Here in the College of Health Sciences, your education will take you to new heights. Sometimes, it will even take you around the world.
IN THIS ISSUE:
More students are exploring Education Abroad opportunities
SMRI researchers are studying Air Force health demands with $3.4M grant
INNOVATION
SMRI researchers studying Air Force health demands with $3.4M grant
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Education Abroad is an experience more and more students are exploring Gateway is a publication of the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences.
Dean & Professor: Scott M. Lephart, PhD
Editor: Ryan Clark
Contributing Writers: Cori Simpson and Loralyn Cecil
Graphic Design: Sam Reynolds and Will Hieronymus
Photography: Mark Cornelison (unless otherwise noted)
Cover photo submitted by Kaylin Crowe
UK College of Health Sciences
Charles T. Wethington Jr. Building 900 South Limestone Street, Room 123 Lexington, KY 40536-0200
859.323.1100
chs.uky.edu
Copyright, University of Kentucky. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the UK College of Health Sciences.
DISTINCTION
UK PA Program to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
IMPACTFUL DISCOVERY
CHS Student Reflects on Connection to Tuskegee Syphilis Study
CHS Student, Staffer is One of the Fastest Puzzlers in the World
COLLABORATION OUTREACH
CHS Hosts YMCA Black Achievers Healthcare Cluster
DPT Graduate Ready to Give Back to Community
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
In a recent discussion with a very successful alumnus, a comment stood out to me when he was describing his time here in the College of Health Sciences.
I’m paraphrasing, but this student said he received a great academic base of knowledge in the classroom, coupled with an equally important opportunity to practice those teachings in environments outside the classroom.
He said the College of Health Sciences is about the overall experience — that’s what helped him to be successful, and that’s what is important when it comes to what we can offer.
It got me to thinking. There are so many great examples of this CHS Experience, and there are so many great stories that can illustrate it. In this latest issue of Gateway magazine, we have accounts of students learning in the classroom, but also in different countries, in laboratories and in our community.
Together, these instances make up the CHS Experience.
In these pages, you will read how a student’s relative took part in resolving one of the great healthcare injustices in our nation’s history; you will learn how a study is helping to prevent injury in our nation’s military personnel; and you will learn how several departments in our College are working together to educate diverse students in the community on the possibilities of careers in healthcare.
It all adds up to one, overall meaningful experience — for our students, our faculty, our staff and our alumni.
Enjoy this issue of Gateway, and take time to reflect on your CHS experience.
Again, continue to stay healthy and well,
Scott M. Lephart, PhD Dean and Professor
Do you think you have a good story to share?
Contact Gateway Editor Ryan Clark with story ideas at ryan.clark@uky.edu
...with an average GPA of
students on Dean’s list...
On Friday, May 3, the College of Health Sciences went through spring commencement ceremonies.
While not all students in CHS graduated — many will be taking classes throughout the summer and into the fall, while some programs graduate throughout the year — dozens in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs walked across the stage at Rupp Arena and received their diplomas.
In the Clinical Leadership and Management section, one chair was left empty. There, faculty and family reserved it for senior Madison Becknell, 21, a CLM student who passed away in a car accident Feb. 28. Flowers, cords, and a cap and gown were placed in the chair, along with a large picture of Becknell, who was honored with a posthumous diploma.
“It’s just beautiful,” a fellow graduate said of Becknell’s picture.
In February, Stacy Fritz, PhD, PT, FAPTA, became the newest inductee into the College of Health Sciences Hall of Fame. A 1997 dual degree graduate in Health Sciences, with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Fritz is now a professor at the University of South Carolina (USC) in the Arnold School of Public Health and Chief of Staff for the president.
She was one of three alumni honored at the 2024 CHS Hall of Fame Awards. Also honored were:
Shelby Baez, PhD, ATC, as the Young Alumni Award winner. Baez graduated in 2016 and 2019 with degrees in Athletic Training and the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program.
Thomas Corbett, MHA, the initial recipient of the CHS Undergraduate Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes undergraduate alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their fields. Corbett graduated in 2018 with a degree in Clinical Leadership and Management.
Congratulations to all!
Dr. Karen Clancy, PhD, MBA, BHS, has been named the College of Health Sciences’ new Clinical Leadership and Management Program Director, after UK’s Board of Trustees met and approved the appointment last month.
Dr. Clancy will take over for Sarah Kercsmar, PhD, MHA, who became Chair of the Department of Health and Clinical Sciences.
“It’s an honor to support the College of Health Sciences as Director of the Clinical Leadership and Management program,” Dr. Clancy said. “We have worked hard to design a curriculum that prepares students for one of the fastest growing jobs in the country. Our students are competitive candidates for top graduate schools and also in the workplace. I’m looking forward to the future!”
The Clinical Leadership and Management Program has achieved Essential Employability Qualities (EEQ) recertification by the Quality Assurance (QA) Commons through March 31, 2027.
