Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Maha Lund, officiated the ceremony on April 8, charging members to continue to honor the work of the SHS community and celebrate our accomplishments.

2025 Award Categories and Recipients

Grateful Award
Recipient: Monica Zimmerman, adjunct/affiliate faculty, anatomy
The grateful award spotlights the work of SHS community members who are not full-time faculty or staff but provide invaluable service to SHS. Zimmerman’s contributions as an adjunct instructor for both the PA and DPT programs, as well as her work with the Anatomical Gift Program sealed this award for “Dr. Z.”

Staff Excellence Award
Meghan Renfroe, program assistant for the Department of Nursing
The staff excellence award is given to a full-time staff member in the SHS who has provided valuable contributions to their department as well as the school overall. Renfroe’s dedication to both undergraduate and ABSN nursing students, a growing faculty and assistance in completing a successful accreditation process were highlighted.

Excellence in Service, Leadership, and Collaboration Award
Recipient: Alexis Moore, assistant professor in Physician Assistant Studies
The excellence in service, leadership and collaboration award celebrates a full-time community member who has significantly advanced the institution through their service, leadership and collaboration efforts. Moore’s work with Start Early in Medicine, mentorship of student projects, community leadership and collaborations with PA and nursing faculty were recognized.

Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring
Recipient: Cynthia Bennett, Associate Professor in Physician Assistant Studies
The excellence in teaching and mentoring award honors a full-time community member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and mentoring qualities. Bennett’s classroom initiatives include establishing the PA program’s anatomy and physiology course sequences, teaching reproductive health and integrating Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) into many aspects of the PA curriculum, preparing high-quality graduates.

The awards ceremony underscored the School of Health Science’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in health sciences. The recipients’ achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire community, encouraging continued pursuit of knowledge and service.

SHS awards nominations are solicited throughout the year. Faculty, staff, and students may nominate. To learn more about SHS awards, contact the chair of the SHS Awards Committee, Janet Cope.

Susan “Suze” Davis Kopynec ’81 graduated from 51±¬ÁĎÍř with a degree in biology and medical lab technology and attended graduate school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she was trained as a physician assistant (PA) in the traditional medical model. After a 20 plus year career as a PA in Pinehurst, North Carolina, she now owns and practices at StoryChangers Medical/Clinical Hypnosis in Southern Pines. Her husband, Dr. Bo William Kopynec, received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1978 and practices Family Medicine with FirstHealth of the Carolinas in Pinehurst.

This year, the committee awarded Kopynec Scholarships in three distinct areas in the amount of $500 each. In total, the committee evaluated 14 student applications, resulting in the selection of the outstanding recipients listed below.

Kopynec Scholarship Awards and Awardees

Kopynec Housing Allowance

This year’s recipients of the Kopynec Housing Allowance Scholarship are Natalie Gadaleta and Barbara Ramirez. The scholarship supports travel and housing expenses for “away” rotations over 60 miles from 51±¬ÁĎÍř, essential for meeting graduation requirements. Two clinical-year PA students received this scholarship based on demonstrated need and optimal use of the funds. Applicants submitted essays explaining how this scholarship would enhance their learning opportunities and their commitment to the Elon mission statement.

Kopynec Global Experiences

This scholarship is supporting two clinical-year students who wish to engage in international studies. Applicants described how studying abroad would influence their future PA practice and how they planned to use the funds. Priority is given to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students wishing to participate in Study U.S.A. or those who have not traveled outside the US.

Recipients Maya Leemaster and Tyler Arenas are currently in Belize, completing a clinical rotation in that country’s most sparsely populated and least developed district, providing care in home health, outpatient, mobile clinic and community education settings.

Kopynec NCCPA Allowance

The Kopynec NCCPA Allowance Scholarship awards $500 to a clinical-year student committed to wellness, cultural humility and collaboration, aiding in covering the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) registration fee. In their essays, applicants outlined their plans to promote collaboration and include diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as licensed PAs. This year’s recipient, Sloan Horejsi, has shown dedication to personal and professional growth and DEI. She has also served as a leader in the cohort.

Recognizing Excellence

These scholarships are more than just financial awards; they represent a commitment to learning, caring, serving and leading, embodying the core values of the Elon PA mission statement. Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and to the broader mission of the PA program.

We are grateful to the Kopynecs for recognizing the mission of the PA program at Elon and for supporting our students in their education. Please join us in congratulating these remarkable students on their achievements. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have earned them these well-deserved scholarships. We look forward to seeing how they will continue to excel and contribute to the field of healthcare.

