Physician Assistant

Mission Statement

The mission of the South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine while providing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive patient-centered healthcare.

Vision Statement

The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree program strives to provide an educational environment that empowers students to practice evidence-based, patient-centered medical care. With an emphasis on increasing access to care, reducing health disparities, and engaging in community outreach, we aim to provide inclusive educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff. As future clinical leaders, the program’s focus is to graduate physician assistants who will promote cultural humility and patient advocacy.

Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree Program Technical Standards

In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the South University Physician Assistant program has identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a health care professional.

Students with disabilities who can perform these skills and successfully execute professional behavior either unassisted, with dependable use of assistive devices, or by employing other reasonable accommodations are eligible to apply for enrollment in the program. Minimum performance standards include critical thinking, communication skills, observation skills, motor skills, and interpersonal abilities. Interested parties may contact the Physician Assistant program office for additional information about South University performance standards. These skills and behaviors include, but are not limited to;

Critical Thinking: A student must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The ability to solve problems, a skill that is critical to the practice of medicine, requires the intellectual abilities of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Students  must be able to perform demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.

Communication Skills: A student should also be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive nonverbal communications. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms.

Observation Skills: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and in close proximity. This ability requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensation.

Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic techniques. A student should be able to execute movements reasonably required to move from area to area, maneuver in small spaces, calibrate and use large and small equipment, position and move patients, and provide patients with general care and emergency treatment.

Interpersonal Abilities: A student for the Physician Assistant program must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities required for the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of professionalism through mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

Faculty and Staff

Physician Assistant Faculty

Shannon Schellenberg, MPA, PA-C
Program Director, Associate Professor

Shannon Schellenberg joined South University in December 2016, initially as a Principal Faculty member prior to becoming the Program Director. With a background of over 16 years of clinical experience as a practicing Physician Assistant in the fields of Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Neurologic Surgery, Professor Schellenberg brings her clinical expertise and community affiliations to enrich the curriculum.

Professor Schellenberg graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2006 and previously earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is an active member of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.  

When she is not in the classroom or clinically practicing, Professor Schellenberg enjoys spending time with her family, long distance running, and playing the piano.

Katherine Tyson, MD, M.Ed. 
Medical Director, Assistant Professor

Dr. Tyson joined South University in 2016 and became Medical Director for the Physician Assistant program in 2017.  She holds a BSEd and MEd from the University of Virginia and an MD from the Medical College of Virginia / Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (MCV / VCU), where she also completed both her internship and residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology. During her tenure at MCV, Dr Tyson was honored with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award; elected Chief Administrative Resident of her cohort; and achieved membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr Tyson spent more than a decade pursuing her love of all things obstetric by working in the greater Richmond community as both a private practice OB/GYN and obstetric hospitalist. Since 2020 she has practiced at VCU Health's OBMotivate Clinic, the only program in central Virginia providing an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to pregnant, postpartum and parenting women with substance use disorders.

In addition to serving as Medical Director, Dr Tyson spent 5 years as Director of Admissions for the South University - Richmond PA program and actively lectures within the Program on a variety of topics pertaining to women's health.  When not working, she can be found hiking, running, drinking coffee or cheering on her children at their sporting events.

Rosemary Lethbridge, MPAS, PA-C
Assistant Program Director, Assistant Professor

Rosemary Lethbridge joined the South University team in March of 2019 as the Director of Clinical Education. Professor Lethbridge brings 13 years of clinical experience working as a Physician Assistant prior to contributing to the education of Physician Assistant students at South University. She has practiced in various areas of medicine to include Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Military Medicine, Family Medicine, and Occupational Medicine. 

Professor Lethbridge remains clinically involved in Fredericksburg, VA in Primary Care. She enjoys mentoring and onboarding Advanced Practice Providers for her local hospital as well as participating on committees related to Provider Burnout, APP Advisory, and Primary Care Advisory. She has a strong desire to train excellent medical providers who will provide medical care with integrity.

Professor Lethbridge attended and graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. She then completed her master's at the same institution in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010. She is an active member of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to teaching and her clinical time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, and being active outdoors.

Koren Cooper, MHS, PA-C
Chair of the Admissions Committee, Assistant Professor

Professor Cooper joined South University as an Assistant Professor in 2020. As of 2022, she also serves as the Director of Admissions for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program. She transitioned into academia with the goal of giving back to the next PA generation. She brings her clinical expertise and passion for education to help prepare future Physician Assistants. One thing she loves most is seeing the growth and development of all of her students. 

