2022 Annual Report - Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

RO C K Y M O U N TA I N U N I V E R S I T Y

2022 Annual Report

2022

Annual Report

Contents 03

47

Introduction

University Updates

07

55

Historic Impact

Commitment to Excellence

23

63

Who We Are

Philanthropic Outreach

29

69

Strategic Plan

Accreditation

39

73

College & Program Updates

Onward

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY

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Introduction

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY

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Message from President Richard P. Nielsen

As the dawn arrives on this last day of my tenure as RMU’s Founding President/CEO after 24 years in this post, my mind swirls with “memory lane” experiences that have become more and more frequent with each passing day over the past many months up to today – my very last day! Memories of the challenges and trials that at many crossroads threatened the stability of RMU years ago – memories of the tens of thousands of hours spent by the RMU leadership in executive board rooms, back rooms, and prayer rooms to right this ship in the midst of the tempests surrounding revenue instability, declining enrollments, and mounting debt.

For many years my days were consumed with focused efforts to lead the charge in preserving RMU’s mission to get the wheels solidly on the tracks to provide stability and facilitate momentum and force as we gained speed.

Much to the credit of a dedicated and visionary leadership team, in February 2010, RMU received the announcement from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) of our institutional accreditation, a miracle to those of us who had been in those murky waters for many years pushing, pulling, and lifting (and praying) RMU out of the financial mud, and a tender mercy without doubt from heaven as slowly RMU began to gain stability as those areas threatening our success were shored up.

On this, my last day at this wonderful institution, I walk away with my head held high and buttons popping with pride, knowing over the past eleven years, we have stabilized RMU, strengthened our mission, become debt free, and exceeded all expectations as we move into another exciting and anticipated successful new year and new chapters.

As my last opportunity to envision where we go from here, my thoughts encircle our wonderful employee force – our RMU family - the “magic sauce” of the RMU success story. It has been said that companies don’t succeed – people do! And the RMU family “people” did succeed and are succeeding as we round the 2022 corner into the future! I see you, the RMU family, no matter what capacity you may serve as being the most important ingredient to the continued success of this magnificent institution.

May God bless you as you sweep your way into the future successes that await you – and RMU! Onward!

Dr. Richard P. Nielsen Founding President/CEO

Martin Luther King said, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, as Beethoven composed, and as Shakespeare wrote poetry.

He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

Like the street sweeper – or the porch sweeper – make sure the best you have to give RMU – and life – is the BEST you give – and as you do, continued success will follow you and RMU. Daily and small ripples of the best service you have to give will create a tsunami of success if that best is what you give.

INTRODUCTION

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Historic Impact

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H I S TO R I C I M PAC T

President Richard P. & Jodi Nielsen

Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, founding president and CEO of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU), knows quite a bit about scaling seemingly insurmountable summits and tackling tough terrain. In a span of 14 years, he conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa a staggering eight times.

“Every time I climbed that mountain, I said, ‘It’s the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.’ So I knew every time I was going to do it again, it would continue to be the hardest thing. But there’s so much you can learn,” he said.

That level of dogged determination was crucial for Nielsen and his business partner, Dr. Mike Skurja, as they ventured into higher education. They took all they

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learned in clinical electrophysiology during their United States Navy Medical Service Corps service and, upon retirement, started in June 1998 what would become RMU in Provo. They aimed to educate master clinicians. Nielsen and Skurja also co-founded the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine.

student, faculty member, and employee.”

“In all the decades I’ve known Rick, he has personified the culture we’ve built at RMU,” said Dr. Skurja, RMU Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees. “He’s tireless in serving humanity and making the world a better place. He’s a cheerful champion for our students and graduates. President Nielsen has gone out of his way time and again to emphatically ensure the hallmark of an RMU education is to enhance the quality, delivery, and efficacy of healthcare – starting with each

“It’s been a brutal journey getting over all the hurdles,” Dr. Nielsen said. “But Mike and I are pretty tenacious, and we made a decision way back then, saying, ‘If we’re going to do this, we have to be all in.’”

The territory was entirely new, so Dr. Nielsen hearkened back to the lessons he learned traversing Africa’s highest peak to create a new landscape for post-graduate students in the medical field.

Dr. Nielsen’s commitment to being “all in” helped take RMU to amazing heights. The University gained accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) in

2010, which was reaffirmed in 2020. Thousands of graduates have earned graduate certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees, and their white coats, and gone on to successful careers.

Nielsen has received several recognitions including; 2015 Leader of the Year Award from the American Physical Therapy Association, 2019 Utah Business Magazine’s Healthcare Hero of the Year Award, 2023 Utah Valley Magazine’s Person of the Year, 2023 Pillar of the Valley by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

He also received the Provo City Mayor’s Exceptional Example Award in 2023 and the 2023 Don Pederson Leadership Award by the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants.

“Dr. Richard P. Nielsen is a stalwart pillar of healthcare higher education,” said Dr. Cameron K. Martin, President and CEO of RMU. “Rick’s impact on healthcare, higher education, our local communities, and the world is profound and inspiring. His extraordinary contributions are complemented by

his talented and equally inspiring wife, Jodi. Together, they have made Utah Valley and our world a better place to live, learn, work, and play.”

Dr. Nielsen stepped down as the institution’s president on December 31, 2022.

His wife, Jodi Nielsen, who has been crucially supportive, summited Kilimanjaro as well. She says there are distinct similarities in what they’ve experienced at the University.

“Along the journey at RMU, there were so many vistas that opened our eyes to what’s possible. I distinctly remember white coat ceremonies, commencement exercises, and new programs receiving programmatic accreditation, and it was surreal,” Jodi Nielsen said. “Every time we hit a milestone, it was a new perspective of wondering what else is possible.”

Dr. Nielsen, Jodi, and their eldest daughter, Kindee, founded two charitable foundations: Reach the Children and World of Difference

(WOD) (worldofdifference.ngo).

Since 2013, WOD has partnered with RMU to take graduate students to Kenya and Malawi to work in developing country hospitals and clinics and to provide clinical education to healthcare providers.

In 2013, the Nielsens received the American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award for their service in Africa.

The couple plans to continue their nonprofit work in Africa. They’ll of course have Kilimanjaro looming nearby, a constant reminder of the hard work and thrilling vistas they experienced at RMU. “The peak of that mountain is called Uhuru Peak. Uhuru in Swahili means ‘freedom.’ So when you walk off that mountain, there’s a freedom you experience. I believe the degrees and experience offered at Rocky Mountain University provide freedom as well, and I’m so proud of all our students have accomplished,” Dr. Nielsen said.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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D R . R I C H A R D P. N I E L S E N ’ S

IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS Like Kilimanjaro, success in life is a rigorous journey that requires more than just passive existence and unelevated expectations.

As stated previously by President Nielsen, “Mt. Kilimanjaro is not for the faint of heart and such is life as well. What will carry you forward and guarantee success more than your physical strength is your positive momentum, what is in your heart and mind—an optimistic and determined attitude. Your attitude determines your altitude!”

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ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE!

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

In 1969, Dr. Nielsen joined and served in the Utah National Guard until 1974 in the Target Acquisition Battalion.

Co-founded and served as founding president of the Institute of Clinical Electrophysiology, in Provo, Utah until 1998.

ANCHORS AWEIGH Dr. Nielsen joined the U.S. Navy and later retired in 1994 as Commander, Medical Service Corps. During this time, he served as chief physical therapist for the U.S. Navy.

He also served as a physical therapy consultant to the Surgeon General, the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House from 1990-1994.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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ECS CERTIFICATION & TESTING SEMINARS APTA EDUCATION REACH THE CHILDREN 1998 was a busy year for Dr. Nielsen. He founded Reach the Children charitable organization and has served as the co-founder, vice chair, and director of operations.

He was selected to be on the 45-member panel for the American Physical Therapy Association to help implement educational objectives and directions for physical therapy in the next century.

He became one of the first five physical therapists in the United States to be awarded board certification as Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialists (ECS) from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He cofounded a partnership called Electrophysiologic Testing Seminars.

WASATCH EDUCATIONAL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY

He co-founded Wasatch Educational, Inc. and served as vice president. Wasatch Education, serves as the parent company for RMU.

He co-founded Rocky Mountain University of Physical Therapy (now Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions) with Dr. Michael Skurja, Jr., and began serving as founding president and CEO.

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DOCTOR OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

A Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Science in Clinical Electrophysiology programs were both created.

A Doctor of Occupational Therapy program was created.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO He has summited Mount Kilimanjaro eight times in East Africa since 1988 while leading volunteer teams in service expeditions and serving as expedition team leader.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Founded World of Difference, a non-profit charitable organization that seeks to enhance education, empower health and nutrition, and build resilient agriculture in Malawi.

