ATSU-ASHS 2019-20 faculty awards
Posted: May 17, 2020
Ann Lee Burch, PT, EdD, MPH, dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS), presented awards during a virtual ATSU-ASHS faculty assembly on May 11. Faculty members were nominated and selected by their fellow colleagues for their contributions during the 2019-20 year. The following list includes the award name, award recipient, and quotes from nominating colleagues.
2020 Educator of the Year
Zarin Mehta, PhD, associate professor
“Dr. Mehta combines heart, passion, innovation, and rigorous utilization of feedback toward best practice in teaching within the Doctor of Audiology residential program. Dr. Mehta is praised for practicing what she teaches, by delivering the same quality of care to her patients that she talks about in the classroom.”
2020 Faculty Service of the Year
Kenny Lam, ScD, ATC, associate professor
“Dr. Lam is a faculty member within the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and has an impressive breadth of service to ATSU, his profession, and the community. He is vice chair of the Mesa Institutional Review Board, serves on the ATSU-ASHS promotion and tenure committee, and serves on the ATSU Interdisciplinary Research Committee. He is an editorial board member for three different journals within his profession, was honored in 2019 for his service to his state and regional professional body, is a member of the research committee for the profession’s foundation, and actively serves with the city of Mesa’s Play Project.”
2020 Scholar of the Year
Tawna Wilkinson, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, director of physical therapy, associate professor
“Her national scholarship, in the words of her colleagues, is truly changing and guiding physical therapy (PT) clinical education and her colleagues recognize her as a leader for PT in clinical education.”
2020 Junior Faculty of the Year
Jamie Kuettel, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, director of physical therapy progress administration, assistant professor
“Starting as a first-time faculty member 3 ½ years ago, Dr. Kuettel has accomplished much in all areas of academia, including building several new courses for the department. She serves as the faculty mentor to the ATSU-ASHS Student Physical Therapy Association and director of student promotion and retention. Dr. Kuettel is also involved with numerous community organizations including Corbin’s Legacy, Give Kids A Smile Foundation, Feed my Starving Children, and multiple organizations serving persons living with Parkinson’s Disease. She chairs the Arizona Physical Therapy Association scholarship committee, is the national delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association Arizona Chapter, and serves on three national task forces. According to her colleagues, she exemplifies fully stepping into service, teaching, and scholarship with energy and commitment with much early success in all three areas.”