Essential Employability Qualities
Certification (EEQ CERT) is granted by The Quality Assurance Commons for Postsecondary Education after a rigorous process of external and independent review. EEQ Certified programs foster a distinctive set of attributes in their graduates, and these qualities are intended to prepare graduates to make important contributions in their workplaces.
Cameron Elder, a Physical Therapy student in the Class of 2024, is a recipient of the Mary McMillan Scholarship Award, a national award recognizing four student physical therapists across the country within their final year of education who demonstrate “academic excellence, service to the American Physical Therapy Association, and potential for future contributions to the profession.”
Elder, a native of Louisville, will receive $5,000, and an award presented by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Board of Directors at the APTA national event. An official announcement will appear in an association publication.
Dean Scott Lephart, PhD, always says that other than Commencement, the Faculty and Staff Awards are his favorite day of the year.
Thursday, May 9, those in the College of Health Sciences were able to celebrate again, and several faculty and staff were honored with awards.
Excellence in Faculty Scholarship Award, Early Stage ScholarChristen Guffey Page, PhD, CCC-SLP
Excellence in Faculty Scholarship Award, Senior ScholarTimothy Uhl, PhD, ATC, PT, FNATA
Excellence in Research - Early Stage Investigator AwardKyle Kosik, PhD, ATC
Faculty in Service Award - Chad Guilliams, M.Ed, MLS (ASCP) CM
Richard D Kingston Award for Excellence in TeachingChris Swartz, PhD, MLS (ASCP)
Staff Excellence Award, Non Exempt - Kelly Calia
Staff Excellence Award, Exempt - Doug Long
Student Impact Award - Donna Jones
Congratulations go out to Shelley Irving, MSPAS, PA-C, an Associate Professor and Site Director of the Morehead Campus for the UK Department of Physician Assistant Studies, who has agreed to serve on the Board of Governors of Claire Blue Health LLC.
This comes on the heels of last month’s news, where UK’s Board of Trustees authorized the University to move forward with the acquisition of St. Claire Hospital, an essential community health provider in Morehead. In the same communication, the Board also officially appointed Irving.
Two University of Kentucky students (including one College of Health Sciences student) and one local citizen received UK’s highest honor for humanitarian efforts — the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
Established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and named for its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, the award recognizes those “who exhibit Sullivan’s ideals of heart, mind and conduct as evince a spirit of love for and helpfulness to other men and women.” After the society closed, the award has lived on through the Sullivan Foundation and is given at several universities in the South.
Alexandra “Alex” Simpson, who passed away in 2022, is the citizen award recipient.
At UK, the Sullivan Award is bestowed each year on two graduating seniors and one citizen who has a connection to the university. This year’s Sullivan award student winners are Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou and Kotomi Yokokura.
The Physician Assistant Studies department in the College of Health Studies has added an Orthopaedic PA residency track at UK HealthCare.
The UKPA Academic residency program was originally developed by David Fahringer, MSPH, PA-C and Sibu Saha, MD, FACS, with the goal of training physician assistants in specialty areas to meet the health workforce needs of Kentucky.
“We began with UK HealthCare hospital medicine, critical care, Trauma and Neurology,” said Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, and Department Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and PA Academic residency program director. “As there is a lot of interest among PAs to work in surgery, it was only natural to partner with our Orthopaedic colleagues to assure care for our growing aging population. With 11 percent of PAs nationally working in Orthopaedics, we know that this residency program will be a huge success.”
Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou graduated from the Clinical Leadership and Management program in the College of Health Sciences this May.
Dhemby Moussabou was born in Tchibanga, Gabon, a small town on the west coast of Africa. From a young age, his goal in life has been to help others. Even if it is in a small way, Dhemby Moussabou has worked to provide relief when possible and encourage anyone who may be disheartened.
At UK, Dhemby Moussabou is recognized for his experiences in community involvement, campus engagement, academic success and professionalism. He demonstrates intuitive leadership skills driven by his passion for faith and serving others.
Two graduate departments in the College of Health Sciences have been recognized as being among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, the publication announced this week.
Both Physical Therapy, which ranked No. 21, and Speech Language Pathology, which came in at No. 39, appear in the 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
The rankings allow the programs to display U.S. News-trademarked Best Graduate Schools award “badges” on websites, advertisements, and other media for promotion.
Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed Ramona Carper, PT, DPT, as a member of the State Board of Physical Therapy for a term expiring Feb. 18, 2028.
Carper, a physical therapist and associate professor/associate program director in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, replaces Peggy Block, whose term expired.
“I feel honored to have been chosen to serve Kentucky as a member of the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy,” Carper said.
The University of Kentucky Women’s Forum has named the recipients of the 2024 spring semester Employee Educational Assistance Awards (EEAA), and a College of Health Sciences staffer is one of the winners.
The Women’s Forum Employee Educational Assistance Award compliments UK’s existing tuition waiver program, the Employee Education Program (EEP). Recipients receive $250 to assist with the cost of books and/or other materials, supplies and fees related to their UK coursework.
Congratulations go out to Nadia Henry, currently a Clinical Education Staff Support staffer for the Physician Assistant Studies program.