RMU FOUNDATION MORE ABOUT THE RMU FOUNDATION The RMU Foundation helps promote and assist Rocky Mountain University and other healthcare agencies to receive charitable gifts, property, and funds for healthcare, student support, mentored research, learning resource centers, and special projects.

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The RMU Foundation was created in 2009. Since its inception, Dr. Nielsen has served as a member of the Board of Directors.

ACCREDITATION

DPT PROGRAM

Dr. Nielsen guided RMU to receiving accreditation from the NWCCU.

He helped launch the Residential Doctor of Physical Therapy program at RMU.

NURSING PROGRAM

FABULOUS 50

RMU’s first Nursing program launched in 2013 under the direction of President Nielsen.

Named one of the “Fabulous 50” Movers and Shakers in Utah Valley Magazine

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Received the American Red Cross of Utah Humanitarian of the Year Award along with his wife, Jodi Nielsen.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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RMU CRC & SLPD Under his leadership as president, RMU started the pro bono Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC).

During this same year, the Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology program was created.

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MORE ABOUT RMU CLINICS Since their inception, the RMU pro bono clinics, the Center for Communication Disorders (CCD) and the Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC), have provided more than $5.6 million in healthcare services and 19,500 volunteer hours since 2014.

MPAS PROGRAM

LEADER OF THE YEAR

Launched the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

Leader of the Year Award recipient from the American Physical Therapy Association.

MS SLP PROGRAM

NOORDA COLLEGE

Launched the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

Founded the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, served as founding President.

MORE ABOUT NOORDA Starting a college is no easy task. To help fund the school, Dr. Nielsen secured $50 million from the Noorda Foundation, and lead the charge to raise an additional $190 million to start the school and constructs its campus. Additionally, he secured land from Provo City at East Bay Golf Course and moved three holes to the back 9 for the future building of the

Medical, Educational, and Research Campus (MERC) and Noorda-COM. Now that the school had a home, Dr. Nielsen helped Noorda obtain pre-accreditation status from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Noorda College is now on its way to impacting Utah and the greater medical community.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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RMU CCD Under his leadership as president, RMU started the pro bono Center for Communication Disorders (CCD).

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HEALTHCARE HERO

TWO NEW PROGRAMS

Received the Utah Business Magazine Healthcare Hero of the Year award for healthcare education.

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs were both launched.

COUNSELING PROGRAM The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Science in School Counseling programs both started.

RETIREMENT FROM NOORDA He retired from Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine as founding president and CEO.

RMU COLLEGES Five colleges were formed within RMU, including the College of Optometry (first in Utah and the Intermountain West).

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STUDENT IMPACT Supported nearly 3,500 students since 1998 as they earned master’s and doctoral degrees from all 50 states; degree program offerings reached 18.

Received the Pillar of the Valley Award for 2023 from the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

RETIRED FROM RMU

ONGOING EFFORTS

Retired from RMU as founding president and CEO. He led the charge for a 91% retention rate, 88% graduation rate, and 0% loan default rate.

Provided RMU students and faculty opportunities to volunteer and serve in Kenya and Malawi to build schools and libraries, promote sustainable agriculture, and provide healthcare services

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PILLAR OF THE VALLEY

BACHELORS DEGREES Dr. Nielsen earned a Bachelor of Science in pre-physical therapy from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the University of Utah.

MASTERS DEGREE Dr. Nielsen earned a Master of Science in neuro-kinesiology from the University of Washington.

DOCTORATE DEGREE

CERTIFICATION

Dr. Nielsen earned a Doctor of Health Science with an emphasis in clinical electrophysiology from the University of St. Augustine.

Dr. Nielsen is board certified (recertified four times) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an electrophysiologic clinical specialist.

HISTORIC IMPACT

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Who We Are

HISTORIC IMPACT

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WHO WE ARE

Mission, Vision, & Core Values

Mission The Mission of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is to educate current and future healthcare professionals for outcomes-oriented, evidencebased practice. The University demonstrates Mission fulfillment through the quality of its education and the success of its students in academic programs that develop leaders skilled in clinical inquiry and prepared to effect healthcare change.

Vision The Vision of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is to advance the quality, delivery, and efficacy of healthcare.

The University embraces its distinctive role as a graduate healthcare education institution committed to the growth of healthcare professionals who are evidence-based practitioners that focus on improving the human condition. There is a high level of integration of the Mission, Mission Fulfillment Goals, and academic programs that foster an institutional commitment to student learning and achievement.

As such, the University embraces four Mission Fulfillment Goals as the guiding framework for its ongoing and systematic evaluation and planning process that informs and refines its effectiveness and student success.

2022 Institutional Surveys Mission Vision

Student Satisfaction

2017 & 2019 Alumni

Employees

(n=147)

(n=475)

4.73

4.66 (n=259)

4.67 (n=189)

4.67

4.71 (n=473)

4.63 (n=259)

4.63 (n=192)

4.72

(n=147)

Mission Fulfillment Goals Developing Evidence-Based Practitioners Elevating Clinical Inquiry Proficiency Ensuring Educational Quality Nurturing Student Success

4.67

(n=546)

4.67

(n=537)

4.46

(n=540)

4.49

(n=544)

4.67

(n=467)

4.51

(n=473)

4.51

(n=473)

4.53

(n=471)

4.70

(n=259)

4.56

(n=259)

4.51

(n=259)

4.39

(n=158)

4.74

(n=169)

4.66

(n=165)

4.60

(n=177)

4.63

(n=177)

*Scores above are based on a 5-point scale.

Mission Fulfillment Goals Developing Evidence-Based Practitioners RMU develops evidence-based practitioners by educating current and future healthcare professionals to synthesize evidence-based principles into practice.

Elevating Clinical Inquiry Proficiency RMU elevates clinical inquiry proficiency through learning experiences that challenge practice standards, expands evidence-based practice, increase clinical research, develops healthcare change agents, and encourages experiential learning.

Ensuring Educational Quality RMU ensures educational quality through student-centered

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Exit Interview

academic programs, services, and continuous improvement.

Nurturing Student Success RMU nurtures student success by engaging students in professional and personal growth opportunities.

RMU has demonstrated five consecutive years of Mission fulfillment. Indicators provided a high-level view of learning achievement, with links to direct evidence in program courses and high-impact learning opportunities, such as terminal projects.

A Mission Fulfillment Scoring Rubric provides the methodology to operationalize Mission Fulfillment Goals and targets into a quantifiable achievement to demonstrate the level of mission

fulfillment. Three indicators related to onsite peer evaluation were not considered in this year’s analysis.

An acceptable threshold of Mission fulfillment is defined as at least 90% of key targets met and at least 80% achievement of the overall maximum points. For 2022, the University achieved Mission Fulfillment with 97% (33/34) key targets met (165/170 points) and 95% (66/70) fulfillment of the overall maximum points.

Core Values Evidence-Based We achieve the best possible outcomes by combining the best available evidence with our expertise and input from our University community.

2022 Institutional Surveys

Student Satisfaction

Exit Interview

Employees

Core Values Evidence-Based LearningCentered Authentic Service-Oriented Trustworthy Inclusive Collaborative

4.75

(n=436)

4.64

(n=439)

4.48

(n=436)

4.52

(n=414)

4.59

(n=434)

4.57

(n=424)

4.56

(n=426)

4.77

(n=476)

4.68

(n=476)

4.52

(n=471)

4.54

(n=462)

4.63

(n=473)

4.63

(n=471)

4.63

(n=471)

4.62

(n=180)

4.67

(n=177)

4.17

(n=189)

4.60

(n=183)

4.36

(n=191)

4.30

(n=188)

4.11

(n=188)

Service-Oriented Because we value people above all else, we serve each other, our patients and clients, our communities, and the world.

Learning-Centered By challenging thinking, encouraging growth, and exploring possibilities within a supportive learning environment, we empower learners to rise to their highest potential.

Authentic We recognize our imperfections and welcome growth stemming from both success and failure. We believe in our unlimited capacities to find solutions. We model gratitude. We seek to understand, to empathize, and to forgive.

LaKisha Leonard

Terrance Motley Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

RMU offered LaKisha Leonard the ability to pursue her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree while still working full-time as an occupational therapist (OT) and being there for her family as a wife and mother to six children. “I had the dream, and RMU walked with me every step of the way to make that dream a reality.” Dr. Leonard graduated from RMU’s OTD program in 2022 and plans to teach in higher education.

