West Liberty, W. Va., August 21, 2024 – West Liberty University’s (WLU) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program celebrated a milestone this summer, holding two graduation ceremonies to recognize a June and an August cohort for a combined 35 students in the Class of 2024.
This nationally accredited, 24-month program begins each July and attracts students from across the country. The program focuses on training compassionate, competent professionals to serve as integral members of a collaborative healthcare team.
The first 12 months (didactic portion) of the program combines basic science courses as well as classes and laboratories in the applied medical sciences. Students spend their second year in clinical rotations. Upon graduating, students are prepared to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and are trained to perform the critically important work of treating patients.
The June cohort graduated on June 14, 2024, after completing clinical rotations in local and regional medical communities, interacting with patients and health professionals from our area. This group of students received outstanding feedback on their ability to relate to patients and colleagues, and on their professionalism.
The June 2024 Physician Assistant cohort includes Danijel Bartolovic, Grand Rapids MI; Kori Blake, Glen Dale, WV; Taylor Cheripko, Darnestown, MD; Carson Corrick, Wheeling, WV; Madison Cutler, Wellsville, UT; Mykaela Davis, St. Marys, WV; Grace Eftink, Ste. Genevieve, MO; Christian Feil, Salt Lake City, UT; Peri Gray, Cameron, WV; Liliana Gregg, Black Mountain, NC; Tanner Heiman, West Richland, WA; Alexandria Higgins, Tacoma, WA; Elle Roberts, Logan, OH; and Blake Wilcock, Tucson, AZ.
Most recently, the August cohort held its commencement on Friday, August 16, 2024. Originally enrolled at Alderson Broaddus University (ABU), these 21 students faced an extraordinarily challenging set of circumstances with ABU abruptly closing in August 2023. Thanks to the collaboration among WLU institutional officials, faculty from both WLU and ABU PA programs, and the support of the West Liberty University Foundation, a seamless transfer process was accomplished, which allowed these resilient and dedicated students to complete their studies at West Liberty.
Class President Erin Urbanski elaborates on the transfer process.
“The transition from ABU to West Liberty went better than anyone could have expected. Everyone worked so diligently to help us transfer for our clinical year. It was a blessing, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Urbanski explains.
The full Physician Assistant August 2024 cohort includes Naomi Bakera, SeaTac, WA; Alaina Baldner, Johnston, IA; Jess Coggins, Frederick, MD; Kara Cork, Parsons, WV; Lane Davidson, Chillicothe, OH; Marlena Dib, Volga, WV; Fahima Hannoufa, San Antonio, TX; Luke Herbst, St. Louis, MO; Emily Hollingsworth, Bethel Park, PA; Kaitlin Jones, Philippi, WV; Ally Kirk, Logan, WV; Kerry Lynch, Davidsonville, MD; Kalista Malette, Brushton, NY; Matthew Martin, Charlotte, NC; Colin McCullough, Galion, OH; Anne Milwicz, Forest Hill, MD; Cassidy Moran, Yreka, CA; Kassidy Scott, Graysville, PA; Erin Urbanski, Nottingham, MD; Naresh Vasireddy, Jefferson City, MO; and Jacob Wilson, Shinnston, WV.
MSPAS Program Director Sarah Brammer commended both classes.
“Friday (August 16) marked the conclusion of a momentous year for the WLU PA Program as we graduated two cohorts of students in the Class of 2024,” remarked Brammer. “We are proud of the dedication and persistence shown by both groups of students and are excited to add these 35 young people to our alumni as they enter their communities to provide essential and compassionate healthcare,” she adds.
Prospective students can learn more about WLU’s MSPAS program by visiting westliberty.edu/physician-assistant.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
