogler

Hannah M. Wallace

Mirah A. Webb

Alexis Ty Williams

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Athena Mari Casoglos

Margaret Claire Coley

Ivanna Maria Figueredo

Grace Lisabeth Greenhill

Miriam Hanna

Phoebe M. Marker

Payton Megowen

Kylan E. Nash

Krishna Arvind Ramani

Gracie B. Smith

Madison Grace Stepp

Isabella Venturino

Sydney Mae Zurita

CUM LAUDE

Natasha R. Boswell

Buckley Elizabeth

Young Campana

Alexis Marie Crawford

Hailey McClay Davis

Marian Mae Evans

Allison Marie Fowler

Ellen Elizabeth French

Avery Claire Gilleland

Adrianna Renee

Wadad Jackson

Emily Faith Kelley

Mary Grace Myers

Julia C. Nadeau

Sarah Elaine Parker

Samantha R. Warren

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

HIGH HONORS

Lynette Nicole Rohrbacher

HONORS

Nathan Michael Hoang

CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

HIGHEST HONORS

Andrea Ruth Kilgannon

HIGH HONORS

Jada Janae King

Shea C. Parker

CYTOPATHOLOGY PRACTICE

HIGHEST HONORS

Levi Michael Haven

JoAnna Rudasill

Sara Streit

Sha’Kendria Summers

HIGH HONORS

Rana Awad Abdullah

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

HIGHEST HONORS

Courtney T. Aycock

Rachel Anne Bray

Ashlee Rebecca Hodges

Siham Younis Sherif

Delaney Katherine Weller

HIGH HONORS

Anna Claire Briscoe

Olivia Hope Hamby

Olivia Kincaid

Morgan Leigh Mills

Claire Anne Napier

Anna Bosi Pollan

Virginia Ella Strawn

PHYSICAL THERAPY

HIGHEST HONORS

Shannon McKay Beaty

Hannah Mae Black

Ashley Elizabeth Bunch

Whitney Maeleigh Ingle

Monica Stacy Kelsey

Bailey Lynne Mullins

David Robert Watson

HIGH HONORS

Kirsty Anne Adams

Craig Wright Brooks III

Braden Tyler Goodlett

Holly Hagood

Bradley Lynn Hudson

Jared Fuqua Wortham

Recognizing Outstanding Alumni

The College of Health Professions presented awards to outstanding alumni during their annual alumni awards event held in November.

The 2023 Outstanding Alumni winners are:

Brooke Hanna Outstanding Alumna

Brooke Hanna, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with almost a decade of experience across several settings. After graduating from the UT Health Science Center, Hanna accepted a job working for a large hospital, and within three years of practice in acute care, Hanna was promoted to a supervisory role as a Level-II Therapist. Hanna is currently working for Memphis-Shelby County Schools and helps children of all abilities succeed in school within their least restrictive environments. She is passionate about inclusion for all students and believes in a multidimensional approach to treatment.

Hanna experienced the benefits of OT firsthand when she required therapy after suffering a traumatic birth with her son. Hanna required therapy services to regain the ability to walk and care for herself again. Hanna and her husband have a son, Myles, and daughter, Mattie, who was lovingly adopted in 2022. As a family they enjoy spending time together and traveling whenever possible.

Russ Huffstetler

Outstanding Alumnus

Russ Huffstetler, PT, DPT, CIMT, Cert. DN, a Tennessee native born to entrepreneurial parents, embodies the values of excellence, teamwork, and dedication instilled in him from a young age through his involvement in sports. His journey into the field of physical therapy began as he experienced sports rehabilitation following minor injuries. This experience ignited his passion for physical therapy, leading him to pursue his education at the University of Tennessee at Martin and subsequently the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. In 2004, Huffstetler earned his Master of Physical Therapy degree, followed by his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2005. His career started in general orthopedics in Nashville, Tennessee, and eventually evolved into a specialized practice focused on sports-related injuries. Huffstetler collaborated closely with the Tennessee Titans’ team physician, working with athletes at various levels, including high school, college, professional, post-professional, and recreational.

