Physician Assistant

Missions Statement

The South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) exists to educate a diverse student population as providers of high-quality, cost-efficient health care who will make a positive impact while practicing the art and science of medicine with physician collaboration.

Vision Statement

The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) degree program strives to provide educational experiences where faculty, staff, clinical instructors, students, and other health care providers work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and commitment. The program’s primary focus is on the development of physician assistants capable of expanding into clinical leadership roles by demonstrating proficiency in critical thinking and creative problem solving, utilizing evidence-based skills gained through innovative approaches.

Faculty and Staff

Physician Assistant Faculty

 Lacey Tudor, DMSc, PA-C
PA Department Chair, Associate Professor 

Dr. Lacey Tudor joined South University, Richmond Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 2017. She has served the program in several capacities including Principal Faculty, Interim Clinical Director, and Director of Didactic Education. She has also supported the South University College of Health Professions in the role of Interim Physician Assistant Department Chair. In addition, she contributed to the success of the South University PA Department as the South University Richmond PA Student Faculty liaison and the South University PA Department OSCE Committee Chair. Dr. Tudor has presented at both national and institutional forums on topics related to PA Education. She continues to support the local clinical community as a practicing PA in emergency medicine, since graduating in 2013.

Dr. Tudor graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Hofstra University in New York. She later completed a Doctor of Medical Science, with a concentration in Physician Assistant Education, from the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. She previously worked as a dental assistant in both general dentistry and in the specialty of endodontics.
In the community, Dr. Tudor judges women’s gymnastics for the local middle schools and high schools. 

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
Director of Admissions, 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. 

Crystal Mann, MPA, PA-C
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.  

Mina Tabibi, MPA, PA-C
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.

Staff

Erica Mallory, BS 
Graduate Program 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. 

Eileen Meagher, BS
Administrative Assistant

Eileen Meagher joined the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) team full time as the Administrative Assistant in November 2017.  Her prior coursework includes a Bachelor of Science in History from Longwood College. Prior to working at South University, Mrs. Meagher spent many years working in medical, academic, law and courthouse libraries.  She has been with South University since the Richmond campus opened in 2009. Mrs. Meagher is delighted to work with PA faculty and staff.  Her interactions with PA students are very enjoyable and add a youthful outlook to life which she believes to be extremely important. Mrs. Meagher enjoys dancing, reading, travel, and being the grandmother of three very energetic little boys!

Jennifer O’Connell, BSW
Clinical Coordinator

Jennifer O’Connell joined South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) team full time as the Clinical Coordinator in 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. Prior to working at South University Mrs. O’Connell worked at area community hospitals and medical practices in Richmond, VA.  Mrs. O’Connell enjoys the opportunity to work with the South University, Richmond PA team and appreciates interacting with the students and supporting their development and progress toward academic goals. Outside of work, Mrs. O’Connell enjoys spending time gardening and going to the beach with her husband and three children.

Christopher Whisenant, MS
Data Coordinator for The 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.

Nartaka Walls, MPH
Clinical Manager for The College of Health Professions

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 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.