Terrance Motley came to RMU with a goal; to be an excellent healthcare provider who represents other black healthcare providers and encourages anyone who may think they are limited by their background or the color of their skin. Terrance is a former BYU rugby and football player with a passion for healthcare.

“It’s my charge to be an example of excellence to aid in breaking down barriers,” Motley said. Dr. Motley graduated in December 2022. Learn more about Terrance’s story here.

PA student Carina Schnieder had a different experience at RMU than most. Along with her classmates, she expected to be on campus for classes but instead found herself in her living room, participating on Zoom due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. It would’ve been easy to become disappointed, but Carina didn’t. Her RMU clinical experiences during a crucial time in the history of the world provided her with many opportunities to become a better healthcare provider. Carina graduated in August 2022.

WHO WE ARE 26

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Trustworthy We strive for honesty, respect, and accountability in all we do to

Carina Schnieder

of gang violence. Rising above these difficult experiences, Ali is currently studying in RMU’s MHC program to become a mental health counselor. His life experiences will help him understand what it is like to be in the shoes of many of his future patients.

Kimberly Tran

Master of Science in Medical-Speech Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)

Kimberly Tran came to RMU for a hands-on learning experience and to be involved with people from the community. During her program, Kimberly worked with children from the local community at RMU’s Reader’s Theatre Camp, a summer program in the University’s Center for Communication Disorders (CCD). “I knew RMU was community and service-oriented. I love that we, as graduate students, have the honor of working with people in our community from day one. It is learning focused on using our head, heart, and hands.”

“As a mental health provider, it is going to be my goal to make sure that I can provide help to those who can afford it and who can’t,” says Ali. “I believe because of my diverse background, what I have experienced, seen, and lived, will all help me be a better counselor.”

Veronica Lima

Master of Science in Medical-Speech Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)

Tarnue Kwabena George Ali Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC)

Tarnue Kwabena George Ali chose RMU because he wants to make a positive impact. Ali grew up as a refugee during the Liberian Civil War and moved to the US with his family. After moving to the US, Ali felt that he had left one war to come to another, as he and his family experienced the devastation

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Veronica came to RMU seeking a career change–something where she could combine her passion for teaching and medicine. She grew as a student in the MS MedSLP program, but she had no idea how much she would grow as a person. “My confidence has soared. I’ve watched myself grow on an emotional, mental, and academic level while becoming more confident in myself ”. Her favorite thing about RMU was how many opportunities she was given to get involved in the campus and community. Veronica graduated in August 2022 and has begun a clinical fellowship at the acute inpatient rehab in Denver and presented her research findings at the 2022 ASHA Convention in New Orleans.

Ralph J. Capra

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

“I found RMU online when searching for ways to advance my PA career. I had my concerns and hesitations but felt much more confident about starting the program after speaking with the director, Dr. Bartley Rust.

The program really caters to PAs of all specialties and backgrounds and it was great to be able to pick a particular specialty track. The best part for me was that the program was very flexible with my extremely busy work schedule. I was able to complete this advanced degree even with my 12-hour shifts and role as a medical director. It was easy to gain trust in the program with the professors’ strong backgrounds and their commitment to education.

Some even challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone outside of the classroom and this has made a tremendous difference in my life.

The virtual experience was easy to navigate and the skills learned are both useful and relevant to our career.

I would definitely recommend this program with no hesitation. If you are looking at different programs, don’t waste any more time. You will not go wrong with RMU.” (Google Review)

continuously earn credibility as an institution and as individuals. (continued on page 26) Inclusive By honoring our differences and similarities, we strengthen institutional and community connections.

Mary Wall

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC)

Mary always loved school but after getting married and having children at a young age, she wasn’t able to attend college as she had planned. After hearing about RMU’s mental health counseling program, she thought it aligned perfectly with what she wanted to do. As an avid dancing instructor for more than 20 years, Wall seeks to improve and promote mental health through dance. “We express our emotion through dance,” Wall said. “I hope that I can help build mental health through confidence, joy, and grace. Counseling feels like it is my calling, one of my life purposes.” Learn more about Mary's story here.

Collaborative We learn and create within and across teams to innovate, foster change, implement strategy, ensure accountability, and celebrate achievement.

Across all 2022 Institutional surveys (of students, new graduates, alumni, employees, and Trustees), the Mission, Vision, and Core Values received strong reviews across constituents for the five-point Likert scaled items (5 = strongly agree). All mean scores for Core Values were in acceptable (4.0-4.49) or exceptional (≥ 4.50) ranges. Alumni from 2017 and 2019 did not review the core values as they were not in place when they graduated from RMU.

Benchmarking In 2020, the University joined four other NWCCU-accredited health science institutions to form a data-sharing consortium, aiming to improve graduate student achievement and address equity gaps. With limited graduate-level benchmarking data available, the consortium standardized reporting cohorts and program classifications in 2021 and 2022.

To enhance benchmarking, future plans include refining race/ethnicity categories, accounting for student preparedness and recruitment pool, expanding comparison groups, addressing program differences, and developing multivariate analyses to identify factors that explain student success. This collaboration and further use of IPEDS peer comparison data aims to gain a better understanding of institutional cost effectiveness, promote equity, and improve student achievement in alignment with NWCCU standards.

WHO WE ARE

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Strategic Plan

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SECTION 04

STRATEGIC PLAN

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S T R AT E G I C P L A N

Comprehensive Strategic Plan Progress

The University’s six goals (listed below) that are documented in the 2019-2023 RMU’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan (CSP) were created to drive organizational change and transformation while aligning with and supporting RMU’s mission. The 2019-2023 CSP will conclude at the end of 2023, which brings an opportunity for reconsideration of institutional planning and effectiveness for the next five years. Implementing the CSP is an effort directed by the Office of the President. The management of the plan is coordinated by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and is the responsibility of each program, college, division, and department of the institution.

In preparation for a fastapproaching CSP review in early 2023, a new budgeting tool, the Accountability, Planning, and Budgeting (APB) process was introduced. This model uses a four-year rolling strategic planning cycle for institutional planning, with an annual goal-setting and budgeting process that will allow for yearly adjustments to RMU’s strategic initiatives. The model allows budget owners to take into consideration strategic goals and the availability of resources. To

manage its planning and updating processes for its future strategic planning endeavors the transition to the Planning and Self Study (PSS) System, which is a newer improved version of Watermark AMS Taskstream, was completed.

The planning process and progress were shared with key campus stakeholders and will continue to be shared annually through regular reports and a series of campus

forums. While RMU underwent its first cycle in 2022 the process was quickly adopted by those with budget responsibilities. The ABP is perceived as an improved process in which budget leaders have an opportunity for input, have better local budget management responsibilities, and are encouraged to use data-informed procedures to evaluate budget performance, as well as to make new budget

1

2

3

4

5

6

Expand Academic Excellence

Advance Institutional Effectiveness

Enhance Technological Sophistication

Cultivate University Recognition & Relationships

Launch Personalized Learning Pathways

Nurture Student Success

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requests in a fair and equitable manner.

Ongoing activities are in place for the RMU community that will continue to define, refine, and prioritize high sustainability processes and initiatives in preparation for the 2024-2028 CSP. The measures through which the goals are achieved were developed within the functional area or department that is responsible for the completion thereof. Goals, initiatives, and measurement thresholds that demonstrate progress and achievement are documented and tracked within RMU’s Planning and Self Study (PSS) platform.

2022 4th Quarter Comprehensive Strategic Plan Audit Goals

Outcome Status Total

Completed

In Progress

Not Started

Expand Academic Excellence

23

15 (65%)

5 (22%)

3 (13%)

Advance Institutional Effectiveness

8

5 (63%)

3 (37%)

0

Enhance Technological Sophistication

6

1 (17%)

4 (66%)

1 (17%)

Cultivate Recognition and Relationships

5

4 (80%)

1 (20%)

0

Launch Personal Learning Pathways

4

1 (25%)

2 (50%)

1 (25%)

Nurture Student Success

4

0

3 (75%)

1 (25%)

Total

50

26 (52%)

18 (36%)

6 (12%)

STRATEGIC PLAN

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S T R AT E G I C P L A N

Current Students Facts & Data

2022 Student Enrollments*

2022 Student Demographics*

RMU’s top three enrolling program are DPT (352), SLPD (277), and PhD (190). With 69% of our students enrolled in online programs.