Denim Day

The PA Class of 2024 held a sexual assault awareness activity to spotlight Crossroads, a local sexual assault and child advocacy center. The activity included a Denim Day, where students made a small donation to wear denim to class. The funds raised were used to purchase children’s books for their bookshelves. Crossroads keeps a store of books on site for any client. The books are shared for free.

Conference Connections

Faculty and staff also attended the American Academy of Physician Associate (AAPA) National Conference. Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Alexis Moore provided an overview of research related to the community engagement activity Start Early in Medicine, along with Summer Dunlap ’24. Lilly McGonegal ’24 served as the Elon PA Student Society delegate on the Assembly of Representatives of the AAPA.

Students also participated the National Medical Challenge Bowl, competing against PA programs from across the nation. Representing Elon PA were Michael McCormack ’25, Dylan Kantor ’24 and Lilly McGonegal ’24. Katrina Jackson ’25 and Savannah Summy ’25 served as alternates.

In addition to the Challenge Bowl, students showcased their advanced skills in the AAPA National iScan Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) competition. This event highlighted ultrasound proficiency, a skill developed through the program’s interest group USIG POCUS, the Clinical Year POCUS program, and the inaugural NC Scan 2024 POCUS competition held earlier in 2024. Students who competed in the iScan competition included Dylan Kantor ’24, Summer Dunlap ’24, Devron Felder ’25 and Lina Meikle ’25.  The inaugural NC Scan team included Devron Felder ’25, Savannah Summy ’25 and Christina Saba ’24. Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Cynthia Bennetts leads the POCUS program in PA Studies at Elon.

In addition to the national service opportunities, the NC Academy of PAs (NCAPA) recently held the annual PA Day at the Legislature. Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Anthony Clare represented Elon PA at the event. During the activity, Clare took part in conversations that advocated for the needs of PAs in NC and met with legislative representatives with practicing PAs as well as other PA learners.

Faculty and staff in the School of Health Sciences gathered to celebrate the 2023-24 recipients of the SHS Excellence Awards. The following awards were presented:

SHS Staff Excellence

The Staff Excellence Award at 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences acknowledges a full-time staff member who significantly advances the school’s mission and departmental goals.

This year, Gytis Balilionis received the honor for his exceptional contributions to the Anatomy Laboratory and Anatomical Gift Program Donor Care.

Since 2011, Balilionis has played a pivotal role in supporting human anatomy teaching and expanding the Anatomical Gift Program. He is known for diligent management of laboratory spaces and equipment, along with overseeing donor preparation and care.

Balilionis’s unwavering dedication ensures the safety and dignity of donors while embodying the school’s mission of developing empathetic healthcare professionals. His integrity, work ethic and compassionate approach make him an invaluable member of the community, truly deserving of this recognition.

SHS Excellence in Service, Leadership, and Collaboration

The Excellence in Service, Leadership, and/or Collaboration Award at 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences recognizes a full-time community member who has significantly advanced the institution through their service, leadership and collaboration efforts.

This year, Paula DiBiasio, associate professor of physical therapy education, was honored for her remarkable dedication spanning 25 years. Her leadership on various committees and university-wide initiatives, including IPE, DEI, and Student Review and Evaluation, showcases her commitment to advancing strategic priorities.

DiBiasio earned the Residence Life Julie Justice Faculty Engagement Award for 2021-22 for her impactful contributions as a Faculty-in-Residence in the Danieley Neighborhood, where she fosters student relationships, mentoring, and supports first-generation students. Her efforts to ensure the provision of equitable healthcare by promoting students’ development of intercultural competencies and global learning experiences is evident in her leadership of the Global Learning Opportunities Program, which earned her the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center Exemplary Faculty Award in 2023.

DiBiasio’s unwavering dedication to student success and her efforts to work collaboratively to enhance institutional resources demonstrate her profound impact on both the local and global student experience, making her a deserving recipient of this award.

SHS Excellence in Scholarship

The Excellence in Scholarship Award at 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences acknowledges a full-time community member who demonstrates outstanding scholarly achievements that contribute to advancing disciplinary knowledge or supporting teaching, reflecting Elon’s Teacher-Scholar model. Crystal Ramsey, assistant professor of physical therapy education, is this year’s recipient, recognized for seamlessly integrating research with teaching and mentoring.

Her diverse scholarly pursuits, including traditional research, innovative pedagogy, and collaborative efforts, highlight the multifaceted nature of academic scholarship.

