APRIL 2022
Commencement
APRIL 22, 2022 | 1
APRIL 2022
commencement
Friday, April 22, 2022 Provo, Utah
commencement activities Conducting Dr. Mark Horacek
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Processional of the Graduates Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar (please stand)
Order of Academic Procession Administration & Board of Trustees Official Guests & Faculty
pg. 18
pg. 16
College of Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning
pg. 7
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science Candidates Doctor of Philosophy in Orthopaedic & Sports Science Candidates Doctor of Science in Health Science - Athletic Training Candidates Master of Science in Health Science Candidates
College of Medical and Professional Sciences
pg. 9
Doctor of Medical Science Candidates Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate Candidates
College of Nursing
pg. 10
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Candidates Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Candidates
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
pg. 11
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology Candidates Doctor of Occupational Therapy Candidates Doctor of Physical Therapy Candidates
Posting of the Colors Utah Valley University ROTC
The National Anthem Camryn Payne
Musical Performer
2 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
Invocation & Reflection Dr. David Paulson
DPT Assistant Professor and Director of Accreditation & Assessment
President’s Welcome Dr. Richard P. Nielsen
Founding University President & Chief Executive Officer
Special Musical Performance Camryn Payne
“Because You Loved Me”
Presentation of Professor Emeritus Award Dr. Richard P. Nielsen and Dr. Mark Horacek Presented to Dr. Kenneth Simpson
Commencement Address Dr. Kenneth Simpson Professor Emeritus
Presentation of Student Service Award Dr. Hina Garg
DPT Associate Professor, Interim Director of the Office of Research & Sponsored Projects
Meaning of Academic Regalia and Hooding Dr. Mark Horacek
Conferring of Degrees & Remarks Dr. Richard P. Nielsen
Ceremony Conclusion & Alumni Welcome Dr. Coleby Clawson
DPT Assistant Professor and Alumni Association Board President
Recessional of the Graduates (please stand)
APRIL 22, 2022 | 3
featured biography Dr. Ken Simpson
Commencement Address Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Simpson earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota, after which he was employed for 12 years as a school-based speechlanguage pathologist in Mason City, Iowa. He returned to school at the University of Nebraska, earning a PhD in 1995. He then joined the faculty of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and assuming the role of program director. During his tenure at SIUC, he was awarded the Dr. Mark and Susan Ashley Endowed Professorship in Speech-Language Pathology, and upon his retirement from SIUC he was awarded emeritus status. That same year (2013), Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offered him a position as the inaugural program director for the clinical doctoral program in speech-language pathology. He retired from that position after eight years, during which he was awarded both the Hartgraves’ Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Presidential Prominence Award of Excellence. Ken has authored/co-authored 13 journal publications, two book chapters, and 64 conference presentations. He is most proud of having served on three PhD committees, as the chairperson on 41 clinical doctoral committees, and as the chairperson on 143 master’s committees.