RMU’s ethnicity is primarily white at 72.1%. (Listed ethnicity/race and gender categories reflect federal reporting format under “IPEDS”). The gender of our students is predominantly female at 70.3%

Enrollments by Program

# of Students Ethnicity/Race

% of Students

American Indian or Alaska Native

00.79%

Asian

05.43%

Black or African American

08.26%

Hispanic or Latino

05.94%

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

00.45%

Race & Ethnicity Unknown

02.04%

Two or More Races

04.07%

White

72.34%

Unknown/Not Specified

00.68%

Counseling Certificates

021

Counseling

157

DMSc

165

DNP

043

DPT

352

ENP

020

FNP

038

MPAS

149

MSHS

031

MSN

063

MS ATP

011

MS MedSLP

094

Nursing Certificates

110

pOTD

087

Female

70.3%

PhD

193

Male

29.1%

PMHNP

005

Not Specified

00.6%

SLPD

277

tDPT

015

Enrollments Online vs Residential

# of Students

Residential

0702

Online

0437

Hybrid

0629

Total

1768

*Unduplicated headcount for calendar year 2020

33 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Student Gender

% of Students

Current Student Residence As shown in the map below, the majority of RMU students reside in Utah. Additional states with high numbers of students include California and Texas. A total of six students also reside outside of the United States as shown in the table to the right.

Students Outside of U.S.

# of Students

Armed Forces Pacific

2

Australia

1

Canada

3

Current Student Residence Map

STRATEGIC PLAN

34

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

Alumni Facts & Data

2022 Graduates

Alumni Demographics & Locations

RMU’s top graduating programs were DPT, DMSc, and MPAS. In 2022, RMU had 458 total graduates.

Program Name

# of Grads

CERT-MHC

008

CERT-SC

003

DMSc

052

DNP

002

DNP/FNP

012

DPT

100

DSC

011

ENPC

004

FNP/ENPC

002

FNPC

003

MPAS

049

MS SLP

036

MSCO

029

MSHS

014

PhD-HS

020

PMHNPC

035

POTD

038

SLPD

043

tDPT-PED

007 00

Total Graduates

458

35 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

RMU alumni are employed across the nation (see U.S. Map and table below) and enhancing the nation’s healthcare in some of the most challenging environments. RMU alumni work in remote rural areas where infrastructure and resources are limited, such as the North Pole, Alaska; Alamo, Nevada; Thayne, Wyoming; and Mondovi, Wisconsin.

Many of our alumni also work in underrepresented communities where patients’ access to health care is highly government subsidized, such as Laredo, Texas; Valdosta, Georgia; Jackson, Tennessee; and Mansfield, Ohio.

Serving Those Most in Need More than 69% of RMU alumni work in communities with above-average economic needs, 68% work in communities with both above-average income inequality (based on Gini Index) and above-average likelihood of people with incomes below the national poverty line. Fifty-six percent of RMU alumni work in communities with above average rates of medically uninsured. RMU alumni lift the health care quality for those most in need both economically and medically.

Alumni Outside of U.S.

# of Students

Armed Forces Americas

1

Armed Forces Europe

2

Armed Forces Pacific

2

New Brunswick, Canada

1

Alumni Locations Map

STRATEGIC PLAN

36

Alumni Successes In August 2022 RMU celebrated its largest graduating class in RMU’s 24-year history, including the first-ever graduates from the Counseling program (pictured right). Graduates from 13 different programs received 166 degrees and certificates, including 62 doctorates, 94 master’s degrees, and 10 certificates. There were 14 graduates from the Counseling Department who received degrees from clinical mental health counseling to school counseling.

Chayla Harris Gains PhD

Ronald De Vera Barredo PT, DPT, EdD, FAPTA Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), Class of 2005

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Class of 2012

Dr. Chayla Harris Gaines represents the power of diversity at RMU. Having overcome outside biases and discrimination, in addition to the passing of both her father and mother, Dr. Harris Gaines has changed her challenges into motivations. “I’ve learned that the gravity of burdens has amplified my voice and served a purpose greater than myself,” Dr. Harris Gaines said. “In this noble profession of healthcare, we can choose to remain passive, closed-minded and silent or we can choose an inclusive, multifocal and multicultural approach when engaging with patients.”

She continues to effect change in healthcare as a Wellness Program Lead at Intuit Mailchimp.

Dr. Ronald De Vera Barredo is an example of the impact RMU makes on professionals and how they carry on that impact to their patients.

Educated in the Philippines, Dr. De Vera Barredo moved to the US to work at a hospital in Tennessee.

When he was ready to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, RMU was his first choice. After graduation, Dr. De Vera Barredo rose through the ranks at Tennessee State University, becoming a full professor and eventually the Dean of the College of Health Sciences.

After sustaining a major injury as a Division I wrestler, Dr. Ed Le Cara saw the impact his athletic trainer had on him and was inspired to go into healthcare. After graduating from RMU’s PhD program, Dr. Le Cara has opened a multidisciplinary clinic in Dallas, TX, where he provides the best care for patients and strong leadership to his colleagues.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD), Class of 2012

37 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

In addition to his demanding role as a Dean, he serves on several professional boards. He was awarded the RMU Outstanding Alumni Award in 2021 and also the distinction of being a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Ed Le Cara DC, PhD, ATC, CSCS

Dr. Le Cara delivers manual therapy to patients, educates consumers in implementing products that can help, helps other professionals learn, and consults with companies. In addition to running his clinic, he is an adjunct faculty member at RMU.

Mesa Miller CCC-SLP

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, Class of 2022

Going into the Miss Georgia USA pageant, Dr. Mesa Miller didn’t know she would be leaving with a completely new vision for her career. After learning about speechlanguage pathology (SLP) from one of her sponsors, Dr. Miller decided this was the path for her. Living in Macon, Georgia, Dr. Miller works as a Speech and Language Pathologist Traveler where she serves patients in five different states. “I am so passionate about the healing and growth I get to see in my patients,” says Dr. Miller.

Lori Mayfield DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP), Class of 2018 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Class of 2022

After sustaining a lower back injury while serving as a law enforcement officer in Southern California, Dr. Mayfield decided a career in nursing would provide a way for her to continue to serve those around her. She went on to receive her associates, bachelor’s, and doctorate degrees in nursing, enrolling in each subsequent program just one month after completing the previous one.

Shortly after completing her DNP, Dr. Mayfield and her husband began to see a need for a recovery/detox center in their local community, which offered residential and day treatment, as well as an intensive outpatient program. Recognizing the need for mental health services at the university clinic and the detox/recovery center, Dr. Mayfield headed to RMU once again to earn a PMHNP. “The ability to address [patient’s] mental health on a more comprehensive level, and start mental health medications as needed, will provide a more solid foundation for them to focus on their recovery,” says Mayfield.

STRATEGIC PLAN

38

College & Program Updates

39 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

COLLEGE & PROGRAM UPDATES

40

CO L L E G E & P RO G R A M U P DAT E S

College of Health Sciences & Lifelong Learning Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) This year the MSHS program welcomed Dr. Kim Isaac, as the new program director. Dr. Isaac is a graduate of RMU’s PhD program.

In addition, there were revisions to the curriculum and how students are accepted into the program.

Entry into the program is now available any semester and is no longer cohort-based. A capstone option is not an option, instead, students will take an additional elective course. The thesis option for an MSHS is still available.

The program had a 100% pass rate for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD) PhD students, faculty, and alumni had 49 published articles in major journals, including BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Health Education Journal, Journal of Athletic Training, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and Journal of Physical Therapy Education in addition to many others.

Students in the PhD program demonstrated excellence and received prestigious grants and scholarships, including: • NATA Doctoral Scholarship Recipient – Cenell Boch

41 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

• RMAT Scholar Recipient and NATA Doctoral Dissertation Grant – Hannah Stedge

National Wellness Institute Multicultural Competency Award.

• Pennsylvania AT Association Grant – Chelsea Wolff

The PhD program developed a PhD scholarship program within the Foundation and awarded three scholarships to deserving students.

• Holistic Nursing Association Award – Ashlee Burt PhD student, Tamara Buck was awarded the Georgia Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Grant in the amount of $7,600 to support her dissertation work.

RMU alumnus, Mark Campbell, PhD, was the recipient of the

Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice (MSATP) The MSATP had two graduates in August 2022. These students were the first in the program.

CO L L E G E & P RO G R A M U P DAT E S

College of Medical & Professional Sciences Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) The MPAS program successfully graduated 49 PAs in 2022, 96% of whom have passed the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE) (two have yet to take the test). The program has received more than 1,000 designations in CASPA with nearly 650 verified, qualified applications.

Faculty and staff displayed their expertise and knowledge at the April 2022 conference of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA). Three PA faculty and an alumnus gave podium presentations. Additionally, there were 10 PA student/advisor poster presentations.