Ramsey’s extensive portfolio encompasses peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and poster sessions, showcasing her versatility and depth across various scholarly activities. Notably, she excels in securing substantial funding, which underscores her strategic leadership and commitment to advancing research and nurturing emerging scholars.

In essence, Ramsey’s scholarly journey exemplifies excellence within 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences.

SHS Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring

The Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award at 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences honors a full-time community member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and mentoring qualities.

This year, Tracey Thurnes, associate professor of physician assistant studies, received the accolade for her exceptional dedication to student success and her ability to form strong connections with learners. For over a decade, Thurnes has positively impacted students at every academic level, particularly through her role as Director of Accelerated Pathways. Under her guidance, the program has thrived, providing students with unique opportunities for growth and development.

Thurnes’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her innovative teaching methods and mentorship that foster critical thinking and leadership skills crucial for future healthcare professionals. Her commitment to advancing medical education and improving patient care is evident in her scholarly activities and collaborations with colleagues and students. Testimonials from colleagues, students, and alumni highlight her profound impact on their academic and professional journeys. Thurnes exemplifies excellence in teaching and mentoring, deserving of recognition for her outstanding contributions to the academic community.

Dean Maha Lund concluded the ceremony by expressing optimism for the future and reiterated the school’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. The event concluded with a reception, allowing attendees to mingle, network, and reflect on the collective accomplishments that continue to propel the School of Health Sciences to new heights of success.

Pre-professional learners who experience these types of learning activities are now prepared to consider the needs of the patient, the caregiver and the caregiver’s support network. They are also prepared to weigh their own words and consider the impact of how what they do and say as healthcare team members affect, directly and indirectly, the end users of the health care system: patients and families. This generates graduates prepared for the daily challenges of healthcare who are also prepared to be advocates for those without a voice.

Essential Conversations for Caregivers is an interprofessional training program sponsored by the School of Health Sciences Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) Committee. The program hinges on the research of Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy, and Dianne Person, director of Elon’s Anatomical Gift program. Additional collaborators have included Professor Monica Burney (Human Service Studies), Nita Skillman (SHS Interprofessional Simulation Center) and Kim Stokes (PA Studies).

In this engaged learning activity, approximately 100 future nurses, PTs, and PAs participated in a listening session followed by a question and answer with our guest speaker. Then, a design sprint was utilized to allow learners to process their individual thoughts, feelings and means of support for this population. Following the design sprint, learners worked in interprofessional teams to theme their thoughts and identify a common question.

In the last hour of the activity, learners participated in two role plays where they learned the value of having each team member’s perspective and that the health care team includes the patient’s caregivers.

Person began the work of Essential Conversations (formerly, “Crucial Conversations”) in 2019 as a collaboration with Elon PA program focused on end-of-life discussions. Since then, a series of Essential Conversations collaborations have taken place in the School of Health Sciences related to end-of-life care, difficult diagnoses, and patient-centered interviewing. ‘

This includes the work with Scales (PT), Tracey Thurnes (PA), Charity Johansen (PT), Tiffany Morris and Jacqueline DeBrew (Nursing). When an opportunity for interprofessional learning is available, it is ideal.

This year’s guest speaker was Melissa Groves, mother of Jackson Groves, a child with a diagnosis of and parent advocate. She has guest lectured at Duke University’s School of Medicine on the importance of healthcare providers partnering with parents & caregivers.  Her expertise in navigating the health care system, communicating with health care providers in the care of her child, and educating healthcare providers brought a rich experience to the students in 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences. Groves has a passion for bringing the “human” side of patients and caregivers to different audiences in the hopes it will make providers consider the whole child during treatment,  not just a child’s diagnosis.

This year’s facilitators included Scales, Stacey Thomas (ABSN), Stokes, Paula DiBiasio (PT, SHS IPE committee), and Bethany Fearnow (simulation center, SHS IPE committee).

Feedback for the learning experience is positive and the School of Health Sciences plans to host the learning activity again in the following years. To date, this educational activity centered around Essential Conversations has led to multiple presentations for SHS collaborators, both nationally and internationally.

In return for the scholarship and stipend, graduates commit to a minimum of two  years of service in (HPSAs). A HPSA can be a geographic area, population, or facility that has a deficit of primary care, dental care, or mental health care providers. Examples include federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), Indian health services and tribal hospitals, correctional facilities, state/county mental hospitals, rural health centers, and more. These centers provide access to healthcare and the interprofessional nature of their work addresses social determinants of health to promote positive health outcomes.