Driven by a desire to bring top-tier health care and expertise to his hometown in Northwest Tennessee, Huffstetler returned to West Tennessee, in 2007, where he crossed paths with Heath Ladd, forming a strong friendship and a successful business partnership. This partnership produced Dynamix Physical Therapy of which Huffstetler serves as CEO. Dynamix currently operates 15 locations with 2 additional on the way. Dynamix has been an Inc 5000 honoree four consecutive years while being named the 2022 Ascend National Practice of the Year.

Huffstetler holds the prestigious designation of Certified Integrated Manual Therapist, a distinction held by fewer than 300 clinicians nationwide. Huffstetler possesses advanced training in spinal manipulative therapy and is certified in dry needling through the Spinal Manipulation Institute and Dry Needling Institute. His specialization lies in spinal and sports rehabilitation/performance. Huffstetler is affiliated with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, and the Private Practice Section of the APTA.

Huffstetler is passionate about business and leadership, actively seeking wisdom through books, podcasts, audiobooks, and everyday life experiences. He has been a featured speaker at various events and has appeared as a guest on multiple national physical therapy podcasts. Huffstetler believes in the importance of giving back to the community and is involved in local boards and his church, guided by the belief that “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Huffstetler treasures moments with his wife, Sarah Beth, and their children, Henry and Mary-Todd. At his family farm in Greenfield, Tennessee, he enjoys farm work, hunting, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Thank You for Your Membership in the 1911 Society

The UT Health Science Center’s 1911 Society recognizes philanthropic support, which is critical to our mission of educating students, conducting innovative research and improving health outcomes.

Named for the year the Health Science Center was founded, the 1911 Society celebrates the generosity of our community. Membership in the 1911 Society is granted across multiple levels: Annual Giving Partners who make a donation of $100 or more in any given fiscal year;

Sustaining Partners who give annually at any amount for five or more consecutive years; and Lifetime Partners who make cumulative commitments of $25,000 or more during their lifetime.

The Office of Advancement wishes to thank all donors for their commitment to the College of Health Professions and to the university. For details go to giving.uthsc. edu/1911. To make a gift, please visit giving.uthsc.edu/give or call 901.448.5516.

We are grateful to the following donors for their gifts through June 30, 2023.

ANNUAL PARTNERS

Olumide Tolulope Aderoba

Amie B. Adum

Akima Club of Knoxville

Stephen E. and Michelle Alway

American Occupational Therapy Foundation

Billie F. and W. Kent Anger

Kim and Susan Appling

Ashley Argo

Amanda and David Armstrong

Sherry D. Ashe

Margaret Ayers

Carine M. Bah

Stephen W. and Ann H. Bailey

Stefanie A. and Stephen M. Barber

Henry Curtis and Leigh Chesney Barnes

Vickie D. and Robert C. Barnes, Jr.

Lisa Barnet

Sophie Barnett

Cheryl M. and David F. Barr

Carter and Martha W. Barrett

Lydia and Ian Barry

Owen Bartholomew

Kalyn Jo Barton

Mary C. and Albert F. G. Bedinger V

Julie A. and George Beeler

Mary Sue Bennett

Dawn M. Bierdz

Staci G. and Russell Blackwell

Carol Sue Bloomquist

Stephen L. and Candice L. Bolin

Elizabeth Bowman

Mackenzie Bracewell

Ashley Nations and David C. Bradford

Jacque L. and Jeremy L. Bradford

Jack W. and Lillian G. Bray

Lindsey Breskow

Patricia Brien

Kennard D. and Cynthia A. Brown

Robert and Stacy S. Brunner

Fred S. Buchanan, Jr.

Jestina K. and Steven C. Bunch

Loretta L. Bunn

Alton E. Burgess

Keisha N. Burnett

Marla S. Burross

Sybil and William H. Byrd

Cadaret, Grant Co., Inc.