CHI Saint Joseph Health, a healthcare provider in Kentucky whose employees have developed a close relationship with many students and faculty in the College of Health Sciences’ Clinical Leadership and Management program, was named the University’s Employer of the Year in a ceremony last week.
One of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth, CHI Saint Joseph Health consists of 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 Kentucky counties.
Mary Jo Cooley Hidecker, PhD, CCC-A/SLP, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Health Sciences
at the University of Kentucky was inducted as a Distinguished Scholar Fellow at the 2024 Forum of the National Academies of Practice (NAP). This honor recognizes Dr. Hidecker’s scholarship, research, and teaching which supports interprofessional practices.
In the spring, construction officially began on the new Health Education Building. The construction is still on track to be open in 2026.
University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball player Emma King, who graduated from the College of Health Sciences in December, has been named to the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team, the league office announced this spring.
King, a Stanford, Ky. native, has compiled more than 50 hours of community service during her near five seasons at UK. Most recently, she attended the West Jessamine High School girls basketball fall event in October 2023. There, she spent time with the players, mentoring them on basketball and school. It didn’t mark her first time serving at WJHS. In September 2023, she also visited and spoke to their FCA chapter.
Avram McCarty, PA-C and a Master’s graduate in Physician Assistant Studies in 2019, won the New Preceptor Award at The Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center’s annual Preceptor Recognition Celebration in the fall. Approximately 200 guests were in attendance to honor
preceptors from across the 17-county region, including Bath, Boyd, Carter, Clark, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Powell, Robertson, and Rowan counties.
Georgetown, Ky. — Dean Page Currier, 93, died April 7, 2024. From 1975 to 1993 he was Professor of Physical Therapy at UK. He was chairman of Physical Therapy for six years and established the masters degree program. During his time, he established the master’s degree program
(April 10, 1930 - April 7, 2024)
before retiring in 1993 as Professor Emeritus. He published 50 articles in referred journals, and authored, co-authored or contributed to nine books. He also served for several years on the editorial staff of two physical therapy journals.
BY RYAN CLARK CHS Communications Director
The mission of the College of Health Sciences is to help the people of the Commonwealth attain the highest level of health possible.
What better way to do that, College officials say, than to first help ensure the health of those who protect our country?
A researcher from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI) has been awarded a $3.4 million grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to study the health demands of special tactics to support airmen and create a plan to reduce their risk of job-related injuries.
The goal of this research is to provide the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) with a better picture of the status of special tactics support personnel — uniquely skilled in commanding and controlling operations integrating air and ground capabilities, often necessary in special operations.
The research, led by Nicholas Heebner, Ph.D., Director of SMRI, will develop occupational task analyses, physical assessment and intervention selection framework to enable AFSOC and USAF commands to quantify the physical capacities required for specific occupational specialties that would be needed to inform physical readiness standards and develop military occupational specialties-specific physical readiness training program tailored for these warfighters.
“A lot of research has been done on the special operations operator, but their support personnel can take on more demanding roles and tempo than their conventional forces counterparts,” Heebner said. “This is also our first time working with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Gaining new partnerships and collaborations is always exciting.
“We will also be developing an occupational demand screening framework that we hope will be a useful tool for military commands and health care teams to quantify job task demands and develop injury prevention and occupational task performance enhancement solutions,” he continued.
The study hopes to create and improve information and resources for service members and their health care providers, which would improve warfighter health, performance and resilience.
The project is scheduled to begin this year, Heebner said. Scott Lephart, Ph.D., UK College of Health Sciences Dean, cites this research as a prime example of how the college continues to help the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond attain the highest level of health possible.
“Once again, our researchers are helping to make the world a better place,” Lephart said. “By studying how we can better help these special tactics support airmen, it is no exaggeration to say that this research will help make Americans even more safe. It is the very definition of our mission. We are proud to be leading such an important initiative.”
Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio with locations in 10 states.
Employs approximately 12,500 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and manages a $7 billion portfolio of investments.
Launched in 1997 to consolidate the four former Air Force laboratories and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (the heritage dates back to 1917).
BY RYAN CLARK CHS Communications Director
Mattie Lewis always wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
And even as a senior, preparing to graduate with a degree in Human Health Sciences, she knew it was really just the beginning of her studies — and she wanted more from her education.
“With the end goal of committing to at least four more years of rigorous schooling following undergrad, I was vigilant about using my breaks to fit in as many greater world experiences as possible,” said the 21-year-old from London, Ky.
So, she packed in as many experiences as she could. Through classes like Global Brigades, MEDLIFE, and Arts and Culture in the City of Light, she went on trips to places like Ecuador, Paris, Croatia and Hungary.
“Being able to see a new country for the first time under the expert guidance of the University of Kentucky faculty made the experience incredible, as well as easily attainable,” she said. “I gained many of my favorite college memories, a more diverse understanding of the world, and a complete satisfaction with my undergrad experience.”
