ATSU President Phelps launches Employee Investment Campaign
Posted: October 29, 2020
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) President Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, hosted “Coffee with the President” via Zoom on Wednesday, updating University faculty and staff on ATSU’s advancements and accomplishments and launching the University’s Employee Investment Campaign (EIC).
Dr. Phelps praised University employees for their continued excellence in delivering world-class healthcare education during a time fraught with challenges from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s such a great demand and great need for our graduates, and such a great demand and great need for our programs,” Dr. Phelps said. “Thank you very, very much, for all that you’re doing.”
Dr. Phelps stressed importance in adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols as case numbers rise across the country, notably in Arizona and Missouri.
“As healthcare providers and educators, we’re the ones that set the tone,” he said.
The event marked a kick off for ATSU’s EIC. During 2019-20, 39% of employees made monetary gifts to the University, raising $145,000. Those funds were used for student scholarship, white coats, student emergency funds, support for various projects including Dan Martin Court at Kirksville, Missouri’s Thompson Campus Center, 3D printing of personal protective equipment, and more.
Most important, Dr. Phelps said, is the percentage of faculty and staff making those gifts. He said many times when University officials are seeking funds, they receive inquiries about the rate of faculty and staff giving.
Higher percentages help demonstrate internal commitment to and belief in the University, which speaks volumes to outside donors.
“It’s very important all of us think about how we can provide a gift to the University. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, but the percentage of those who give is very important,” Dr. Phelps said.
ATSU has set a goal for a 50% participation rate in 2020-21. For more information about how to give, visit atsu.edu/eic.