Pattie J. and Francis A. Cain

Linda A. Caldwell

Callie Mae Canfield

Patricia and Randy Cannon

Margaret and James A. Carson

Kimberly G. and Andrew B. Carter

Chermale K. Casem

Tamika D. Catchings

Melanie A. Cates

Ellyn and Daniel W. Cauble III

Juliann and Jack J. Chavez

Samantha Childress

Patricia A. and Kenneth W. Christenberry, Jr.

Carlos M. Clardy

Barbara H. and Michael J. Connolly

Demaris and Kevin Cook

Susan Cooper

Linda C. and Stephen E. Costner

Elizabeth M. Councill

Sophia N. Cowan

Susan P. and Jerry B. Cowgill

Mary A. Cox

Peggy and Thad S. Cox, Sr.

Karen McLarty Crabb

Kelly V. Craun-Carey

Betsey Beeler Creekmore

Andrea R. and Johnny R. Crisler

Sheila L. Criswell

Scottye and Jerry P. Crook, Sr.

Kathryn L. and David L. Cross

Hilary J. and John E. Crowley

Marilyn Cunningham

Jacqueline E. Cupp

R. Barry Dale

Angela D. Darby

Judith G. Davis

Keith and Cindy Davis

Peyton Davis

Charlie and Shannon Deal

Delta Zeta Sorority Beta Lambda Chapter

Jane W. Dempster

Berniece Depue

Gloria L. and Derek L. Dobbs

Leigh W. and Steven M Doettl

Doyle Family Foundation

Shani H. Doyle

Barbara DuBray-Benstein

Audra E. Dulac-Smith

Bettye and Saxon Durham

David L. Earnest III

Melanie B. and Andrew T. Edwards

Norman D. Estep

Eurotrol U.S.B.V.

Elizabeth Evans

Ruth E. Evans

Jerry J. Faerber

Ladonna L. and Stephen H. Falwell

Taryn E. Farmer

Hannah Felder

Gail P. and C. Thomas Fennimore

Daniel and Erinn Finke

Michael J. Fisher and Carolyn Sweeney-Fisher

Santoshia D. Fitchpatrick

Valarie and Delaney Fleming

Mark A. and Denise M. Fredette

Alice F. Freeman

William R. Frey

Adam C. Gaines

Jodi R. and Jerry W. Gammon

Soha Nadmi Garadat

Rachel Geissler

Jeff H. Gill

Rosario L. Giulian

Toni A. Glover

Kathleen E. and Michael Goldberg

Brandon D. Gray

Greater Knoxville Sertoma Club Inc.

