Alumni Achievements

The Missouri State University Physician Assistant program has graduated over 500 PAs since 2001. We are proud of the many successes of our alumni throughout the years including their leadership accomplishments at local, state, and national levels.

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

Name Position Class
Shannon Hauschildt Employer of Excellence Awards Review Committee, 2023 2004
Cassidy McCandless 2022 Physician Associate Student of the Year  2022

Dominican University (Illinois)

Name Position Class
Dr. Eric Johnson Physician Assistant Studies Program Director (2019-2021) 2008

Jefferson College (Missouri)

Name Position Class
David Wright Paramedic Program Assistant Medical Director 2018

Mercy Health System

Mercy-Springfield APC (Advanced Provider Council)

Name Position Class
Traci (Nicci) St Clair Chairman, 2020 2002
Bobby Eden Member 2001
Tony Giglio Member 2001
Gara Powell Member 2008

Mercy-Joplin

Name Position Class
Rachael Ferguson Joplin Clinic Board of Directors Member (Primary Care and Specialty Service APP representative) 2006
Brandon Davis Director of Operations Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Sports Medicine 2009

Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants (MOAPA)

Name Position Class
Dustin Bartlett President, 2023 (former President Elect & Delegate, 2020) 2004
Amanda Bartlett Secretary, Membership Chair, & Delegate, 2023 (former Vice President, Delegate & Membership Chair, 2020) 2006
Melanie Chisam former Secretary & CME Committee Exhibitor Coordinator, 2021 2004
Andrea Applegate Treasurer, CME Committee Chair & Delegate, 2022 2010
Jessica Spencer Southwest Region Assistant Director, 2022 2014
Torria Slagle Vice President, 2023 (former Mid-Missouri Region Director, 2022) 2019
Meredith Cunningham former CME Committee Chair, 2020 2007
Dr. Eric Johnson Northwest Region Director, 2022 2008
Dr. Megan Blakemore Mid-Missouri Region Director, 2023 2004

Learn about MOAPA Officers

National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP)

Name Position Class
David Wright Chair of EMS PA/NP Task Force 2018

Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)

Name Position Class
Dr. Troy Bender Physician Assistant Studies Program Director (2019-2021) 2009

Northwest University (Washington)

Name Position Class
Dr. Troy Bender Physician Assistant Program Dean (2021-present) 2009

Physician Assistant Education Association

Name Position Class
Dr. Tracy Cleveland Exam Development Board Chair for Surgery End-of-Rotation Exam 2002
Nathan Miracle Exam Development Board Committee Member with PACKRAT 2012
Cassidy McCandless Student-Member-at-Large (2022-2023) 2022

Saint Louis Children's Hospital APP Councils (Advanced Practice Providers)

Name Position Class
David Wright APP Council Member/ APP Leadership Council Member 2018

Stephens College (Missouri)

Name Position Class
Dr. Megan Blakemore Physician Assistant Studies Program Director (2019-present) 2004
Dr. Eric Johnson Founding Physician Assistant Studies Program Director (2016-2019) 2008

University of Missouri-Columbia

Name Position Class
Bob Sobule Advanced Provider Psychiatry Fellowship Program Director (2017-present) 2016

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Name Position Class
Dr. Eric Johnson Physician Assistant Program Director (2021-present) 2008