14 minute read
Year in review
and PBA explore joint venture
Cleveland Clinic Florida and Palm Beach Atlantic University have signed a letter of intent to begin discussions on the development of a health sciences center on the university’s campus in West Palm Beach. The new facility would combine educational opportunities and resources for PBA students and faculty, with convenient access to care for Cleveland Clinic Florida patients. “Educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers has been part of Cleveland Clinic’s mission since our inception 100 years ago,” said Conor P. Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic Florida. “Opportunities like this help us expand our mission of supporting education in tandem with providing world-class care for the patients we serve.” Plans for the facility include basic and clinical science classrooms, as well as clinical simulation laboratories for PBA students. The facility would also offer access to patient care with Cleveland Clinic Florida providers and a clinic for PBA students. “We believe this strategic alliance will enhance PBA’s ability to train outstanding and caring healthcare providers, much needed in today’s world, as well as increasing patient access to high-quality healthcare services,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA’s president, who is also a medical doctor and scientist. “It will offer students in our nursing, pharmacy and other schools exceptional experiences that will prepare them for their careers in healthcare.” The Cleveland Clinic Florida region is a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare provider that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. The Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, with five hospitals and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.
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Dr. Phil Tobin
Physician Assistant degree planned for 2023
Dr. Phil Tobin joined the University in July 2021 to develop and direct a Physician Assistant (PA) program, another step forward in PBA’s expanding portfolio of healthcare degrees.
Tobin had been director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Touro University Nevada and previously directed the Mercer University Physician Assistant Program. The master’s degree program he is to develop at PBA will produce graduates to fill critical needs felt across the nation, Tobin said.
PBA’s goal is to launch its first class of PA students in August 2023. Meanwhile, Tobin will develop the program, shepherd it through a lengthy accreditation process and hire faculty.
Prospective students can come with a bachelor’s degree in any major, though they will need prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology. Tobin said the PA master’s degree typically includes 16 months of classroom education followed by 12 months of clinical education with students working through specific core rotations in the community.
“Dr. Tobin sees the occupation not as just a career, but a way to serve people with the love of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Duane Meeks, associate provost for strategic innovation. “I think he’s a terrific fit for PBA.”
Meeks noted that the University already has a strong and growing mission in the healthcare arena, with nursing, pharmacy and other healthcare-related degrees. With the PA degree, he said, “I think you’re going to see a new program of tremendous interdisciplinary collaboration.”
‘Wordship’ sets pattern for building up others
A new initiative from President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn explores ways the Palm Beach Atlantic community can use spoken and written words in positive, healing ways. Schwinn dubbed this effort Wordship, combining the terms word and worship, in the same way PBA’s founders combined work and worship to christen the community service program Workship. “The founders set us on a precious path of worshiping God by serving others,” Schwinn said. “Now, at a time when our nation suffers so much division, let’s learn how to worship God by using our words to build up, not tear down.” The Scriptures provide ample guidance for this edifying practice, Schwinn said, but developing it as a habit will take study and practice. She appointed Dr. Stephanie Bennett as director of Wordship. Bennett, professor of communication and media ecology, led in a series of events throughout the academic year, beginning with a book study from author Parker Palmer’s To Know as We are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey Another Wordship session featured alumna Brigitte Sylvestre, known for her enlightening interviews and encouraging
Alumna Brigitte Sylvestre explains her approach for encouraging words.
words as co-host of Moody Radio South Florida’s Mornings with Eric & Brigitte. She urges Christians to listen to perspectives that may differ from their own and then respond respectfully. The practice of Wordship, including one’s words on social media, can bring healing and build bridges between people holding differing views, Schwinn said.
Council formed to serve diverse community
President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn established a Council for Intercultural Dr. Terriel Byrd Engagement, which works alongside her new initiative of Wordship. The council explores topics of racial diversity, inclusion, equity and justice, seeking to foster a climate of trust and respect. Schwinn appointed Dr. Terriel Byrd, professor of urban Christian ministry, to head the council. Byrd joined Wordship Director Dr. Stephanie Bennett to lead a book study of Jesus and the Disinherited, by Howard Thurman, an African American philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader. The Council for Intercultural Engagement also sponsored a Diversity Town Hall, which drew more than 200 participants from the Palm Beach Atlantic community.
Outstanding prof at home in lab
Dr. Matthew Mitchell spends many hours working with students in the lab, because of how he sees them grow when they dig into research. An associate professor of health and human performance, he earned the year’s Charles & Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching.