Awards received: • 2022 UAPA Humanitarian Physician Assistant of the Year – Tyler Sommer, MPAS, PA-C

offered monthly Counseling Professional Development Workshops for students and the professional community, as well as Clinical Supervision training for all of our clinical supervisors.

in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Every single requirement was met without the need for further review, demonstrating the quality of the MS MedSLP program.

The Counseling Scholarship Fund was developed to help support future counseling students. It’s currently funded at approximately $38,000. The RMU Counseling Student Association and Honor Society were established. These groups provide service to the community and they honor Counseling graduates.

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Master of Science in Medical SpeechLanguage Pathology (MS MedSLP) The MS MedSLP program met the standards for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation

The DMSc program welcomed 76 new students while conferring degrees to 60 students. At the end of the year, the leadership of the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust agreed to terms of a 3-year contract that establishes the DMSc program at RMU as a doctorate program for which eligible PAs within the Kaiser Permanente organization may receive tuition assistance.

DMSc Psychiatry Concentration Track Director Tim McCreary took office as President of the Association of PAs in Psychiatry in July 2022.

• 2022 UAPA Lifetime Achievement Award – Alan Bybee, MPA, PA-C

Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) In 2022, the Counseling Program passed a number of milestones including the graduation of the programs first and second cohorts.

These cohorts provided the community with approximately 30 trained counselors to work in agencies and schools.

The program also completed the first full academic year providing counseling services through the RMU Counseling Clinic. They COLLEGE & PROGRAM UPDATES

42

CO L L E G E & P RO G R A M U P DAT E S

College of Nursing

RMU expanded its graduate nursing programs to allow nurses to earn their Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) while preparing for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Students will graduate with their MSN, ready to sit for certification

43 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and/ or Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) depending on whether they choose the single or dualcertification option as an APRN.

The College of Nursing welcomed new Program Director, Janet Noles, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP.

CO L L E G E & P RO G R A M U P DAT E S

College of Optometry

In October, RMU’s new Doctor of Optometry (OD) Program received preliminary accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). It is the 24th College of Optometry to achieve Preliminary Accreditation in the United States and the first optometry program in Utah and the Intermountain West. Participants who graduate from a program with Preliminary Approval status are not deemed to have completed an accredited program. For more

information, see the ACOE’s website (www.theacoe.org) The first cohort begins May 8, 2023.

The advanced modern medical curriculum combined with flexible, interactive in-person and online courses will prepare students to provide exceptional eye healthcare while helping to meet workforce demands.

with the Doctor of Optometry program to provide clinic and research experiences for students alongside faculty. The clinic will also help meet the needs of the local community by providing exceptional eye care to individuals and families. The Eye Institute offers a wide range of services, from routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, to treating eye conditions and diseases.

In 2022 RMU opened the RMU Eye Institute in conjunction

COLLEGE & PROGRAM UPDATES

44

CO L L E G E & P RO G R A M U P DAT E S

College of Rehabilitation Sciences Physical Therapy Fellowship in Neonatology (NEO) Fellowship capstone research presented in 2022 to American Physical Therapy national conferences by graduates were: • Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Hydrotherapy and Vestibular Intervention for Neonates with Fetal Opioid Exposure: A Case Series on Nonpharmacological Strategies (Dr. Elizabeth Dias Hoffman) • Neonatal Therapist Stress, Burnout, and Bullying in NICU Settings (Dr. Sara Tenenholtz).

Neonatology Fellowship graduates Dr. Renee Tedder and Dr. Elizabeth Dias Hoffman participated with Dr. Sweeney in panel presentations on the topic of NICU Case Series: Innovations in Neonatal Physical Therapy Examination and Intervention at the 2022 APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy annual conference.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) The DPT program is proud of the 2022 Graduates who passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) with a 91% First-time Pass Rate and 95% Ultimate Pass Rate. These rates are above the average national rates in both categories.

RMU also announced its approved candidacy for a physical therapy faculty residency program by

45 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

the American Board of Physical Therapy Residencies and Fellowships Education (ABPTRFE).

The program provides education and mentorship to practicing physical therapists, preparing them to teach physical therapy to students, produce research, provide service, and function in the governance of higher education.

Awards and recognitions include: • Above and Beyond Award (Utah Multiple Sclerosis Society) – Hina Garg, PT, MS, PhD, CEEAA • Physical Therapist of the Year Award (State of Utah) – Hina Garg, PT, MS, PhD, CEEAA

Doctor of Physical Therapy — Pediatric Science (tDPT) Six tDPT graduates are currently pursuing advanced doctoral study and pediatric research preparation in RMU’s PhD Program/Pediatric Science Concentration. Two tDPT – Pediatrics graduates were accepted for Neonatology Fellowship education beginning in Fall 2022.

The Cindy Miles Pediatric Science Distinguished Professional Service Award was established through the Rocky Mountain University Foundation to recognize extraordinary pediatric service contributions by pediatric science students and alumni across the

three programs (Neonatology Fellowship, Pediatric Science DPT, and PhD – Pediatric Science concentration). Cindy Miles PT, PhD, PCS, is the first recipient and collaborated on the award development before her untimely death in February 2023. The philanthropic award donation was directed to the Cindy Miles Adaptive Playground project, a recreation site for children with disabilities currently under design and construction in Pennsylvania.

Doctor of SpeechLanguage Pathology (SLPD) Retired Founding Program Director Kenneth O. Simpson, PhD, CCCSLP, was the keynote speaker at the April 2022 commencement ceremony and was recognized with Professor Emeritus status.

Sandra Combs, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Courtney Moore, ClinScD, CCCSLP, completed the Healthcare Professions Education Certificate, Sandra Combs was awarded Associate status, and the faculty welcomed Brigitta Walker, SLPD, CCC, to the team.

SLPD staff and students gave 39 presentations, published seven articles, and received four awards including:

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) RMU received provisional candidacy status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to start the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program in 2023. The program will be one of a few in the nation to use a limited-residency learning model, so students will not have to relocate to Provo, Utah, to be in the program. Instead, they will do most of their coursework online and travel to campus each semester for hands-on learning, assessing clinical skills, and connecting with their peers and faculty.

With the expansion of the programs, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program welcomed three new Program Directors; Bryan M. Gee, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA, was named the OT Department Chair and entry-level OTD Director, Kimberly Lloyd, OTD, MOTR/L, was named the MOT Program Director, and Matt P. Malcolm, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, was named the Post-Professional OTD Program Director.

OTD faculty made a number of valuable contributions to the field, including Kimberly Masker, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, being elected Vice President of the American Society of Hand Therapists, Bryan Gee, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA, was appointed Assistant Editor for the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, and Dr. James Graham, received a $125,000 grant from the MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network to establish Risk Profiles for Post-traumatic Psychopathology Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Awards and recognitions include: • Bryan Gee, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA – RMU Presidential Prominence Award • Ellen Hudgins, OTD, OTR/L – Virginia Occupational Therapy Association Award of Merit • Matt Malcolm, PHD, OTR/L, FAOTA, was inducted into the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows

• Research Mentoring-Pair Travel Award (ASHA) – Wendy Meyer • 2022-2023 Minority Student Leadership Cohort (ASHA) – Janita Gilliam • ASHA 2022 Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) Certificate – Aeriana Culpitt, Teresa Longino, Christine Younes • RMU Diversity Scholarship Award – Ashka Holmes, Juanita Iris Sanchez

COLLEGE & PROGRAM UPDATES

46

University Updates

47 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY

48

U N I V E R S I T Y U P DAT E S

Student Affairs Office of Institutional Equity The University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (UDEI) Committee and Student Diversity Committee (SDC) are committed to leading the charge for racial justice and social change on behalf of the RMU community. Both committees sponsored well-received panel discussions in 2022 related to topics such as Black History Month, Asian American/Pacific Islander Month, and Transgender Health to provide insight into the lived experiences of marginalized individuals and to offer safe spaces for questions and answers.

Approximately 130 individuals attended these events.

Office of Student Services & Support RMU offers free teletherapy services to students and employees through BetterHelpTM, which assists students in their success by supporting their mental health needs. In 2022, the program hosted 5,152 live teletherapy sessions.

The RMU Student Food Pantry is available for students facing an emergency or interim food scarcity.

In 2022, the Student Food Pantry received, approved, and completed 71 orders.

RMU offers RMU students and employees a discounted pass through the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). In 2022, 141 students used the discounted UTA passes, which resulted in $15,651 in savings.

Student Affairs facilitated a Holiday Assistance Outreach to

49 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

RMU students via text message, surveying students to see if additional monetary assistance was needed during the holidays.

