April 2022 Commencement Program

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