Over the past year, the College of Health Sciences has put an increased focus on Education Abroad, launching a CHS Global Initiatives website and emphasizing the benefits that a visit to a foreign country can add to one’s overall college experience.
“Yes, there is ample evidence that suggests students who participate in Education Abroad are more likely to succeed in college,” said Brendan O’Farrell, PhD, and director of the Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College.
For instance, he said, the Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education – a national consortium and data project dedicated to improving research on the impact of international education interventions, including study abroad — noted through extensive data from 36 U.S. institutions, including the University of Kentucky, that students who study abroad reduce their time to degree, earn a higher GPA at degree, and are more likely to graduate in both four and six years.
“Importantly, all of these outcomes account and control for a host of variables, including high-school levels of academic preparation and whether or not the student receives needbased aid,” O’Farrell said. “Education Abroad is a wonderful opportunity that exposes students to new cultures and learning opportunities.”
As a result, he said, CHS students who participate in education abroad are more likely to:
Enhance their own intercultural understanding and maturity.
Show increased levels of independence.
Broaden their academic understanding with a global perspective.
Make themselves more competitive on the job market and/or during the graduate/professional school application process.
With staple countries like England, France, Japan and Italy already in the fold, the number of CHS partnerships is increasing, and also includes service-learning opportunities in places like Ecuador and Belize. In the future, CHS students could find themselves exploring new opportunities in places like the Netherlands and Thailand.
“My best memory from study abroad was my first clinic day on a service-learning adventure with Global Brigades in Santa Domingo, Ecuador,” Lewis said. “While they had taken great measures to prepare us for the trip, I didn’t grasp the magnitude of the impact the program would make until I interacted with the individual beneficiaries in the community.
“I am so grateful for the study abroad opportunities I have had throughout my undergrad experience,” she continued.
“I would advise anyone thinking of studying abroad to say yes! Apply for scholarships and find a way to make this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality.”
“While in Belize, I was paired to work with a 6-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder. My favorite memory occurred while painting with my client as we worked together on his expressive and receptive language. After a while, he lost interest in the paper and walked over to a nearby tree. I quickly followed him and took this as a learning opportunity. I engaged and got him to imitate words such as ‘tree’ and ‘paint the tree.’”
Lynsey McAllister, Communication Sciences and Disorders
“I learned how to live on my own for three weeks in a foreign country and the differences between Italy and the United States. My best memory was visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa — I have always seen photos of it, but seeing it in person was very memorable!”
“I’ve always wanted to study healthcare systems outside of the US, and universal healthcare systems like France’s intrigued me. I also just have a love of traveling, and I had a desire to meet new people and make new friends!”
Kaylin Crowe, Clinical Leadership and Management
“It was always a dream of mine to study abroad while representing my University. My best memory was traveling to Belgium with my classmates and attending a concert. If you ever go to Brussels, stop at la Gare de Midi. They have the best waffles in the country. Thank me later!”
Emmanuel Dhemby Moussabou, Clinical Leadership and Management
Emma Malawy, Human Health Sciences, pre-dental track
chs.uky.edu/global-initiatives
Shadowing Abroad (Atlantis)
BY RYAN CLARK CHS Communications Director
Happy 50th Birthday to the Physician Assistant program.
Or, at least … the birthday is almost here.
By the time 2025 rolls around, the program will be celebrating the halfcentury mark, and the year looks to be one filled with parties, stories and merriment.
“Celebrating 50 years is a significant milestone,” said Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, associate professor and Chair of the Physician Assistant Studies Department. “We have over 1,900 alumni, with over half of them directly serving the people of the Commonwealth. This five decades of experience grants us the privilege to be seen as leaders in PA education and the capability to be innovative. We look forward to 50 more years of providing health care to the people of Kentucky.”
On Oct. 25, 2025, PA officials are planning a 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala to commemorate the milestone, and leading up to that event, the program is building an archive of their history.
“This will include collecting oral histories, documents and developing a 50th anniversary booklet,” Valentin said. “Please visit our website and submit your documents — paper records, pictures, memories — and visit the website regularly for updates that we will share.”
Also, she said, be looking in your email for a Savethe-Date reminder.
“One of my favorite images in on our UKPA history webpage shows the old hotel that once held classes, along with our current building in CTW and our planned new building, HEB,” Valentin said. “This visual shows me how much we have grown and changed. At the same time, we haven’t changed that much as we have remained true to our mission to improve the health care of Kentuckians.”
The program is still looking for sponsors for the gala. Ranked among the Top 20 programs nationwide, it offers a world-class education that prepares students to excel in their careers. And coming in 2026, the UKPA Department will be housed in the innovative, state-of-the-art Health Education Building.
“It is important because we have taught so many students, and celebrating our alumni is critical,” Valentin said. “Additionally, it is important as we look forward to the Health Education Building and growing our program to appreciate the past — and appreciate all who have partnered with us and gotten us to this place.”
Kevin Schuer, DrPH, PA-C, is the Program Director and Associate Professor for the Physician Assistant Studies Department.