In 2022, of the 1,437 texts sent, 16% of the students surveyed requested aid, and $10,000 in assistance was given to students in need. (Monetary aid is based on household size/dependents for each actively enrolled student).

Office of Student Success The Alumni-Mentorship Pilot Program was created to enhance student success and bolster alumni engagement and connection with the University. The first semester of the pilot program was Summer 2022, with the following academic programs: DMSc, SLPD, PMHNP, and MS MedSLP. Student participant satisfaction increased from 3.98 to 4/5.0 after one semester with an alumni mentor.

The University also piloted an Ambassador Mentorship Program

to connect newly enrolled and current students. Current students serve as ambassadors and advocates for incoming new students, creating friendships, lending support, fielding questions about their program and the University, and bolstering the student experience by enhancing student success. Academic programs engaging in the onesemester pilot included the DMSc, SLPD, MS MedSLP, and DPT. The average matriculation rate for incoming students who engaged with a student ambassador was 92%.

The Student Success Webinar series is provided as an added value to advance, facilitate, and further support overall student health, wellness, and learning outcomes. Workshops topics have encompassed Financial Aid, Financial Planning, Professional Networking, Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letter Writing.

U N I V E R S I T Y U P DAT E S

Alumni Relations Alumni Awards RMU alumni achieve outstanding things in their careers and this year, we recognized alumni who demonstrated advancing knowledge and healthcare in their professional lives.

Outstanding Alumni Award

Outstanding Alumni Award – Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSc, PCS Emeritus (DSc Class of 2005) for her contributions to the field of Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Lisa Dannemiller PT, DSc, PCS Emeritus (DSc Class of 2005)

Early Career Alumni Award – Paige Harasha, PA-C, MPAS (MPAS Class of 2018) for her work to bring a new therapy technology to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Alumni Scholarships The Alumni Association also launched the first alumni scholarships through a telephone calling campaign. Seven students made more than 1,900 calls to RMU alumni and raised $1,500. The scholarship was awarded to three students, each receiving $500 to help fund their education.

Alumni Connection

Early Career Alumni Award Paige Harasha PA-C, MPAS (MPAS Class of 2018)

RMU Alumni gathered at 10 conferences and virtual events throughout the year.

UNIVERSITY UPDATES

50

U N I V E R S I T Y U P DAT E S

Finance & Financial Aid Services

Both the Finance team and the Financial Aid Services team continue to advocate for students by providing high-quality services to the University’s students in pursuit of their academic goals.

They continue to serve students and families, allowing them to receive timely and necessary financial resources for their educational goals.

Finance The University has a history of financial stability and sound fiscal management supported by fiscal oversight by the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Executive Vice President of Finance, Mr. Jeff Bate, facilitates risk assessment and prevention strategies that identify and mitigate risk exposure that could influence the achievement of the institutional Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Internal control processes completed by the Finance team provide reasonable assurance of performance and profitability goals and the safeguarding of resources. Assessment of the achievement of objectives related to the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations are standard practices of the Finance Department. This includes the analysis of cash flow needs and requirements along with reserve requirements dictated by university policy. In 2022, the University had a financially positive year.

Additionally, the Finance Department performs monthly and semester reviews of all

51 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

transactions to ensure proper account designation and that all transactions are in accordance with internal policy and external audit requirements. External control processes include a financial audit and a separate compliance audit (Title IV). The financial audit of the University’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, found the statements present the financial position of RMU fairly in all material respects. The auditor’s calculation of RMU’s Title IV 90/10 revenue percentage was 70.96%.

Additionally, the auditors reported RMU’s composite score for 2022 as 1.2. This is down from 3.0 in 2021.

A significant contributor to this result is the accounting adjustment that is now required for all leases.

The FASB update designates that operating leases be recognized on the balance sheet rather than a footnote disclosures.

Financial Aid The Financial Aid Services team continues to provide the highest quality service to RMU’s graduate and professional students in pursuit of their academic goals. They continue to advocate for students and families and assist them in getting timely and necessary financial resources.

Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic in the last three years, Financial Aid Services managed well, its major goals remain on track, staff is motivated, and new hires were added to the team to better serve the demands of the growing number of students requiring financial assistance.

The highlights of the Financial Aid Services performance for 2022 are as follows: Federal Student Loan Disbursements For the recently concluded AY 2021-2022, the team has processed a total of $39,647,159.00, disbursed to 990 students. These consist of the following: Direct Loan Awards

$ Amount & # of Students

Unsubsidized Loans

$22,464,664 948 Students

GradPLUS Loans

$17,182,495 508 Students

Cohort Default Rate A Cohort Default Rate (CDR) is the percentage of a school’s student borrowers who enter repayment on certain loans. The University has historically reported 0-0.4% CDR due to the conscientious

0%

Student Loan Default Rate

effort of the financial aid advisers in performing one-on-one, in-person, or interactive electronic exit counseling sessions with students when they withdrew or graduated from their program, helping them better understand and remember information vital to their loan repayment and grace period.

Financial aid advisers are also staying on top of the upcoming lifting of the “repayment pause” declared during the pandemic. They are closely monitoring any federal announcement, communicating the same to the students, and advising them on the appropriate steps they

need to take to prepare them when the repayment pause is lifted.

Annual Compliance Audit of Title IV Programs In the recently concluded compliance audit of Title IV programs, the auditors have expressed an unqualified opinion indicating that RMU complied, in all material respects, with the compliance requirements relative to the Institution’s Student Financial Assistance (FSA) program, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Veterans Benefits Disbursement of Veterans (VA) benefits totaled $593,909.00 in 2022, disbursed to 44 VA students.

The VA Benefits coordinator reaches out to VA students to create awareness regarding their potential eligibility for recent

VA educational programs for themselves and their families. It is expected that with the upcoming enrollment, more Veterans and their families will be served to attain their degrees with less outof-pocket costs.

Scholarship & Grants The Financial Aid Services department also manages RMU’s scholarships funded internally and by general or specific foundation funds.

Internal scholarships have an annual budget of $100,000.00, while the Foundation scholarships vary depending on the availability of funds from specific foundation contributions. Scholarships are awarded each semester.

In 2022, a total of 1,845 applications for scholarships

(internal and the Foundation) were received. The average amount awarded per student ranged between $500.00 to $2,000.00.

Total funds disbursed in the year (internal and the foundation) were $130,500, awarded to 148 eligible student recipients.

Tuition Trends Tuition trends show that RMU’s per credit hour tuition rate for online programs has been declining for the past five years, as has the average per credit hour tuition rate for residential programs for the past two years. The average per credit hour rate for hybrid programs has stabilized for the past three years.

These trends confirm that RMU is operating more efficiently as enrollment continues to increase.

Average Tuition Per Credit Since 2015

UNIVERSITY UPDATES

52

NEW FACES

Serge Herzog

PhD, MEd, MA Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

David Roos EdD, MBA

Senior Director of Enrollment Management

Matt Malcom

PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Program Director for Post-Professional OTD Program

PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP Program Director for the DNP/FNP Program

Maria Sager MLS

Associate Vice President of Financial Aid

Kimberly Lloyd OTD, MOTR/L

Program Director for the MOT Program

ADVANCEMENTS

Janet Noels

55 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Commitment to Excellence

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

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CO M M I T M E N T TO E XC E L L E N C E

Academic Research Successes

Our students and faculty demonstrate excellence in research and have been featured in many prestigious academic journals and publications.

Published Articles Dodge-Chin, C., Shigetomi-Toyama, S., & Quinn, E. D. (2022). Teaching parents read, ask, answer, prompt strategies via telepractice: Effects on parent strategy use and child communication. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 53(2), 237–255. https://doi. org/10.1044/2021_lshss-21-00075.

Kantor, M. A., Fretti, S., Gubler, C., Kramer, M., & Pettitt, R. W. (2022). Interrater reliability of a customized submaximal cycle ergometer test. European Journal

57 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

of Applied Physiology, 10.1007/ s00421-022-05052-9. Advance online publication. https://doi. org/10.1007/s00421-022-05052-9 Lockie, R., Dulla, J., Higuera, D., Kristina A., Orr, R., Dawes, J., & Ruvalcaba, T. (2022).

Body Composition and Fitness Characteristics of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program: Relationships and Descriptive Data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23).

Smith, K., Miller, N., & Laslovich, S. (2022). The Reliability of the GNRB® Knee Arthrometer in Measuring ACL Stiffness and Laxity: Implications for Clinical Use and Clinical Trial Design. International

Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(6), 1016-1025.

Stedge, H., Cappaert, T., Herzog, V., Kinslow, B. & Martin. M. (2022). Test–Retest Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of the Athletic Trainers’ Self-Confidence Scale. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training.

