Two KU School of Health Professions administrators chosen for prestigious national leadership program

Two administrators from the University of Kansas School of Health Professions have been chosen for a prestigious leadership program offered by the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP).

The ASAHP selected Jacob (Jake) Sosnoff, Ph.D., associate dean for research in KU School of Health Professions, and LesLee Taylor, Ph.D., vice chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Training in KU School of Health Professions, as part of its 2023 Leadership Development Program (LDP).

The program is designed for future deans and health-education leaders who want insight into academic leadership. Sosnoff and Taylor, along with 19 other administrators across the country, will study management, budgeting, conflict resolution and other important leadership skills.

Abiodun Akinwuntan, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, dean of KU School of Health Professions, said few leaders in the field of health professions receive formal leadership training before being appointed into leadership positions.

“That’s why any leadership development opportunity such as this is usually very helpful and beneficial for leaders in the health professions,” he said.

The ASAHP was initially created so administrators and educators could discuss issues deemed critical to health education. Key values include interprofessional collaboration, learning and leadership.

ASAHP President Deb Larsen, Ph.D., a graduate of the LDP, said, “The cohort-style program allows the participants to develop a close network with their colleagues that continues years into the future, as many from my cohort have become dear friends and mentors.”

Akinwuntan, who is one of six members of ASAHP Leadership Development Program faculty, said he’s very happy to have two fellow Jayhawks in the 2023 cohort that can potentially draw from ASAHP’s 120 member colleges and universities.

“Typically, only one participant per member institution is selected into a cohort of trainees,” Akinwuntan said. “To have two participants and a program educator from the same institution in a prestigious program such as the ASAHP LDP is a big accomplishment and recognition of the leadership role of the KU School of Health Professions in ASAHP.”

The 2023 program will be implemented in two phases: Part I is scheduled for April 20-21 in Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida, focusing on leadership styles and budgeting. Part II will take place Oct. 17-19, also in Ft. Lauderdale Beach, immediately prior to the 2023 ASAHP Annual Conference.

Between the programs in April and October, participants can collaborate on team projects that will be based on timely events affecting higher education. Participants also will have the opportunity to pursue issues of interest while also developing personal leadership skills.

The 2023 Leadership Development Program participants include:

• Paul J. Anderson, Ed.D., MBA, director of administration and operations, School of Health Professions, New York Institute of Technology
• Brenda Bertrand, Ph.D., Professor, M.S. program director , University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Salvador Bondoc, OTD, dean, School of Health Sciences, Chatham University
• Carolyn Bradley-Guidry, DrPH, interim associate dean for student affairs and diversity, equity, and inclusion, UT Southwestern Medical Center, School of Health Professions
• Rosemary M. Caron, Ph.D., MPH, dean and professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Erin Curran, Ph.D., associate dean, Morrison Family College of Health, University of St. Thomas
• Saje Davis-Risen, M.S., director, School of PA Studies, Pacific University
• Kevin Ford, Ph.D., dean, Congdon School of Health Sciences, High Point University
• Sujay Galen PT, Ph.D., associate dean for research, Georgia State University
• Kimberly Green, Ed.D., chair, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western Kentucky University
• Jeannie M. Guglielmo, M.S., chair, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Professions , Stony Brook University
• Bari Hoffman, Ph.D., associate dean, University of Central Florida
• Emmanuel B. John, PT, DPT, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, dean and professor, Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions, York College of Pennsylvania
• Caroline Kingori, Ph.D., MPH, associate dean for research and faculty affairs and associate professor of community and public health, Ohio University
• James Onate, Ph.D., director, Division of Athletic Training, The Ohio State University
• Laura S. Plummer, PT, DPT, Ed.D, chair of Physical Therapy, interim Dean of School of Healthcare Leadership, MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Jacob (Jake) Sosnoff, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for research, KU School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center
• Jessica Stahulak, MHA, associate dean of administration, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Health Professions
• LesLee Taylor, Ph.D., vice chair, Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, KU School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center
• Kimberly S. Traver, Au.D., clinical professor and chair, Bowling Green State University
• Laura P. Vasquez, Ph.D., Program Director of M.S. in Imaging Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, School of Health Professions