4 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
regalia & participation Significance of the Hood The hooding portion of the Commencement ceremony dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and signifies special recognition of master’s and doctoral degree candidates. Faculty members place the hood over the heads of the graduates, recognizing their success in completing the program and symbolically welcoming them as fellow scholars. The hood identifies the owner’s academic institution, degree, and field of study through the length and the colors of the lining and binding. Each graduate’s field of study is designated by its corresponding color as listed below. Apricot • Doctor of Nursing Practice • Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
Dark Blue
• Doctor of Philosophy
Golden Yellow
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
Silver
• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Slate Blue
• Doctor of Science
Kelly Green
Peacock/Teal
• Doctor of Medical Science • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Other Regalia Apricot Stole
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate • Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Light Blue Stole
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate • School Counseling Certificate
Military Veterans Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions would like to recognize our graduates who are veterans. As members of the military, these students have demonstrated their commitment to the RMU core values of collaboration, authenticity, trustworthiness, inclusiveness, and service, especially that of selfless service. In addition to what these graduates will do as health professionals, they have already given service to our nation, our state, and our community. Military veterans received a commemorative red, white, and blue cord to be worn at this commencement ceremony, signifying the University’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Commencement Participation Participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not indicate degree completion. Upon degree completion, the Registrar’s Office will post the degree on the academic transcript and graduates will receive an official RMU diploma. APRIL 22, 2022 | 5
6 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
college of health sciences and lifelong learning Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Human & Sport Performance
Megan Lynn Cottet
Charles M. Phelps
Development of a Valid and Reliable Survey to Evaluate Collegiate Student-Athletes’ Satisfaction with Strength and Conditioning Coaches
A Comparison of the Effects Between Day Shift and Night Shift Schedules on Sleep Quality, Duration, Perceived Readiness, and Cognitive Function in Law Enforcement Officers
(St. Louis, MO)
(Virginia Beach, VA)
Neurologic Rehabilitation
Raegan Neely Furman (Portland, OR)
Effect of Intensity During Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation on Functional Independence and Caregiver Burden Following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Pediatric Populations
Doctor of Philosophy in Orthopaedic & Sports Science Joseph Stephen O’Connor (Lynn, MA)
A Comparison of Quadriceps and Gluteal Muscle Activity Between Two Types of Pre-Activation Super Sets and Control Amongst Healthy Adults
Doctor of Science in Health Science - Athletic Training April Harris
(Houston, TX) An Examination of Collegiate Student-Athletes’ Mental Toughness Following Rehabilitation for a Non-Surgical Injury
Veteran
# Class Leadership APRIL 22, 2022 | 7
Master of Science in Health Science Health & Wellness Coaching
Danielle Summer Finch (Ogden, UT)
Rehabilitative Science
Kayla G. Clark
Liz Hagen Riley
Selena Marable
Kaitlyn Rose Abernethy Smith
(Crystal, NM) (Estero, FL)
(Williamsburg, VA)
(Salt Lake City, UT)
Sports Performance
Joshua Nathan Sargeant (Portland, OR)
8 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
Deborah Sleight (Denver, CO)
Morgan Lynn Snead (Huntsville, AL)
college of medical and professional sciences Doctor of Medical Science Advanced Clinical Practice
Jamie Goldstone Adler
Logan Belnap
Christian Max Garrett