Tischler, D., & O’Leary, M. (2022).

Quality of life, participation, and individualized support in a community-based yoga class: A case series. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 34(4), 556– 562. https://doi.org/10.1097/ pep.0000000000000950.

Windsor, B., Kicklighter, T., Geisler, P.R., Martin, M., Rodic, B., Lehr, M.

(2022). Script concordance testing (SCT): Development of a novel SCT assessing clinical reasoning for lumbar spine management. Journal of Medical Education and Training, 2022;6(2):077.

Wilkins, S.J., Bell, D.R., Kahanov, L., Martin, M., (2022). Post EG Specialization, Pitch Smart Compliance, and Long-Term Throwing Arm Health in College Baseball Players. Journal of Athletic Training, 2022;57(6), S-68.

Xu, L., Luo, J., Wang, M., Xie, D., Chao, X., Li, J., Liu, X., He, S., Spencer, L., & Guo, L.-Y. (2022).

Vocabulary growth in Mandarinspeaking children with bilateral cochlear implants, bimodal stimulation, or unilateral cochlear implants during the first year after activation. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 65(4), 1630–1645. https://doi. org/10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00454.

Highlighted Presentations Davis, J., Gard, E., Garg, H., Rutherford, C. (2022, February).

Feasibility, Safety, and Patient Perceptions of a 12-Week Telewellness Program in MS during COVID-19 [Platform presentation].

American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, United States.

Deans, S., Martin, M., Cappaert, T. (2022, June). The Use of Video Games as Therapeutic Rehabilitation Tool, Part 2: Athletic Trainer’s Perspective [Poster presentation].

2022 National Athletic Trainer’s Convention, Philadelphia, PA, United States.

Garg, H. (2022, February). Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Individuals with MS during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Functional Sleep Problems and Its Association with Mental Health in Individuals with

Multiple Sclerosis [Conference Presentations]. American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, United States.

Gee, B. (2022, October).

Instructional Design Reflections on the STAR Institute’s Professional Development Level I Mentorship Training: An Educational Case Study [Conference Presentation].

American Occupational Therapy Association - Education Summit, Orlando, FL, United States.

Graham, J., Heinerichs, S., Barnum, M., Monaco, M., Martin, M. (2022, March). Preceptor Tips: Improve your Clinical Teaching to the Next Level by Integrating Clinical Teaching Models [Conference presentation].

Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Symposium, La Vista, NE, United States.

Leineke, L., Thompson, S. (2022, October 15). Everything Orthopedic Physical Therapists Should Know About Treating Patients Who Have a Mild TBI/Concussion [Conference presentation]. APTA North Carolina Annual Conference, High Point, NC, United States.

Reyes, C., & Martin, M. (2022, January). Mechanisms of Persistence in Students Enrolled in Professional Master’s Athletic Training Programs [Poster presentation]. 2022 Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association Meeting and Clinical Symposium, Mashantucket, CT Place United States.

Victor, S. & Victor, J. (2022, November). Developing knowledge in clinical education and supervision – What do you know? [Platform Presentation]. 2022 Annual Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, New Orleans LA, United States.

Wilkinson, S. (2022, February).

Health Informatics in Physical Therapy: Current Practice and Preparation for the Future of Our Profession [Education session].

American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX, United States.

Where else can you find RMU expertise?

• Global Pediatric Health • American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology • The Laryngoscope • New Jersey Law Journal • American Occupational Therapy Association • British Journal of Sports Medicine • International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training • International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism • International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy • Pediatric Physical Therapy • Strength & Conditioning Journal • BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation • Health Education Journal • Journal of Athletic Training • Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy • Journal of Physical Therapy Education • And many more!

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

58

CO M M I T M E N T TO E XC E L L E N C E

RMU Success Stories Faculty & Staff Recognized for Their Excellent Work Associate professor Hina Garg, PT, MS, PhD, CEEAA, was recognized twice with the Physical Therapist of the Year award from the Utah chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the “Above and Beyond” award from the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

Internally, three faculty were recognized for their contributions to the community including; • Rising Star Teaching Award – Jonathan Wright, PT, DPT, CSRS, assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program

• Adjunct Faculty Award – Trever J. Ball, PhD, MPH, MS, adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences program and the Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) program.

• Hartgraves Award for Excellence in Teaching – Misti Timpson, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

PA Day on the Hill RMU’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) students joined other Utah PA students and current PAs at the Utah State Capitol as part of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants’ (UAPA) PA Day on the Hill. At this

Hina Garg PT, MS, PhD, CEEAA

Physical Therapist of the Year and Above & Beyond Award

Jonathan Wright PT, DPT, CSRS

Rising Star Teaching Award

Trever J. Ball PhD, MPH, MS

Adjunct Faculty Award

Misti Timpson PT, DPT, PhD

Hartgraves Award for Excellence in Teaching

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statewide gathering, they were able to learn more about the role of PAs in the legislative process.

“This is a way for us to build up our numbers so that we are a force to be heard. We represent the thousands of PA’s across the state and these students are the future of the PA profession,” said Dr. Bryan Nelson, MPAS Faculty and UAPA Membership Chair.

Making a Difference RMU’s commitment to excellence and service is demonstrated every day through both student and institutional efforts. In 2022, RMU launched our Diversity Scholarship as a way to help underrepresented students fund their education. The University also sent six faculty and staff volunteers to Africa on a three-week service trip where they set up workshops offering resources and teaching various skills.

RMU Peaks Continuing Education RMU Peaks, the continuing education program offers more than 30 courses for healthcare professionals. In addition, the program hosts conferences and events. In 2022, RMU Peaks hosted two major conferences on long covid, an ENMG symposium, and a dysphagia conference.

Long COVID Physio International Forum attracts international attendees In September, RMU co-hosted the virtual Long COVID Physio International Forum. The forum featured 85 speakers from 19 countries who shared insights and solutions for those suffering from post-COVID symptoms and conditions. More than 800 people located in 35 countries across the globe registered to watch the event live.

The event trended on social media and was the most tweeted healthcare conference on September 11, with forum participants sharing their appreciation for the quality content and experienced presenters.

Forum speakers covered various topics related to Long COVID including the importance of patientprovider communication. RMU’s Interim Provost and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Dr. Malissa Martin, shared her experience of losing a loved one to Covid due to a lack of healthcare and the importance of “believing your patient.”

Forum organizers look forward to utilizing the content shared during the forum to develop more and better solutions for those suffering from Long-COVID.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

60

Working with United Way RMU is always looking for ways to give back to the community and in 2022 worked with United Way to continue to make a positive impact. In September, University faculty and staff worked with the United Way of Utah County for an incredible Day of Caring, serving the community at Kids On The Move!

RMU also partnered with United Way to make a difference for those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.

Students, faculty, staff, and their families donated time, money, and resources to help send more than 100 hygiene kits and many additional items for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.

Expert Faculty & Staff Alan Gravano, PhD, selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Alan Gravano, founding director of RMU’s writing center, received

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a Fulbright Scholar award from the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Fulbright U.S. Scholar program. Fulbright Scholar Awards are prestigious and competitive fellowships that provide unique opportunities for scholars to teach and conduct research abroad, playing a critical role in U.S. public diplomacy.

Wendy Chase, MA, CCC-SLP, awarded Promoting Literacy in the Community Award RMU faculty member, Wendy Chase, was recognized by Project READ, a local nonprofit entity, for her dedicated efforts to elevate literacy in Utah Valley. The project targets literacy development that enables Utah Valley residents to receive tutoring in order to improve their literacy skills. Tutors work with students to provide languagebased diagnostic assessments and recommendations for future project directions.

Alan Gravano PhD

Fulbright U.S. Scholar

Wendy Chase MA, CCC-SLP

Promoting Literacy in the Community Award

Tyler Sommer MPAS, PA-C

Humanitarian PA of the Year

Alan Bybee PA-C

Eric Heaton Lifetime Service Award

Kenneth Simpson PhD, CCC-SLP

Tyler Sommer, MPAS, PA-C, and Alan Bybee, MPA PA-C DFAAPA CPAAPA receive awards from the Utah Association of Physician Assistants (UAPA) During UAPA’s annual conference in 2022, Tyler Sommer, the Program Director for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, and Alan Bybee, MPAS faculty member, were named recipients of two awards recognizing outstanding healthcare providers in Utah. Mr. Sommer was named Humanitarian PA of the Year, an award for someone who has tried to make a difference in the lives of others beyond just practicing medicine. Mr. Bybee received the Eric Heaton Lifetime Service Award for his thirty-eight years of service in clinical work and patient management in primary/ internal medicine.