“Very few PA programs nationally have been around as long as the UK PA program has,” he said. “This is an extraordinary time and event where we honor and celebrate the hundreds of graduates who have not only influenced healthcare across Kentucky, but have also become leaders and innovators in the field. Here’s to five decades of shaping compassionate, skilled professionals and to many more years of impactful service and leadership in healthcare.”
Donations will go toward scholarship opportunities for students
Champion | $7000
Prominent placement of company logo on all event materials including invitations, banners, and program.
Special acknowledgment during the opening and closing remarks.
Opportunity for a representative to speak at the event.
VIP seating and reserved table (8 seats)
Complimentary raffle tickets
Social media mentions
Advocate | $5000
Acknowledgment in the event program.
Social media mentions
Tickets for company representatives
Reserved premium seating
Verbal recognition
Supporter | $2500
Acknowledgment in the event program.
Social media mentions
Tickets for company representatives
Reserved premium seating
Verbal recognition
In-Kind Sponsorships | $TBD by the donor
Sponsorship through provision of goods or services (e.g., catering, decorations, entertainment).
Sponsorship for a particular alum to attend.
Sponsorship of a current student to attend.
Contribution to a UKPA Student Scholarship.
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the Oct. 25, 2025, PA 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala?
Email Loralyn Cecil at laceci2@uky.edu for more information.
BY CORI SIMPSON CHS contributor
This past year I learned about ethics in healthcare, and I got a profound opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions and resilience of the Black community throughout history. I was able to think about and honor the trailblazers, activists, artists and leaders who have shaped the world we live in today.
I’m fortunate to have a remarkable individual in my family — my grandfather, Clay Eddie Simpson Jr., Ph.D. Allow me to share our story.
During the 2023 fall semester at the University of Kentucky, I sat in a class taught by Karen Skaff, Ph.D., learning about prominent historical ethical dilemmas that shaped medicine into what it is today.
One of the major events that we discussed was the Tuskegee syphilis study. This was an inhumane study conducted from 1932 to 1972 that was intended to see the natural history of untreated syphilis in Black men.
The doctors implementing the study did not collect informed consent from the participants nor provide them with treatment when it became available. Over 100 of the participants died of syphilis or related complications.
Shocked by the discussion in Professor Skaff’s class, I wondered if my grandfather — who previously held a prominent role in government and medicine — had any knowledge of this historical atrocity, given that it occurred during his time. After class, I immediately reached out to him, and that’s when I discovered his distinguished role in history relating to the study.
On May 16, 1997, former President Bill Clinton gave an apology to the nation regarding the Tuskegee syphilis study. At the time, my grandfather was the chief advisor to the secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on matters of minority health. In this position, he played a crucial part in background research pursuant to the White House event, which assisted President Clinton in drafting the apology that was read to the nation.
“What was done cannot be undone,” said former President Bill Clinton in his 1997 apology. “But we can end the silence. We can stop turning our heads away. We can look at you in the eye and finally say on behalf of the American people, what the United States government did was shameful, and I am sorry.”
This revelation of my grandfather’s involvement left me awestruck, and when I shared it with Professor Skaff, her astonishment mirrored mine. In the subsequent class, she graciously allowed me to speak about my personal connection to the study, a moment of immense pride in my life. However, it was just another in a long line of reasons to be proud of my grandfather.
Clay Simpson graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s degree in public health. He was among the first Black Americans at the university to do so. He then went on to attain his Ph.D. in preventive medicine and public health from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center.
After making significant contributions to society, Simpson received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the New England College of Optometry and William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. In addition, he received three Honorary Doctorate of Science awards from Meharry Medical College, Tuskegee University and Tougaloo College.
Beyond these accomplishments, he completed a program for health system management at Harvard Business School, solidifying his reputation as an academic standout.
Simpson was sworn into the Federal Senior Executive Service by former President Jimmy Carter and later received the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a federal civil servant.
This spring, Cori Simpson graduated with a degree in Human Health Sciences. While she plans on continuing her education in physical therapy, during her undergraduate classes, she took a course on Ethics and Healthcare, and she learned she had an amazing connection to one of the great scandals in the history of our country. Afterward, she wrote an essay for our university website where she reflected on what she learned, expressed her pride for a relative, and described her contribution to the education of her peers.
His illustrious career culminated in his retirement in 1999 from the position of deputy assistant secretary for minority health in the Department of Health and Human Services. He was inducted into the College of Public Health Hall of Fame at the University of Kentucky in 2004, and has a building named after him at Meharry Medical College in Nashville.
Not only was my grandfather impactful in history, but he has also been impactful in my life.
He serves as my confidant in education, career and life in general. He is my ultimate inspiration, contributing to the woman I am today. He bestowed upon me the best father one could ask for.
There are no words or deeds that can adequately express my gratitude, but I’m committed to adding to the foundation and legacy of the “Dr. Simpson” family name that he has diligently created.
With the help of Professor Skaff and the ethical dilemma class I took, I developed a deeper connection with my grandfather, enriching our relationship beyond measure.