Preston L. Barlow
Ajitpal Singh Dhillon
Aaron Hunter Hewlett
(Middletown, NJ) (Wellington, TX)
(Las Vegas, NV)
(Provo, UT)
(Clovis, CA)
(Centerville, UT)
Healthcare Leadership & Administration
Cynthia O. Ekwem (Douglasville, GA)
Elizabeth Martorana (Napa, CA)
Colleen Elizabeth Gosa Nalepinski (West Bend, WI)
Victoria Hollis Galloway (Bristol, VA)
Healthcare Professions Education
Candace D. Charles
Rita E. Crews
Michelle M. Wallace
Stacia Brandenburg
Shane Doty
Michael Vollmer
Tammy L. Dodds
Tajuana Dashun Lordeus
LaDonna Divinity Wright
(O’Fallon, IL)
(Knoxville, TN)
(Wichita, KS)
Psychiatry (New Orleans, LA) (Cuero, TX)
(Winston Salem, NC)
(Mesa, AZ)
(Clayton, NC)
(Oak Park, IL)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate John E. Lewis
(West Jordan, UT)
Nicole Lloyd
(Clearfield, UT)
Veteran
# Class Leadership APRIL 22, 2022 | 9
college of nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Jordan Ray Rentmeister (Roy, UT)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Nkem Ngbeze Egudia (Windsor Mill, MD)
Alyssa Nicole Jennings (Montrose, CO)
Nneka Ikedinma (Wyomissing, PA)
Veteran 10 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
# Class Leadership
Jenene Michele McDowell (Baltimore, MD)
college of rehabilitation sciences Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology Jewel Elizabeth Alvis
Mesa S. Miller
Mindi Dawn Stavish
Mia Keara Breaux
Charlotte Rebecca Purcell
Sheri Thompson-Henry
Shawnise L. Carter
Shatheta Day Roverato
Naomi Warren-Ross
(Leavenworth, KS)
(Macon, GA)
(Katy, TX)
(Chattanooga, TN)
(Munster, IN)
(Raeford, NC)
Bharathi Dara McLaughlin Stacey M. Soos (Palmyra, PA)
(Camarillo, CA)
(Tall Timbers, MD) (San Diego, CA)
(Lake Saint Louis, MO)
Christine J. Younes (Kearney, NE)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Administration & Practice Management
Advanced Practice
Ann Michelle Christensen Kilborn
(Sacramento, CA)
Devonte’ Demez Grinstead
(Columbia, SC) Education
Maggie Hayes
Jennifer Leigh Moore
Pascale T. Josephson
Senewa Angela Moyo
Hand Therapy
Leadership
Pediatrics
Kathryn Suzanne Halstead
Julie Rebecca Brahen
Rachael M. Catt
(Canyon, TX)
(New York, NY)
(Smyrna, TN)
(Tulsa, OK)
Oroo Oyioka
(Fayetteville, AK)
(Bowie, MD)
(Philadelphia, PA)
Veteran
(Richland, WA)
# Class Leadership APRIL 22, 2022 | 11
Doctor of Physical Therapy Haris Ahmed
Jacob Hodges
Molly Nicole Romaniak #
Levi Brown
Allie Hoyt
Justin Roy
Emma Bryan
Tyler Thomas Janowski
Bria Rubie
Jonathan L. Bundy
Justin Tyrell Kirkham
Joseph Schettle
Donald E. Bush Jr.
Brigid Lagan #
Kristen Schoonover
Heather Catherine Christopher #
Samuel McKay Lee
Rayson Sorayama
Kierra Linder #
Michael Stirling
Emily G Lucas #
Michael Sunderland
Natasha Marquez #
Colby Taylor
Joshua McGowan
Sarah Tekawa
Mason McKinney
Tanner Walker
Bailey Morley
James Washabaugh
Tyler Howard Graham
Christianni Jay Tungpalan Pascual
Michael Weldon
Matthew Gulan #
Nicole Pederson
(Troy, MI)
(Woodsfield, OH) (Petaluma, CA) (Taylorsville, UT) (Boise, ID)
(Willmar, MN)
Andrew James Clayton (Murray, UT)
Kevin Bradley Critchfield (Springville, UT)
James Davis #
(American Fork, UT)
Brooke Ferrin
(Worcester, MA)
Emily Gard #
(Mount Vernon, WA)
Kathryn Glaeser (Sandpoint, ID)
(Cheyenne, WY) (Sutherlin, OR)
(Madison, WI)
(Redmond, OR)
(Colorado Springs, CO)
(Casper, WY) (Fortuna, CA) (Shelley, ID)
(Denver, CO)
(Dalton Gardens, ID) (Eagle, CO)
(Indianapolis, IN) (San Diego, CA) (Canton, MI)
(Lafayette, IN)
(Mammoth Lakes, CA)
(Aiea, HI)
(Redondo Beach, CA)
Andrea Gutierrez #
Lindsay Pickering #
Max Hamilton
Stacy Prendiville
Stephanie Alyse Hickman
Cordon Joseph Rabe
(El Paso, TX)
(Columbia, SC)
(Herriman, UT)
(Seattle, WA) (Provo, UT)
(West Jordan, UT) Veteran
12 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
# Class Leadership
(Durango, CO) (Oshkosh, WI)
(Houston, TX)
(Portland, OR) (Phoenix, AZ) (Rupert, ID)
(Clackamas, OR) (San Lorenzo, CA) (Idaho Falls, ID)
(Northfield, OH) (Van Nuys, CA)
Kaitlyn Whippy # (Loomis, CA)
John Sheng Wu # (San Diego, CA)
John Zhong
(Pearl City, HI)
APRIL 22, 2022 | 13
colleges and program leadership College of Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning Health Promotion & Wellness Mary Shotwell
Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS)
EdD, ATC
PhD, OT/L, FAOTA
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
Healthcare Leadership & Administration Jennifer Austin
Program Director Darrin Smith
College Dean
Malissa Martin
Program Director Jennifer Austin
PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS
PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS
Program Assistant Jane Ewoniuk DSc, MOT, OTR/L CHWC
Sr. Faculty and Associate Director of the Office of Research & Sponsored Projects Thomas Cappaert
Healthcare Professions Education Jennifer Austin PhD, LAT, ATC, GTS
Human Sport & Performance Mike Miller PhD, EdD, ATC, CSCS
Neurologic Rehabilitation Kristen Johnson
PhD, ATC, CSCS
PT, EdD, MS, NCS
Sr. Instructor and Director, Human Research Protection Program Darcy Hammar
Pediatric Science Jane K. Sweeney
CIM
Concentration Track Directors
Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice (MSATP)
Athletic Training Malissa Martin
Program Director Michele Monaco
PT, MS, PhD, PCS, FAPTA
DSc, ATC
EdD, ATC
PhD, LAT, ATC, PES
Concentration Track Directors Functional Nutrition Denise Pickett-Bernard PhD, RDN, LDN, IFMCP, IFNCP
Health & Wellness Coaching Erin Faraclas PT, DPT, MSCS, NBC-HWC
Healthcare Administration Darrin Smith PhD, LAT, ATC, PES
Healthcare Professions Education Darrin Smith PhD, LAT, ATC, PES
Rehabilitative Science Darrin Smith PhD, LAT, ATC, PES
Sports Performance Darrin Smith PhD, LAT, ATC, PES
College of Medical and Professional Sciences College Dean
Mike Nelson DHSc, DMSc, PA-C
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
Program Director Bartley Rust DHSc, PA-C
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Program Director & Department Chair Tyler Sommer
Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP)
Program Director Linda J. Spencer PhD, CCC-SLP
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC)
Program Director Verl T. Pope EdD, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ASC
MPAS, PA-C
Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHCC)
Program Director Verl T. Pope EdD, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ASC
Certificate in School Counseling (SCC)
Program Director Verl T. Pope EdD, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ASC
Master of Science in School Counseling (SC)
Program Director Verl T. Pope EdD, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ASC
14 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
College of Nursing College Dean
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Kelly Conway
Program Director Kevin Ballard
DNP, CNS
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty (DNP/FNP)
Program Director Kevin Ballard
DNP, FNP, FAANP
Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate (ENPC)
Program Director Kristina Davis
DNP, FNP, FAANP
ENP-C, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNPC)
Program Director Kevin Ballard DNP, FNP, FAANP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (PMHNPC)
Program Director Allyce Jones DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, NCMP, PMH-C
College of Rehabilitation Sciences College Dean
Jeff Lau
Assistive Technology Lynn Gitlow
PT, DPT, PhD, CMPT
PhD, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA
Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)
Advanced Practice Ellen Hudgins
Program Director Sandra Shigetomi-Toyama ClinScD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Program Director Courtney V. Moore ClinScD, CCC-SLP
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Program Director Bryan Gee PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA
Assistant to the Program Jane Ewoniuk DSc, MOT, OTR/L, NBC-HWC
Concentration Track Directors Aging Bryan Gee
OTD, OTR/L, ITOT
Education Raegan Furman MOTR/L
Hand Therapy Kimberly Masker OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Health & Wellness Jane Ewoniuk
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Program Director Steven G. Wilkinson PT, PhD
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy - Pediatric Science (tDPT-Peds)
Program Director Jane K. Sweeney PT, MS, PhD, PCS, FAPTA
Neonatology Fellowship