Employee of the Year: Kate Magro
Kate Magro, associate vice president for student development, received a standing ovation in August as she was named 2021 Employee of the Year. Long known for her dedication to students, Magro took on special duties because of the pandemic. She worked with President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn and the leadership team to develop policies and set up daily protocols for student care. Magro established Daily Wellness Checks, hired a Health Alert Team of 12 nurses and, when it became imperative to have an on-campus testing center, she hired a staff of eight. She also took the time to call and reassure concerned parents. Dr. Bob Lutz, vice president for student development, described Magro’s influence over the past year as “profound.” She serves with passion, Lutz said, because “she loves students; she wants to see them thrive, see their culture grow and see them reach goals.”
National media noticed President Schwinn’s care for students
President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn drew the attention of the Associated Press and Christianity Today with her daily Zoom calls to quarantined students during the pandemic. The AP featured the story in its “One Good Thing” series, which highlights people whose actions provide “glimmers of joy in hard times.” Reporter Terry Spencer quoted Pablo Castillo, a quarantined business major who said the University president reaching out to check on students “is a great example, to take a step down and connect with people.” Christianity Today’s Adam MacInnis quoted Dr. Tom St.Antoine, the faculty representative on the search committee that chose Schwinn to be the new leader of the university in January 2020. “That just sends such a statement for the president to take time to build relationships and to get to know those students one by one,” St.Antoine said. Both the Associated Press and Christianity Today noted how PBA relied on faith and science during the pandemic: praying for God’s direction and protection and also following CDC guidelines to keep students safe. For the 2020-21 academic year only 4 percent of U.S. colleges and universities managed to stay open all year with in-person classes. Schwinn has noted that PBA not only stayed open, but thrived. “And even during that challenging time, we continued to develop exciting new programs and placed wonderfully experienced, faith-filled leaders in key positions,” she said. (See opposite page and pages 14-15.)
-- President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn (Follow website links below to learn more.)
Dr. Nancy Brainard
is vice president for Enrollment Management, which includes the Admissions and Financial Aid teams. See: Go.pba.edu/2vp
Dr. Stephen Mansfield
is senior fellow in public leadership in the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership and also interim director of the Center for Biblical Leadership. See: Go.pba.edu/mansfield Scott Barnes is vice president for Information Technology Services/Chief Information Officer. See: Go.pba.edu/2vp
James J. “Jim”
Johnston was named to the Board of Trustees. See: Go.pba.edu/johnston
Dr. Dana A. Strachan
is dean of the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. See: Go.pba.edu/strachan
LeMieux Center goes online to continue policy discussions
President Schwinn and Sen. George LeMieux interview Dr. Deborah Birx via Skype.
Undaunted by the pandemic, the LeMieux Center for Public Policy moved online in its discussion with important public figures, beginning Oct. 26 with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah L. Birx. She spoke with former U.S. Sen. George S. LeMieux and President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn in a virtual interview. Birx said her interactions with young people on more than 25 university campuses around the country have left her hopeful. “They are highly-motivated to be there and have in-person learning,” Birx said. “We should be highly-motivated to protect one another by masking and physical distancing.” The center followed a similar format Dec. 9 to welcome retired four-star admiral and international relations expert James Stavridis. He predicted the United States will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic “diminished geo-politically” and broadly challenged by China, but he painted a picture of hope if Americans “work together and pull together.” During Women’s History Month the center welcomed a virtual panel of five women who have served as U.S. ambassadors: Robin Bernstein, Nancy G. Brinker, Sharon Day, Lana Marks and Bonnie McElveenHunter. Brinker and McElveen-Hunter have received the University’s Women of Distinction Award.
Grad lands $130,000 franchise loan
The Titus Center for Franchising selected 2020 alumnus Cole Sossamon as the recipient of the Kobel Franchise Challenge. He was awarded $130,000 to buy an in-home care business. The loan was made possible through the generosity of Tampa-area developer Ed Kobel and his wife, Becky. Kobel is president and chief operating officer of DeBartolo Development. Sossamon received the award in April at the Titus Center Advisory Board meeting, which followed the Franchise Executive Symposium on campus.
Another grad wins prestigious Fulbright
Kristina “Kristi” Martin, a 2021 graduate in elementary education, won a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award to Taiwan for the 2021-22 academic year. She is PBA’s second Fulbright Award winner to Taiwan. Martin applied for the highly competitive Fulbright award with the help of PBA’s Prestigious National Scholarship Program. Eight PBA students or graduates have earned Fulbright awards since the program’s inception four years ago.
Women of Distinction Scholarships given, gala planned for 2022
View research conference online
Four seniors were awarded the annual Women of Distinction scholarships, funded with proceeds from the Women of Distinction luncheon. The scholarships are awarded to female PBA seniors who demonstrate outstanding academics, service and leadership. The Women of Distinction luncheon, which recognizes women who work to better their communities, was canceled to protect participants from potential spread of COVID-19. A grand 30th anniversary Women of Distinction celebration is planned for February 2022. The 2021 scholarship recipients are: Maria Landron of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Rebekah Chin of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Leah Woods of Piedmont, South Dakota; and Alysse Armstrong of Merritt Island, Florida.