Latoya L. Green

Rodney and Cynthia G. Greener

Lenard A. and Nina Q. Grice

Alaina Grissom

Michelle E. Grzybowski

Jiali Gu

Gina-Lynne C. Guasco

Conner Guerrant

Heidi and Harry Guinocor

Shannon R. Guyot

Sally and Joseph K. Hach

Laura A. and Michael J. Hallbrook

Ren S. Hammer

Shelley Horner Hamner

Ashley Harkrider

Cole and Laura Harris

Rebecca Welch Harris

Riley Dane Harris

Sarah E. Hartsell

Jennifer L. Harvey

Michael J. Hastie

Robert D. Hatfield

Paul and Jennifer Hausladen

Conrad G. Hawkins

Devin Casenhiser and Christina Heal

Mark S. Hedrick

Bill and Peg Helms

Lee C. and Jamie L. Henwood

Cathy N. and David J. Hill

April Cheung Hilsdon

Mary Anna Hoelscher

Kate Hornaday

Scott Hornaday

Michael and Kayla House

Elizabeth R. Houston

M. James and Joyce A. Howard

Charlotte A. Hubbard

Kyle D. Huffman

Emily S. Hughes

Elizabeth and Craig Humphrey

Ray and Alexis Hurt

Chris and Dawn Hurt

Tonya and David Hurt III

Thuy Thanh Huynh

Ralph A. Hyde

Stephen C. Iglehart

John H. and Sandra L. Ingram

Lynn Ingram

Ashley and Justin Irick

Amy L. Johnson

Brian and Brenda Johnson

Beth Johnson

Jennie S. and Andrew P. Johnson

Kelly K. Johnson

Linda G. Johnson

Patti M. Johnstone

Bettie K. Jones

Debra A. Jones

Margaret H. Julian

Eleanor M. Kassem

Richard and Christine Kasser

Christopher and Virginia Kelly

Kathleen M. and William D. Kenwright

Megan Keyser

Michelle L. and Michael W. King

Patricia M. King

Faith N. Kiphut

Jessica J. Kitchens

Kelsey E. Klein

Knoxville Downtown Sertoma Club

Kazunari and Mary Archer Koike

Mary H. Konvalinka

Peter J. and Sandra M. Kyne

Jennifer Callis Lamberth

Stephanie B. Lancaster

Christal Lane

R. T. and Teresa Langheld

George M. and Jewell B. Lee

Meredith Turner and Justin Lee

Sara Ogilvie Leonard

Anita S. Levine

James D. and Kelli Lewis

Dawna E. and Randal F. Lewis

Pamela and Kenneth Lewis-Kipkulei

Carol Likens

Jan G. Lindsey

Sheila R. Littleton

Timothy D. Lockey

Steve Luper

Demesha Laquett Mackey

Gary and Jana Mader

Charisse Madlock-Brown

Jacen S. Maier-Moore

James E. Malone

Suzanna Marlow

A. Daniel Martin III

Darin Martin

Dibbie and Mickey Martin

Jason M. Martin

Krisitn Mather

Ann R. Mathews

Gary and Susan Mays

Megan Mays

Lauren Mazeall

Linda W. and Steve McCadams

Mary C. McCain

Jillian H. McCarthy

Martha and Matthew S. McClellan III

Russell McCutcheon and Marcia Hay-McCutcheon

Ashlyn McDaniel

Charles R. and Brenda L. McDaniel

Patrick W. and Tammy R. McEnerney

Lela B. McFerrin

Mark W. and Joy A. McMaster

Ann S. McMurray

Mary F. McReynolds

Lisa J. McWhorter

Macie Meade

James W. and D. Yvonne Means

Myra M. Meekins

Kathryn R. and Thomas K. Meeks

Elijah Megale and Cheyenne Franklin

Curtis P. Meier

Justin and Emily Miller

Kathleen C. Miller

Phyllis S. Miller

Jeffrey W. and Anita W. Mitchell

Edward and Pearlean Mohlke

Eun Jin Paek and Hyun Gon Moon

Jacen Moore

Suzanne F. Moran

Amanda and Louis G. Morgan

Leanne and Charles E. Morgan

Juliet M. Moser

Matt and Emily Noss

Ariel and Jason O’Brien

Terri Flake O’Neill

Wade and Felisa Odle

Chevella Neal Oliver

Orgill, Inc.

Angela M. and Charles L. Orr

Gabriela Ortiz

William Owen and Carol Stevens-Owen

Stephanie and Logan Owens

Tanner and Marilyn Owens

Rick Panning

Rhonda G. Parker

Rezvaneh Parsa

Abbigail Parsons

Jill Passano and Kevin J. Reilly

Cat Petro

Nancy S. and Robert E. Phipps

Orli Weisser-Pike and Stephen J. Pike

Patrick N. and Erin L. Plyler

Lisa M. Pool

Leah Putty

Bill and Jeannie Pyle

Jill E. Quinley

Martin K. and Melinda Quinn

Cheryl D. Gunter and Paul A. Rabe

Randy and Betty Rains

Vanessa V. Rando

Nikki Jean Ray

Matthew R. and Donna L. Reed

Regal Foundation

Regina and Charles Remaklus III

Jaimie and Kevin T. Reneau

Baveda J. and James R. Reno

Rebecca and Jeremy Reynolds

Lara Tarlan Reynolds

James C. and Cynthia M. Richburg

Brittany Grayless and Justin Rinehart

Christopher M. Ritchie

Charles A. Robbins, Jr.