And to know he had a hand in helping ease the pain of one of the most harmful medical scandals in U.S. history, it made me even more proud of him.
Interested in more information about the class, the study, and Cori?
Download and listen to The Way Podcast, hosted by Ryan Clark and Bernadette Cortez.
Find it at chs.uky.edu/about/the-way-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
Student, Staffer is One of the Fastest
BY RYAN CLARK CHS Communications Director
“I’ve been puzzling my whole life. But I’m from Northern Minnesota, so you spend a lot of time in the winter inside with not much to do — unless you want to read or puzzle …”
That’s Michaela Keener, explaining how she got into puzzling — or putting together jigsaw puzzles. As a child, she and her family would spend cold days sitting inside for hours, working out where all the pieces would go. She enjoyed it.
In 2016, Keener and her sister participated in the 4-H Duluth Puzzle Derby, a competitive jigsaw puzzle
contest held in Duluth, Minnesota. Everyone gets the same puzzle, and they race to see who can finish it the fastest. They took third place.
She kept working at it.
“In 2019 we took third for teams again, and then first for pairs, and then I took second in the 100-piece individual sprint,” Keener said. “Then they asked the two of us who’d gotten first and second place in the sprint to do it again — the same puzzle, we’re just doing it again. And I blew the girl out of the water — I knew where every piece went because I have a memory for puzzle pieces.”
In a bit of a perfect storm, her team, made up of herself, one of her
sisters, her mom and the team captain, Amber, won their division at the St. Paul Winter Carnival — the largest team speed puzzling event in the country. Keener then started an Instagram account to keep track of her puzzles.
And then the world changed, as the pandemic came to America. Puzzling, once again, became the thing to do when stuck indoors. Keener fell into an influencer position, reviewing puzzles, creating events for the community and writing blogs. She was well known throughout the community.
Then again, you may know Keener for another reason. You may know her as a student in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences and a doctoral candidate in the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Ph.D. Program. Others may know her as the Equestrian Athlete Initiative research administrative coordinator in the Sports Medicine Research Institute.
Few know that in the fall of 2023, Keener traveled to Spain for the first time to take part in the annual World Puzzling Championships.
That’s right, for one long weekend every year, the sunny city of Valladolid, Spain, turns into the capital of puzzling. Pro-puzzlers go head-to-head, chasing time and competing against each other in a heated race to crown the best puzzler in the world.
There are three categories: teams, pairs and individuals. There are four days of non-stop puzzling. There is only one individual champion, with other team champions.
Keener found out exactly how good she is.
Of course, you have to be pretty talented to make it to the world championships. Her fastest time ever completing a 500-piece puzzle is just over 31 minutes. She averages about 45. But that doesn’t mean she has a perfect memory.
“I don’t have a photographic memory, but I’m definitely a visual learner,” she said. “I also have late, adult diagnosis of ADHD.
“We’ve talked within the puzzle community,” she continued. “There’s a lot of us with ADHD diagnoses, and every puzzle piece you get right is a dopamine boost. So, you just want to keep going and keep going.”
When it was over, she knew exactly where she ranked in the world (on one website she sat at No. 763 going in).
The results were very good. Keener finished as the 17th fastest puzzler in the world, while her pair team and fourperson teams both finished second. She received some cool trophies and a few hundred euros to celebrate.
Still, no matter the results, she was able to travel to Spain and puzzle. It was the trip of a lifetime, she said.
And for every competition, there is a mantra, one that seems to be fitting — get it? — for puzzling, as well as for life.
“We’re just going to do the best we can,” she said. “One piece at a time. One piece at a time.”
BY RYAN CLARK
CHS Communications Director
It’s all about encouragement and support, CHS faculty say.
This January, the YMCA Black Achievers Healthcare Cluster visited the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, and faculty and current CHS students shared information about their available programs in healthcare, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The YMCA Black Achievers is a college and career readiness program that provides equitable access, opportunities and support to ensure success after high school for historical marginalized youth.
Students, known as “Achievers,” are exposed to academic support, career exploration, mentoring and social/ emotional well-being programs. Achievers are supported by YMCA staff, volunteers and Adult Achievers as they develop mind, body and spirit.
In their visit to CHS, the Achievers experienced hands-on presentations and demonstrations in fields like laboratory science, speech language pathology, and they explored careers like becoming a physician assistant or healthcare administrator, just to name a few.
“We wanted to get the word out about our profession to high school students possibly interested in pursuing healthcare careers,” said Chris Swartz, PhD, MLS, (ASCP) CM, and assistant professor in Medical Laboratory Science and the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD program.
“It’s always a lot of fun to do engaging lab activities with students, and I hope that the students now know a little bit more about the role that medical laboratory professionals play behind the scenes.”
“We want to educate students about the health professions,” said Chad Guilliams, MEd., MLS (ASCP), and lecturer in Medical Laboratory Science. “We want to encourage and support prospective young adults interested in the healthcare profession.”
Helps youth develop a positive sense of self. Raises academic standards and improves college & career readiness.