Professor Cooper received her Master's in Health Science – Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has been a licensed Physician Assistant since 2012, primarily practicing in general surgery and gastroenterology. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, she played four years of collegiate tennis while obtaining her Exercise Science degree from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

She is currently an active member with American Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistant, and the PA Education Association. In addition to teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, being outdoors, reading, and exercising.

Mallory Walsh, MMS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor 

Mallory Walsh joined the South University Physician Assistant Program as Principal Faculty in 2020. Prior to that she participated with the program as a clinical preceptor and guest lecturer on Infectious Diseases. She has been practicing as a Physician Assistant in the field of Hospital Medicine since 2011.  Professor Walsh is excited to bring her experience in acute care and internal medicine as well as her enthusiasm for learning to Physician Assistant students. 

Professor Walsh pursued her studies in her home state of Florida where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Florida. She then obtained her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. Professor Walsh remains clinically involved as a Hospitalist in Charlottesville, VA and in her spare time enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband and their two dogs. 

Mina Tabibi, MPA, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor 

Mina Tabibi joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program as a Principal Faculty member in 2021. Prior to joining as a full-time faculty member, she served as a clinical preceptor for the program. Since graduating from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2007, she has primarily practiced as a Physician Assistant in Emergency Medicine where she still spends most of her clinical days. In addition to the emergency room, Professor Tabibi is an active local medical examiner, and she also has a background in Cardiothoracic Surgery from 2013-2016 when she was a full-time member of VCU Health System's Cardiothoracic Team.

Professor Tabibi obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 2003 followed by her Master of Public Health degree in 2004 from Virginia Commonwealth University. She graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School's Master of Physician Assistant Program in 2007.

Outside of teaching, Professor Tabibi enjoys exploring the outdoors with her young daughter and two Siberian Huskies. Some of these activities include hiking, spending time at the James River, and going to the beach. She will never turn down the opportunity for overseas adventures. With her personal, academic and clinical experience, Professor Tabibi hopes to enrich the program by helping students capitalize on their strengths.

Crystal Mann, MPA, PA-C
Assistant Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Professor

Crystal Mann joined the South University March 2021 as Principal Faculty member. With a background of clinical experience in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pediatrics, Professor Mann brings her clinical expertise and passion for learning to the classroom. 
 
Professor Mann completed all of academic studies in her home state of Virginia. She graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2003 and previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She is an active member of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants.  When not in the classroom, she is an ardent yoga practitioner and yoga instructor.

Adrian Johnson, MPAS, PA-C
Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor 

Adrian Johnson joined the South University team in August 2023 as Assistant Director of Clinical Education.  Professor Johnson brings over 14 years of clinical experience working as a Physician Assistant in the field of emergency medicine.  She has also assisted with many aspects of the South PA program since 2021 ranging from guest lecturing to assisting with instructions during clinical and procedure labs.
 
Professor Johnson graduated from Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA with a Bachelor's degree in Biology.  She then completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA in 2009.   She is an active member of American Academy of PAs, Virginia Academy of PAs, and the PA Education Association. 

Professor Johnson continues to work clinically in the discipline of Emergency Medicine in Richmond, VA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and enjoys many outdoor activities and gardening.

Physician Assistant Staff

Erica Mallory, BS 
Clinical Coordinator 

Erica Mallory joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant team full time as the Enrollment Coordinator in October 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from South University, Richmond in June 2015. Mrs. Mallory has been with South University since 2013 and prior to joining the Physician Assistant team, she had the opportunity to work with many other departments at the Richmond campus. These roles included receptionist, registrar, and administrative assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Mrs. Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and children, traveling, and reading. She especially enjoys the relationships she has been able to develop with the Physician Assistant students during her interactions with them during the admissions process and after matriculation. 

Angela Smith, BS
Program Coordinator

Angela Smith joined the South University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) program as the Program Coordinator in December 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina.  Before joining South University, Ms. Smith gained extensive experience as a clinical laboratory scientist, a dental assistant, and an educator in dental assisting and dental hygiene. She is inspired by the passion and dedication of the South University PA faculty, staff, and students.  Outside of work, Ms. Smith enjoys spending time at home listening to music, watching TV shows and movies, reading, and cooking. She is also an avid traveler and sports enthusiast, cheering for the New York Yankees and the UNC Tar Heels.