Elaine Perry Robinson

Courtney L. Rogers

Campbell Rolfe

James and Kay Rose

Kyley Rose

Jessica A. Ross

Mary E. Russell

Thomas M. Saba

Gary D. and Debra W. Salansky

Tanya Samples

Michael K. and Cynthia F. Savage

Micayla Rae Sayers

Jennifer Scanlon

Stacey and David Schmid

Bobbie Jean and Lacy E. Scott

Daniel R. and Renee B. Sechrist

Yvonne B. and James C. Sensenig

Lisa and Joseph P. Sessions

Dana M. Sexton

Barbara B. and Harry Shadden

Darren and Marcia Sharp

John J. and Carol C. Sheridan

Deborah Sherrod Collier

Ken and Barbara Showalter

Sidekick

Rachel Pross Siegel

John R. and Nicole C. Simmons

Savanna Simpson

Jennifer Smart Dunnick

Henry and Donna Fisher Smiley

Ally Smith

Benjamin L. Smith

Karen and Donn Smith

Jane A. Smith

Sheri M. and Neal R. Smith

Angelee Snapp

Nicholas and Mary Snavely

Luke and Rebekah Sparkman

Steven E. Spinks

Mayra Star

Greg and Melissa Starwalt

Gail M. Sterchi

Coleen and Dion Stevens

Katrina and Randy Stevens

Cheryl and William R. Stewart, Jr.

Selena A. Strong

Callie Stubbs

Amelia Sullivan

Amelia and Brad Sullivan

Tammie D. Summers

Julie Sutherland

Kelly D. Sziraky

Hannah Tackett

Herman J. Tallman

Katie Taylor

Leslie H. Testerman

Sara J. Thelin

Erik and Jillyn Thiessen

Lori A. Thomas

Liese and Oswald H. Thomas III

Angela R. Thompson

Jane Diddle Thompson

Sara Thompson

Vanessa S. and M. James Torrence

Tony L. Tran

Kelly R. Yeager and Mark A. Turner

Janine C. Twitchell

Clifford J. Ulman

UT Federal Credit Union

Teresa R. Vaughn

Vivosonic, Inc.

Richard and Kathleen Wallace

Matthew and Allison Wegman

Caroline C. Wehner

Elizabeth K. Weldon

Betsy and James E. West

Janet L. Whaley

Rebecca L. Whicker

Amber L. and Jeromey S. White

Barry White

Billie Whitney

Shannon and Terry Williams

Wendy L. and Jerry L. Williams, Jr.

Nicholas Williamson

Vicki Davidson Wiman

Karen H. and Hollis O. Wimpee

Laurel Wood

Lauren R. Woods

Elizabeth O. and Travis E. Woody

Mary Elizabeth Young

Twanna Young-Moore

Anne H. and Michael S. Zachry

We are grateful to the following Sustaining Partners for their consecutive gifts through FY23.

FOUNDATION PARTNERS (20 YEARS+)

Richard J. and Christine L. Kasser

Kevin and Jaimie Reneau

CORNERTONE PARTNERS (10-19 YEARS)

Carol Sue Bloomquist

Loretta L. Bunn

Barbara H. and Michael J. Connolly

Judith G. Davis

Barbara DuBray-Benstein

Gail P. and C. Thomas Fennimore

Cheryl D. Gunter and Mr. Paul A. Rabe

Steve Hoelscher

Knoxville Downtown Sertoma Club

Kazunari and Mary Archer Koike

Carol Likens

Sheila R. Littleton

Orgill, Inc.