Builds character, increases positive assets of youth, and provides social-emotional support.
Encourages students to set and pursue goals related to their college and career aspirations.
Provides mentors and role models whose success and knowledge inspire youth.
Creates opportunities for youth to engage with mentors from local businesses and industries.
Recognizes and promotes excellence among youth participants and adult volunteers
College/Work Tours
Financial Literacy
Life/Social Skills
Professional Networking
Founded in 1985, Black Achievers continues to support youth in academics, mentoring, and post-secondary success through dedicated business and community volunteers who support the program giving of their time, talents and treasures.
BY LORALYN CECIL CHS Philanthropy Director
Who knew that The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb could be part of someone’s journey to a career as a bilingual physical therapist? For Emanuel Mora, that book and the entire Goosebumps series in Spanish was one of many important steps.
When Mora was a child in Kentucky, his dad, who is from Puerto Rico, would talk to him in Spanish. Little Mora would answer in English. He did not read or write Spanish at the time, but it was important to his parents that he learn. They enrolled him in local Spanish-immersion schools — and they bought the Goosebumps series in Spanish for him to learn to read.
By high school, Mora was fluent in Spanish, and it came in very handy when he enrolled at the University of Kentucky.
You see, originally, he planned to be a dentist. But through an internship at Samaritan’s Touch, a physical therapy clinic led by Doctor of Physical Therapy students, he became interested in being a PT. He visited the clinic a few times a month, helping patients schedule appointments and interpreting for them.
“Samaritan’s Touch rocked my world,” Mora said. One day, he interpreted for a woman who came for an initial evaluation.
“She could not raise her arm even 45 degrees,” he remembered. “She reported having great pain and an extremely tight chest.”
After a few appointments, she said her pain was gone and she could lift her arm for the full range of motion. When she learned she was finished with physical therapy, she went to every professional and thanked them.
And she personally thanked Mora for speaking for her.
“If it wasn’t for us, she would not have received care because of the communication barrier,” he said. “While apps can help people, a Spanish-speaking person can be an interpreter, advocate and the provider.”
Mora said that language builds trust. “I can see shoulders relax when patients hear their healthcare provider speaks their language,” he said.
Mora entered UK’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy program in August 2021 and received a scholarship from the PT Class of 1970. He also received the Dwain Robert Rice Memorial Scholarship. “I am thankful for the scholarship support,” he said. “And I appreciate that UK PT alumni have each other’s back.”
After he finishes his last clinical rotation this summer, Mora plans to work in an out-patient physical therapy clinic. He will live in Lexington with his wife, Taylor, and their infant daughter, Lorena.
“I feel so invested within my current program that I’ll be going to the staff for advice and clinical decision-making for years to come,” he said. “I’m so grateful that I have professors that I can now call colleagues who also have my best interest in mind along with the patients that I get to treat in the future.”
This summer, Mora will graduate, and he will be ready to serve the Spanish-speaking people in central Kentucky.
“I am grateful for Samaritan’s Touch,” he said. “And I am thankful for the PT program and the clinical rotations. When I meet a patient now, I think, ‘I know how to help you. I am going to do everything in my power to help you.’”
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Lexington, Kentucky
Dedicated to bridging communication barriers for Spanish-speaking patients, enhancing the overall quality of care through effective and compassionate patient interaction in a variety of settings.
Physical Therapy Student
University of Kentucky · Full-time Aug 2021 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos
Clinical Assistant Lexington Infectious Disease · Full-time Oct 2020 - Jul 2021 · 10 mos
University of Kentucky Bachelor’s of Science Education in Kinesiology 2014 - 2018 Technician
Resilience Physical Therapy Sep 2019 - Oct 2020 · 1 yr 2 mos