Two students are recorded while presenting their research.
PBA’s 10th annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference moved to a virtualonly format so that anyone can view it: Go.pba.edu/irc2021 The conference includes a variety of video presentations recorded by PBA faculty and students, including keynote speaker Dr. Thomas C. Chesnes, associate dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. Chesnes presents “A Conscientious Objection to the Scientific Culture War.” A professor of biology, Chesnes has taught at the University for 19 years, and has observed what he calls unwarranted and unnecessary “casualties of interpretation” as students and others consider the viewpoints of science and faith. Dr. David Compton, professor of psychology and fellow for research in the sciences, was the conference coordinator.
Come for the show join us
With more than 100 student music, theatre and dance performances each year, plus art exhibits in the Warren Library, Palm Beach Atlantic University offers the West Palm Beach community rich expression of the arts. Find the arts schedule at www.pba.edu/performances, or visit www.pba.edu/arts-notes to sign up for regular emails promoting upcoming events. The productions will include guest performers and collaboration between PBA and local arts leaders such as the Norton Museum of Art and Palm Beach Symphony.
Shown on this page are: • theatre student Madison Fernandez, who played the role of Hermia in Palm
Beach Shakespeare Festival’s
A Midsummer Night’s Dream; • award-winning pianist Joseph Kingma, assistant professor of music and
Keyboard Division coordinator; • and Dog Daze, oil painting by visiting artist Kathleen Denis. Her exhibit “Finding Joy,” is on display in the Warren
Library’s Tauni de Lesseps Art Gallery.
Head Coach Brian McMahon leads the Sailfish in prayer before the Sept. 4 match with Mississippi College. PBA won 4-1.
Midfielder Andres Flores out-maneuvered a Mississippi College opponent, then vaulted over him.
Men’s soccer soars to #4 in nation
Led by the nationally ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams, in fall 2021 PBA student-athletes were back in competition and thrilled to be playing after a long pandemic layoff. The Sailfish men first vaulted to number 5 in NCAA Division 2 national rankings, having shut out the previously No. 3-ranked Lynn University on Oct. 13. Then by defeating three more opponents, the PBA men rose to number 4 in the nation, with a record of 11-1 on the season and 7-1 in the Sunshine State Conference. Head Coach Brian McMahon has a 101-21-11 record since taking over the men’s program in 2014. In women’s soccer, on Oct. 13 at Lynn University’s home field, the Sailfish shut out the Fighting Knights 1-0. By Oct. 26 PBA stood 9-3 overall, 6-2 in the conference and ranked No. 16 nationally. On Oct. 9 Homecoming fans enjoyed a 3-0 trouncing of Florida Tech by the PBA volleyball team. PBASailfish.com lists the schedules and results for all the PBA teams, as well as links to watch home game broadcasts. Fall sports also include men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s golf.
163
Full-Time Teaching Faculty; 0 Classes Taught by Teaching Assistants
Undergrad Student-faculty Ratio:
12 to 1
Avg. Day Undergraduate Class Size:
17
Student body diversity
Religious Preference
Non‐Denominational: 32.5% Baptist: 19.9% Catholic: 19.9% Methodist: 3.4% Presbyterian: 3.3% Church of Christ: 2.8% Pentecostal: 2.8% Church of God: 2.6% Christian Missionary Alliance: 2.3% Assembles of God: 2.1% Protestant: 2.1% Christian Reformed Church: 1.9% Lutheran: 1.9% Evangelical Free Church: 1.5% Seventh Day Adventist: .9%
Race
Caucasian: 56.5% Hispanic: 18.3% Black or African American: 10.9% Race, Ethnicity Unknown: 5.1% Nonresident Alien: 3.7% Asian: 2.9% Two or More Races: 2.2% American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.2% Pacific Islander: 0.2%
3,704 Students
On West Palm Beach & Orlando Campuses and Online
PBA at a Glance
Workship: 18 Varsity Sports
Students Have Volunteered More Than 3.6 Million Community Service Hours.
64
Undergraduate
Majors 17 Master’s Programs 4 Doctoral Programs
100+
Student Music, Theatre & Dance Performances Annually
• NCAA Division II, Sunshine State Conference • 76-acre Athletic Campus
Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the following degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of philosophy. For questions about the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University, contact the Commission on Colleges at: 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 404.679.4500 or www.sacscoc.org Persons wishing to review documents related to the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University should contact the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Assessment at (561) 803-2050.
901 S. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-803-2000
www.pba.edu
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PPCO
A luncheon to honor women who have made significant contributions to the community