Program Director Jane K. Sweeney PT, MS, PhD, PCS, FAPTA
DSc, MOT, OTR/L, NBC-HWC
Leadership Ellen Hudgins OTD, OTR/L, ITOT
Pediatrics Bryan Gee PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA
PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA
APRIL 22, 2022 | 15
16 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
official guests & faculty Michael Bartholomew
David Paulson
Joel Tenbrink
PT, DPT, GCS DPT Assistant Professor
PT, DPT, OCS DPT Assistant Professor and Director of Accreditation & Assessment
PT, PhD, ATC DPT Assistant Program Director and Associate Professor
PT, DPT, CSCS DPT Assistant Professor and Alumni Association Board President
Megan Pratt
Misti Timpson
Miriam Cortez-Cooper
Rhodri L. Purcell
Coleby Clawson
PT, PhD DPT Assistant Program Director and Associate Professor
Hina Garg PT, PhD Interim Director of the Office of Research & Sponsored Projects, DPT Associate Professor
Ann M. Hoffman PT, DScPT, PCS DPT Assistant Professor
Kelsey Kushlan PT, DPT DPT Assistant Professor
PT, DPT, ATC DPT Assistant Professor
PT, PhD DPT Associate Professor
Dana Tischler
PT, MPT, OCS, CSCS DPT Associate Professor
PT, DPT, MS, PCS DPT Assistant Professor
Ray Rodriguez
Mark Walker
MPH, MCHES, MBC-HWC Director, Office of Institutional Equity
PT, PhD DPT Associate Professor
Paul Stoneman
Jonathan Wright
PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, SCS DPT Associate Program Director and Professor
Will Sykes PT, DPT Co-Director of Clinical Education and DPT Assistant Professor
PT, DPT, CSRS DPT Assistant Professor
Christa Young PT, DPT, CSCS DPT Associate Professor
APRIL 22, 2022 | 17
board of trustees Dr. Jessica Egbert
Dr. Greg Myer
Dr. Sunnie Giles
Dr. Paula Sammarone Turocy
Vice Chair
Dr. Mary Jane Harris
Dr. R. Mimi Secor
Mr. Paul V. Burgon
Dr. Michael Skurja, Jr. Chair
Dr. Rogan L. Taylor
Mr. Ryan Helon
Mr. Dave Williams
Treasurer
Mr. D. Brent Israelsen
Dr. Richard P. Nielsen
Ms. Mary K. Glendening
Dr. Susan Lucht
Secretary
Ex Officio
university administration & officers Dr. Richard P. Nielsen
Mr. Richard Peterson
Dr. Michael Nelson
Dr. Mark J. Horacek
Mr. Stephen L. Whyte
Dr. Kelly Conway
Mr. Jeffrey B. Bate
Dr. Michelle L. Webb
Founding University President & Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost Executive Vice President of Finance
Dr. Cameron K. Martin
Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff
Dr. Malissa Martin
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean, College of Health Sciences & Lifelong Learning
Vice President of Academic Administration Vice President of Communications, Marketing, & Enrollment Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
Mr. David Payne
Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer
Ms. Lori Sisk
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
18 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
Dean, College of Medical & Professional Sciences Dean, College of Nursing
Dr. Adam Hickenbotham Dean, College of Optometry
Dr. Jeff Lau
Dean, College of Rehabilitation Sciences
Mr. Nick Starr
Sr. Director of Human Resources
Ms. Tanya Snelson
Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees
APRIL 22, 2022 | 19
welcome to the alumni association On behalf of the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Alumni Association, we congratulate you on graduating from RMU and officially welcome you as a new member of the Alumni Association! As you now embark on the next phase of your life, know that you are part of an incredible network of more than 3,000 healthcare professionals who are alumni of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. As a graduate, you have access to the following: • 15% off tuition discount on a future certificate or program • Exclusive alumni events • Library resources and research databases • ORSP guidebook for getting published We encourage you to get involved, be informed, and stay connected as alumni. To learn more, visit rm.edu/alumni. Congratulations, graduates!
RMUoHPAlumni
20 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT
RMUoHPAlumni
RMU Alumni Relations
122 East 1700 South, Provo, UT 84606 · 801.375.5125 · rm.edu 22 | APRIL 2022 COMMENCEMENT