Doctor of Physical Therapy 2021-2024
Mora and the DPT Class of 2024 showed their love for the Good Samaritan Clinic. The class recently created a website to encourage support of the clinic and made a donation as well. chs.uky.edu/clinical-services/samaritans-touch
FROM 1.1.2024 - 6.1.2024
Sheila Clemens, PT, MPT, PhD
Physical Therapy
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
$13,870.00
Kirby Mayer, DPT, PhD
Physical Therapy
Kimberly Tumlin, PhD, MS, MPH; and Michaela Keener, MS
Athletic Training & Clinical Nutrition
National Science Foundation
$50,000.00
Brandi White, PhD, MPH
Health and Clinical Sciences
National Library of Medicine Foundation for Physical Therapy
$80,000.00
$374,774.00
McDougall Student Endowed Scholarship Fund
Dr. Lori A. Bolgla ‘05, ‘97
Mr. Keith J. Hudson ‘97
Mr. Matthew L. Turner ‘90
Dwain Robert Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund
Dr. Esther Dupont-Versteegden
Mr. Keith J. Hudson ‘97
Ethan Earlywine Student Emergency Endowment Fund
Georgetown Community Hospital
Dr. Sharon R. Stewart
Amy M. Waugh Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Dr. Johanna M. Hoch ‘13
Ms. Charlotte F. Waugh
Mary Lloyd Ireland Active Girls and Healthy Women Endowed Fund
Ms. Kathleen J. DeBoer
Ms. Brigid L. DeVries
Deirdre M. Dlugonski
Mrs. Alicia Helm McCorvey
Mrs. Martha B. Schlegel
Health Sciences Development Scholarship Fund
Ms. Bonnie E. Boggs ‘77
Health Sciences Academic Fund for Excellence
Dr. Ming-Yuan Chih
Ms. Laura L. Justice ‘91
Mrs. Therese K. Kopytko
Mr. Barret Lanham May
Mrs. Denise N. McCarthy
Dr. Randa Remer-Eskridge
Mr. James M. Rhodes ‘12
Physician Assistant Studies Development Alumni Fund
Dr. Kevin M. Schuer
Clinical Laboratory Sciences Development Alumni Fund
Mr. Chad Guilliams
Clinical Nutrition Development Alumni Fund
Mrs. Carol J. Chappell
Physical Therapy Development Alumni Fund
Mr. Keith J. Hudson ‘97
Mrs. Whitney Lush Quiambao ‘00
Dr. Barbara L. Sanders ‘72
CAHP Athletic Training Development and Alumni Fund
Ms. Jaclyn K. Donovan
Brian Wise Scholarship Fund
Dr. Carrie Baker ‘12
SMRI Gift Fund
Dean Scott M. Lephart
Dr. Nicholas R. Heebner
College of Health Sciences Samaritan’s Touch Clinic Fund
Doctorate of Physical Therapy Class of 2024
Active Girls Healthy Women Gift Fund
Dr. Lori A. Bolgla ‘05
Ms. Julia Emberton Moran
Ms. Mary F. Vaughan
Ellen Felice Mattacola Scholarship Fund
Ms. Jaclyn K. Donovan
Dr. Carl G. Mattacola
Physical Therapy Program Scholarship Fund
Mr. Keith J. Hudson ‘97 Mr. Jonathan Edward Perkins
Communication Sciences Disorders Scholarship Fund
Dr. Anne Desmarais Olson ‘10
Grace Jones Memorial Fund
Ms. Erin Alft
Ms. Mary E. Allen ‘05
Dr. Richard D. Andreatta
Dr. Karen S. Badger
Mr. Richard M. Bloyd
Ms. Ramona A. Carper ‘92
Mr. Keith E. Cecil
Ms. Loralyn A. Cecil
Dr. Karen F. Clancy ‘91
Mr. Ryan F. Clark
Mrs. Carol A. Collier ‘59
Mr. John Cruz
Dr. Elizabeth A. Debski
Ms. Carolyn L. Dennis ‘82
Dr. Esther Dupont-Versteegden
Mrs. Lisa K. Echsner ‘85
Dr. Susan K. Effgen
Mr. Scott A. Fannin
Mr. Frank Gdovka
Ms. Phyllis J. Goodrich ‘75
Dr. Courtney Allison Hatcher ‘17 and ‘21
Ms. Margie Hegge
Ms. Susan L. Herrick
Ms. Mary Jo Hidecker
Mrs. Cynthia L. Hile ‘71
Ms. Shannon M. Hoard ‘96
Dr. Johanna M. Hoch ‘12
Ms. Meredith L. Houlihan
Mrs. Sherrie L. Keller ‘99
Dr. Sarah E. Kercsmar
Mr. Patrick H. Kitzman ‘99
Dr. Jane O. Kleinert ‘05
Kandi Kretzschmar
Dr. Janice M. Kuperstein
Ms. Kara Lynch Lee ‘97 and ‘08
Mrs. Virginia W. Longnecker ‘82
Ms. Joanna I. Lyon ‘96
Mrs. Trudi Lynn Matthews
Mrs. Denise N. McCarthy
Mrs. Chrystal E. Means ‘90
Ms. Kaye Combs Moore ‘73
Dr. Denise ODell
Dr. Anne Desmarais Olson ‘10
Mrs. Sue B. Overman
Dr. Judith L. Page
Mrs. Deborah Puckett ‘73
Dr. Brian C. Rymond
Dr. Barbara L. Sanders ‘72
Dr. Casey O. Shadix
Dr. Kimberly Idele Tumlin
Mr. Roddy Williams
Clinical Leadership & Management Development/Alumni Gift Fund
Mr. Mark A. Slone ‘96
Gorman Family Medical Laboratory Sciences Scholarship Fund
Dr. Linda S. Gorman
Jewish Student Life Program Gift Fund
Mr. Eugene Lewis DuBow
Dr. Janice M. Kuperstein Fahringer Underwood Scholarship Fund
‘18
‘14
University of Kentucky
Charles T. Wethington Building
900 South Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40536-0200
chs.uky.edu
In preparation for our 50th anniversary celebration we are compiling as much historical information as possible, so we need your help.
Use the QR code to send us your memories (ie. pictures, documents) and help us build the UK PA history archive.