RMU Faculty & Staff Receive Emeritus Status Kenneth Simpson, PhD, CCC-SLP, presented with Professor Emeritus Award Dr. Kenneth Simpson served as the Founding Program Director for RMU’s Doctor of SpeechLanguage Pathology program (SLPD) from 2013 to 2021.

Following his retirement, Dr. Simpson was awarded Professor Emeritus Award during the April

2022 commencement ceremony, a privilege that recognizes a faculty member’s sustained meritorious service to the University.

Sandy Pennington, PhD, RN, presented with Administrator Emeritus Award During the August 2022 commencement ceremony, Dr. Sandy Pennington, was awarded the Administrator Emeritus Award, an honorary award acknowledging exceptional administrators for their years of outstanding dedication.

Pennington served in a variety of roles while at RMU including Program Director for Nursing, Provost, Dean, and Chief of Staff to the president.

Founding President Steps Down RMU Founding President, Richard P. Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS, presented with Founding President Emeritus status On October 18, 2022, Richard P. Nielsen announced that he would be stepping down at the end of 2022 after serving as president for 24 years. During the December 2022 commencement ceremony, President Nielsen was awarded Founding President Emeritus Award for his extraordinary vision, efforts, and sacrifice in creating and building RMU.

Professor Emeritus Award

Sandy Pennington PhD, RN

Administrator Emeritus Award

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

62

Philanthropic Outreach

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PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH

64

PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH

Impacting the Local Community RMU Foundation Makes an Impact on Local Community and Students The RMU Foundation had a successful 2022 as it continued to advance the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Utah County. The foundation provides services to the community through the Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC), Center for Communication Disorders (CCD), and other strategic initiatives. The

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CRC and CCD foster learning and research opportunities for students and faculty in healthcare and collaborate with other organizations that have similar missions and objectives.

The foundation welcomed two new board members; Fatima Bullock, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, and Janet Tankersley, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, both alumni of RMU.

Combined Pro-Bono Services

7,074

Volunteer Hours

1.13 Million Service Value

CRC 2022 Services Quarter

Evaluations

Re-evaluations

Follow-ups

EMG

MS

Covid-19

Health & Wellness

1

172

84

638

9

320

243

5

2

197

98

740

19

307

141

3

3

180

60

616

5

324

81

7

4

148

52

654

0

252

74

1

2022 Total

697

294

2,648

33

1,203

539

16

CCD 2022 Services Quarter

Assessments

Virtual Treatment Session

Clinic Based Treatment Session

Group Treatment Sessions

Total Client Sessions

Equivalent Service Value

1

28

124

524

637

648

$71,782.37

2

29

96

384

807

480

$63,347.07

3

20

87

361

593

448

$53,547.09

4

18

101

433

317

534

$53,074.19

2022 Total

95

408

1,702

2,354

2,110

$241,750.72

PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH

66

ARPA Grant Helps RMU Help the Community

Improving the Lives of Utah Residents

RMU Health Clinics Expand Services with Grant RMU received a $3 million grant from the Utah County Commission as part of the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grant money will fund the construction of the RMU Health Clinics, consisting of various pro bono specialty clinics dedicated to supporting low-income families and training the next generation of medical professionals.

CRC Continues to Make an Impact The Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC) has had another year of positively impacting the lives of community members by offering free physical therapy services. The staff are licensed, qualified physical therapists (PT) assisted by doctoral students from RMU, and pre-PT student volunteers from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.

The University currently provides physical therapy services through the Community Rehabilitation Clinic, speech-language pathology services through the Center for Communication Disorders, optometry services through the RMU Eye Institute, and counseling services through the RMU Counseling Clinic.

The Multiple Sclerosis Physical Therapy & Wellness Center is part of the CRC and had another successful year of offering individualized MS-specific physical therapy rehabilitation. The program helps patients gain strength and mobility and build relationships with other MS patients, as well as provide support for any other

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physical, social, or emotional challenges related to MS.

Center for Communication Disorders (CCD) Helps Kids Eat Pediatric Feeding Clinic provides services for children in Utah In 2022, the CCD opened a Pediatric Feeding Clinic. The clinic focuses on providing no-cost, quality care to the underserved and underinsured. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about pediatric feeding and swallowing in a clinical setting.

This experience can almost be considered an academic luxury due to its scarcity among graduate programs. The CCD is a pro-bono clinic that provides exceptional speech-language pathology services to members of the community.

A Vision for Community Eye Care RMU Eye Institute Ribbon Cutting In 2022 RMU opened the RMU Eye Institute in conjunction with the Doctor of Optometry program to provide clinic and research experiences for students alongside faculty. The clinic will also help meet the needs of the local community by providing exceptional eye care to individuals and families. The eye institute offers a wide range of services, from routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, to treating eye conditions and diseases.

Serving our Community Providing Free Health Services to Provo Community On September 16, 2022, RMU partnered with United Way to host a health fair for individuals and families in Utah County. The health fair took place at the South Franklin Community Center, a neighborhood community center in Provo, Utah, that serves a diverse population of families. Many of these families often lack resources, insurance, or other means to receive critical healthcare services.

A 100 RMU faculty and students provided a number of healthcare services to over 200 people, including more than 100 children.

Attendees received healthcare assessments, testing, information, and recommendations on moving forward.

PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH

68

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SECTION 09

Accreditation

ACCREDITATION

70

ACC R E D I TAT I O N

NWCCU & Specialized Accreditation Rocky Mountain University (RMU) is an academic institution committed to its Mission to educate current and future healthcare professionals for outcomesoriented, evidence-based practice and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The University demonstrates Mission fulfillment through the quality of its education and the success of its students in academic programs that

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develop leaders skilled in clinical inquiry and prepared to affect healthcare change. This charge, which addresses both the broad educational purposes and the commitment to student learning and achievement, also serves as a touchstone to guide the University’s day-to-day operations and future initiatives.

The University remains committed to its original healthcare alignment and its related historical Mission of preparing professionals to use

evidence-based decision-making in their delivery of healthcare.

Throughout its growth, RMU has lived its Vision to advance healthcare quality, delivery, and efficacy.

The NWCCU is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit postsecondary institutions.

Specialized Accreditation Specialized accreditation of educational programs or departments is granted by a number of national organizations.

Many programs at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions have specialized accreditation.

AAENP The Emergency Nurse Practitioner programs have been granted academic program validation by the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners.

ABPTRFE Accredited Program The Physical Therapy Fellowship in Neonatology is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education.

ACOE The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) has granted RMU’s College of Optometry pre-accreditation status of Preliminary Approval.

Preliminary Approval status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation.

ARC-PA The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARCPA) has granted AccreditationContinued status to RMU’s Physician Assistant Program.

is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association.

CAPTE The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at RMU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

CCNE The Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs at RMU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

CAA The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speechlanguage pathology at RMU

ACCREDITATION

72

SEC TION 10

Onward

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ONWARD

74

O N WA R D

RMU Welcomes Second President

In December 2022, RMU announced that Cameron K. Martin, PhD, would serve as the second president of the University starting January 2023.

Martin had previously served as Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff at RMU. “Dr. Martin exemplifies the culture of RMU to put people first, and he strongly believes in the University’s mission and all of our graduate students,” said Dr. Michael Skurja, RMU Founder and RMU Board of Trustees Chair. “Building upon 24 successful years of RMU’s advancing healthcare throughout the nation, President Martin will continue RMU’s positive trajectory through his exceptional leadership, educational acumen,

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and innovative solutions to take RMU to new heights.”

President Martin brings vast experience in higher education to the Office of the President.

Before joining RMU in 2020 as VP of Operations and Chief of Staff, President Martin served at Utah Valley University as Vice President of University Relations, Assistant to the President, and Alumni Director.

He also worked as an Associate Commissioner in the Utah System of Higher Education.

President Martin’s areas of focus include strengthening and strategically expanding RMU’s graduate healthcare programs, enhancing engagement with industry partners throughout Utah and the nation to meet workforce needs, and elevating RMU’s reputation for healthcare excellence across the country.

“RMU is perfectly aligned and positioned to meet the graduate educational healthcare needs throughout our nation,” President Martin said. “I am deeply humbled to lead and build upon RMU’s mission and vision to improve the human condition.

Serving with the phenomenal faculty, staff, and students at this dynamic institution, we will together further elevate the prominence and stature of our advanced modern healthcare curriculum, experiential learning, and world-class facilities.”

President Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership, all from Brigham Young University. He and his wife, Julie Kerr Martin, have three daughters, Makenna, Malynn, and Maryn.

ONWARD

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