Currently, Elon PA cohorts include six NHSC Scholars. From the Class of 2022, these include Sarah Akihary, Morgan Darrow, and Emily Griffith. From the Class of 2023, Benjamin Carrion, Lauren Dyke, and Olivia Mitchell.  The 2022 graduates are currently seeking their first positions within the health professions shortage areas in and beyond, fulfilling the Elon PA mission of caring, serving, and leading.

Several years ago, the Elon PA Student Society organized the Great Cape Escape 5k/10k to raise funds for the clinic that supports uninsured persons in Alamance County. This year, with the pandemic and other factors at play, the organization opted to go with a golf-themed event instead.

The efforts were led by PA student Josh Pugliese and the Elon PA Student Society leadership. The event was held at the Challenge Course in Graham on Oct. 9. Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Dr. Cindy Bennnett also assisted in the preparations.

In addition to raising funds for and awareness of the Open Door Clinic, students also were on site to provide information about the PA profession and the role of this profession in meeting health care needs in our communities.

The  was established in 1990 and treats more than 500 patients annually. There are many volunteer opportunities with the clinic. If you are interested in finding out more, click .

This engaged learning activity included 102 students from the Human Service Studies, Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant departments who gathered at Lakeside for the three-hour workshop. During the event, learners heard the story of community member Karen Tartick.

Tartick is a local physical therapist who was awarded the from the American Physical Therapy Association- North Carolina. She shared her experiences raising a son with autism and the challenges of providing his care even now, as a 30-year-old.

After hearing these challenges, students completed a design sprint to explore feelings, actions and questions related to the presentation before developing a group product that included a major takeaway and a major question for families/caregivers of those with special needs. To round out the experience, the learners were provided scripts for role play as the PA, PT, social worker or parent to allow them a safe space to practice these skills.

Interprofessional collaboration is key to quality patient-centered care. Creating opportunities for learners to engage in interprofessional teams and explore complex medical scenarios is integral to valuing the perspectives of other humans, as well as other health care providers in the medical team.

This activity was planned by Melissa Scales, assistant professor of Physical Therapy Education, who is a board-certified specialist in pediatric physical therapy. Facilitators and case developers included Scales; Monica Burney, lecturer in Human Service Studies; Kim Stokes, director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies; and Nita Skillman, director of Interprofessional Simulation. Dianne Person, director of the Anatomical Gift Program, was also involved in the background with crucial conversations and design.

As a side note, the learners also learned about Camp Royall in Chatham County, where people with autism can enjoy a day or week away at camp, providing families with much-needed respite. Camp Royall is currently in need of volunteers for summer camps. Elon students interested in volunteering can find out more information

The interprofessional faculty organizers used a Center for Advancement of Teaching & Learning (CATL) Diversity and Inclusion Grant to explore best interprofessional practices for the development of skills related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The result? An understanding of the need for a scaffolded approach to understanding personal identity before engaging in teams as collaborators to further explore cultural humility and inclusivity.

Likewise, Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) hinges on understanding one’s values and ethics before relating to those of others. The literature review also uncovered using art, specifically , as a means of exploring professional identity.

Nursing and Physician Assistant Program Directors Tiffany Morris and Kim Stokes took 99 first-year students from the Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies programs to Lakeside during the first week of the Winter Term and generated a rich discussion and space for inclusivity. The time was also used to introduce interprofessional practice and education core competencies (), Ěý˛ą˛Ô»ĺ . At the end of the experience, the students were provided with a paper mache mask and the Maker Hub introduced ways they could assist with mask preparation. All submitted the masks along with an anonymous description at a later date.

To encourage participants to connect with the Maker Hub, the CATL DIG researchers held an evening work session at the downtown location that included Smitty’s ice cream. Students worked in collaboration and explored words and representations of their identity that resulted in rich discussion, laughter, and beautiful expressions on their masks.

On Feb. 22, faculty and staff members Lake Laosebikan-Buggs, director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional programs, Paula DiBiasio in the Department of Physical Therapy and Nita Skillman, director of interprofessional simulation, organized a “Mask Reveal” during which faculty, staff and students perused the masks and reflected with which they most identified in an effort for students to find connections while here at Elon.

The masks will remain on display in the School of Health Sciences walls indefinitely with new additions periodically. Everyone is welcome to peruse and celebrate the diversity of identities discovered through this activity.

Both core faculty and adjunct faculty are represented as authors and contributors, including Professors Alexis Moore, Melissa Murfin, Antoinette Polito, and Tracey Thurnes. Adjunct faculty who contributed include Cassiopeia Frank, Shaun Lynch, and Elyse Watkins.

A copy of the review text is available for purchase through or other book distributors.