Alyssa Mertins, MBA
Graduate Program Coordinator 

Alyssa Mertins joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) team as the Graduate Program Coordinator in May 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s in Communication degree with a concentration in Public Relations from George Mason University and her Master’s in Business Administration from South University. Ms. Mertins has been with South University since 2021 and prior to joining the Physician Assistant team, she had the opportunity to work with other departments at the Richmond campus including financial aid, admissions, and outreach. She appreciates the enthusiasm and tenacity of South University PA students, and immensely enjoys serving as a resource to students throughout the admissions process. Ms. Mertins enjoys spending time with her five nieces and five nephews, traveling, reading, and cooking

Christopher Whisenant, MS
Data Coordinator, College of Health Professions

Chris Whisenant joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant team full time in August 2018 as the Clinical Coordinator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Lynchburg in 2009 and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011.  He taught math initially as an adjunct at South University, Richmond and later became a full-time instructor at the beginning of 2012. During the fall of 2017, he participated with the Physician Assistant Program as an instructor for Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Although passionate about teaching, he transitioned to the role of Clinical Coordinator during the summer of 2018 and then transitioned to the role of Data Coordinator for The College of Health Professions in 2023. Mr. Whisenant enjoys this opportunity to work with graduate level students in a capacity that allows for open dialogue and a shared commitment to determining and enhancing one’s academic and professional passions. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, playing soccer and volleyball, exploring cities, cooking, and learning.

Claudine Ellis, MPH
Clinical Manager for The College of Health Professions

Claudine Ellis joined South University in June, 2021 and now serves as the College of Health Professions Clinical Manager.   

Originally from Jamaica, she has been living in West Palm Beach, FL for 12 years. Claudine graduated with an Associate of Science in Tourism Management from Western Hospitality Institution. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she excelled as an Administrative Assistant, providing crucial support to senior-level managers. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Keiser University. During her tenure as a Health Center Coordinator, she demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional care, ensuring optimum client support, and enhancing patient satisfaction. She then graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from South University, West Palm Beach.

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, listening to music, visiting the beach, volunteering within the community, and spending time with her friends and family.

Part-Time Faculty

Ryan Mazzone, MSPS, PA-C

Rosuany Velez-Acevedo, PhD

Instructional Faculty 

Robin Whelpley, PharmD, BCPS

Shawni Yeager, MPAS, PA-C

Stanley Zelman, DDS

Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations

The clinical phase is 12 months in length. Eight five-week clinical rotations are conducted at a variety of clinical sites. Students will have the opportunity to gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine and a Clinical Elective.

Clinical sites offer students a wide variety of clinical experiences for that specific clinical rotation discipline. Students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors for clinical rotations. Sites for rotations will be determined by the department. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Education Team (CET) personnel. The CET will evaluate sites suggested by students for viability as a clinical rotation site. In order to qualify for rotations outside of South University sites, or in student suggested sites, a student must demonstrate successful academic, clinical, and professional progress in the program. Providing a referral does not guarantee the site will be secured or that the student will be assigned to the site for a clinical rotation.

Physicians, physician assistants, and other health care providers serve as preceptors for clinical students in direct patient care, providing the opportunity for the student to perfect clinical and technical skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis skills, succinct documentation, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to patient management.

Our students rotate in a variety of settings which may include outpatient clinics, private medical offices, community hospitals, and teaching hospitals. Rotations exist both in small towns and metropolitan cities. Our students participate in a wide variety of experiences and locations for their clinical rotations that are designed to round out the application of knowledge and development of patient care skills.

After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations Be aware that additional immunizations may be required by some clinical training sites and are the students’ responsibility. If students choose not to be vaccinated, they will not be allowed to rotate at clinical sites that require immunizations unless expressly permitted in writing to the program by the appropriate personnel at that site. If any of the core (required) rotations cannot be completed because the student voluntarily chose not to be vaccinated as required by the clinical rotation site, the student will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program. In addition, if the number of clinical sites available to students who have not been vaccinated does not meet graduation requirements, those students will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program.

Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field.  (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information.  South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations.  Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.

Clinical/Medical programs have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program. 

Physician Assistant Learning Outcomes

(Graduate Competencies)

The following are the program learning outcomes (Graduate Competencies) for the South University Physician Assistant program.

Prior to graduation from the program, students will:

• PLO-1. Integrate behavioral, social, and medical knowledge established from the evolving biomedical and clinical sciences in recognizing, evaluating, and managing patient disease states across the lifespan during acute, chronic, preventative, and emergent encounters.

• PLO-2. Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to sustain effective, multi-directional information exchange within a diverse population of patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.

• PLO-3. Demonstrate the ability to elicit an accurate patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, and perform appropriate clinical procedures using essential clinical and technical skills to provide quality patient care.

• PLO-4. Collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team through clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, and synthesize a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan for the promotion of wellness and disease prevention.

• PLO-5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate an evidence-based approach to clinical and professional practice through clinical reasoning, problem- solving, and decision-making processes to improve patient care practices.

• PLO-6. Demonstrate professionalism through personal behaviors, sensitivity, and accountability essential to patients, society, and the profession.