Regina and Charles Remaklus III

James C. and Yvonne B. Sensenig

Liese A. and Oswald H. Thomas III

Joe Wayne Walker, Jr.

Amber L. and Jeromey S. White

Vicki Davidson Wiman

Anne H. and Michael S. Zachry

ARCHWAY PARTNERS (5 – 10 YEARS)

Margaret Ayers

Ashley Nations and David C. Bradford

Jacque Lynn Bradford and Jeremy Lynn Bradford

Tamika D. Catchings

Sheila L. Criswell

Jerry J. and Margaret H. Faerber

Michael J. Fisher and Carolyn Sweeney-Fisher

Ren S. Hammer

Ashley Harkrider

Lee C. and Jamie L. Henwood

Ray and Alexis Hurt

Chris and Dawn Hurt

Tonya and David Hurt III

Kathleen M. and William D. Kenwright

Stephanie B. Lancaster

Sara Ogilvie Leonard

Jillian Heather McCarthy

Myra M. Meekins

Curtis P. Meier

Anita W. and Jeffrey W. Mitchell

Terri Flake O’Neill

Jill L. Passano and Kevin J. Reilly

Nikki Jean Ray

Matthew R. and Donna L. Reed

James R. and Baveda J. Reno

Rebecca and Jeremy Reynolds

Charles Atlee Robbins, Jr.

Elaine Perry Robinson

Gary D. and Debra W. Salansky

Cynthia F. and Michael K. Savage

Darren and Marcia Sharp

Nicole C. and John R. Simmons

Dion and Coleen Stevens

Randy and Katrina Stevens

Cheryl A. and William R. Stewart, Jr.

Jane Diddle Thompson

Vanessa S. and James M. Torrence

Dr. Orli Weisser-Pike and Stephen J. Pike

Kelly Rene Yeager

We are grateful to the following Lifetime Partners for their generous support through the years.

Jeffrey and Sally Jo Baerman

Linda A. Caldwell

Tamika D. Catchings

Patricia A. and Kenneth W. Christenberry, Jr.

Barbara H. and Michael J. Connolly

Denise P. Descouzis

Barbara Lynn DuBray-Benstein

Jerry J. and Margaret H. Faerber

William R. Frey

Cheryl D. Gunter and Paul A. Rabe

Bill and Peg Helms

Michael W. and Michelle L. King

Knoxville Downtown Sertoma Club

Knoxville Scottish Rite Foundation

James Douglas Lewis

Memphis Health Information Management Association

Orgill, Inc.

Ray M. and Linda H. Patterson

Regal Foundation

Dr. Rebecca and Mr. Jeremy Reynolds

Sidekick

Sara J. Thelin

Anne H. and Michael S. Zachry

Leave Your Legacy

Have you thought about the legacy you will leave behind?

With a Planned Gift, you can:

• Simplify your estate for your family

• Reduce the tax burden applied to your assets

• Benefit causes you hold dear

The UTHSC Legacy Society

The Legacy Society was inspired by the dedication and generosity of the late Dr. Hershel “Pat” Wall, former chancellor and dean of the College of Medicine at UT Health Science Center, special assistant to the UT System President, and instructor in pediatrics.

For more information about planned gifts to the UT Health Science Center and Legacy Society membership, contact Bethany Goolsby at 901.448.5516 or estateplans@uthsc.edu

Thank you to our Legacy Society

Mr. Curtis and Mrs. Leigh Chesney Barnes

Ms. Linda A. Caldwell

Estate of Sharon Diane Carney

Estate of Dr. Brenta G. Davis

Dr. Denise P. Descouzis

Dr. Barbara Lynn DuBray-Benstein

Dr. William R. Frey

Miss Judy W. Griffin

Mrs. Denise F. Harvey

Estate of Judy Duane Haston

Estate of Mary L. Luper

Estate of Charles S. and Lucille H. Moon

Dr. Steve and Carol Schwab

Estate of Raymond Skinner

Estate of Dr. Tyler Young