Doisy College Celebrates Faculty, Staff Excellence
Faculty and staff at the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences at Saint Louis University celebrated the end of the recent academic year by honoring faculty and staff during a spring award celebration.
Tricia Austin, Ph.D., dean of the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences, honored the award recipients during the spring celebration.
“We look forward to this event annually in our college," Austin said. "We pause for a moment to appreciate, share gratitude, celebrate a successful academic year, and recognize and honor the excellence of our faculty and staff. It is the dedication, expertise and devoted service of many that strengthen our college community. We are most fortunate to have such devoted and excellent students, faculty, staff, clinical instructors and alumni.”
Sarah Zimmerman, O.T.D.
Sarah Zimmerman, O.T.D., assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, was awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award.
The Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member whose teaching record illustrates effectiveness in the classroom, innovation of courses and curriculum, significant interactions with students outside the classroom, professional growth as a teacher, and an exemplary commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.
A two-time Saint Louis University alum, Zimmerman is known to students as an exceptional educator who is passionate about student engagement and student success.
“Sarah Zimmerman is incredibly deserving of the Distinguished Teaching Award," said Wendy Stav, Ph.D., professor and chairperson of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. “Sarah enters the classroom and community settings with excitement and enthusiasm, enticing students and leaving them wondering what is coming next. Her passion for teaching is evident in her varied teaching approaches and infusion of experiential learning in the community. Her teaching exudes authenticity and passion for student engagement and learning.”
Elizabeth A. Rhyne
Elizabeth A. Rhyne, assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Health Sciences, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award.
Awarded to a faculty or staff member who has consistently made a significant positive impact beyond SLU and within the individual's larger community or profession, the Distinguished Service Award values demonstrated creativity and leadership, promotion of quality service and community outreach.
“Beth leads by example, actively develops and improves service opportunities, and incorporates a heart of service into everything she does," said Genevieve DelRosario, associate professor and program director of the physician assistant program. “Since joining the PA faculty as an assistant professor in 2022, her work has been strongly focused on service to students and the community. She truly exemplifies the Jesuit mission in this regard.”
One of Rhyne’s contributions to the program is the Joanna May Service Scholars program, which started as an optional service program. The program attracted many current students and has already delivered several thousand service hours to the community. Beyond her work to enrich the student experience with meaningful service opportunities, Rhyne also serves on university committees and is an active member of both the national physician assistant education association and the pediatric nurse practitioner organizations.
Cara Pulcher
Cara Pulcher, program coordinator at the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, was awarded the Outstanding Staff Award.
The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes a staff member in the Doisy College of Health Sciences who has made extraordinary contributions that benefit the students, staff and faculty of their department and the college. The contributions could take various forms, including exceptional knowledge of the college and university resources and programs and performance at a level above and beyond normal job expectations.
Cara Pulcher was nominated by Angela Cecil, Ph.D., associate professor and undergraduate program director for occupational science, and Wendy Stav, Ph.D., professor and chairperson of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the department.
“Cara consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, demonstrating initiative, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the effectiveness and cohesion of our departmental processes,” Stav said. "She not only solves problems but also anticipates needs, builds sustainable systems, and fosters stronger communication across faculty, staff, and programs. Her work has improved efficiency, strengthened coordination and supported our continued growth.”
Jason Longhurst, Ph.D., D.P.T.
Jason Longhurst, Ph.D., D.P.T., assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, received the Excellence in Scholarship Award.
The Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding achievements in research or creativity.
Longhurst’s scholarship addresses neurorehabilitation with a focus on Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.
“Dr. Longhurst is a talented early career clinician–scientist whose scholarly accomplishments far exceed what is typically expected of faculty at a comparable stage," said Oluwatoyosi Owoeye, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. "His work is impactful, methodologically strong, and contributes meaningfully to the scientific foundations of physical therapy practice.”
Katie Boxdorfer Smith
Katie Boxdorfer Smith, a physical therapist at CORA Physical Therapy and a preceptor for the physical therapy program, was awarded the Excellence in Clinical Education Award.
The Excellence in Clinical Education Award recognizes a clinical preceptor that is highly engaged with SLU programs, provides clear and effective feedback to students, uses innovative teaching methods and serves as an outstanding role model to students.
“Katie Boxdorfer Smith represents the very best of clinical education at Saint Louis University,” said Annie Zinselmeier, D.P.T., assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. “Through her enduring commitment, innovative teaching, exceptional feedback, inclusive mentorship of students with varied needs and exemplary professionalism, she has had a profound and lasting impact on student learning and professional formation.”
About SLU’s Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences
The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.