Consistent with the University´s heritage as the founding school of osteopathic medicine, the mission of A.T. Still University is to educate students to become competent health care professionals who continuously develop and demonstrate compassion, integrity, and ability, while advancing osteopathic principles and philosophy. The institution is committed to scholarly inquiry that anticipates and addresses society´s healthcare needs. The University encourages its constituencies to become leaders in improving community health and wellness with a comprehensive appreciation of the interaction of body, mind, and spirit. ATSU´s Still-Well program identifies the interplay of body, mind, and spirit in order to live a balanced life. ATSU has the online approach that will facilitate healthcare professions to learn these principles and to apply these practices to their lives. Specifically, the ATSU-SHM's Master in Geriatric Health has a concentration option for Vital Life. The partnership with Vital Life was a natural.

Jon Persavich, Ph.D. Dean of School of Health Management, ATSU: With over 30 years of experience in both the domestic and international market space. Dr. Persavich brings a broad base of experience from the private, public and government sectors to bear. With a strong track record of eliminating constraints while having a direct and positive bottom line effect he is able to combine traditional academic preparation and service with international business development and turnaround experience into successful educational programming and professional service offerings. His industry experience spans post-secondary education, healthcare, IT, professional services, consulting and hardware / software development. Jon employs a tool he calls a "Unifying Concept." Once found and explained, it ties seemingly disparate ideas and or products together. This tool connects the needs of the student, field and business together. When successfully implemented, a direct correlation between individual and corporate success is established. Dr. Persavich has been instrumental in the course development at ATSU for the Wellness Facilitation Masters program. These courses were based on the Vital Life principles. He welcomes any questions you may have about continuing your education at ATSU. jpersavich@atsu.edu

Elsie Gaber, Ph.D., Associate Dean of School of Health Management, ATSU: Dr. Gaber believes in a life of learning. She has served in higher education since 1970. Her mantra in life is service above self; therefore, affiliation with the founding school of osteopathic medicine is a logical environment in which she works with faculty, staff, and students, integrating the osteopathic concepts, while incorporating compassion and integrity in daily activities.
egaber@atsu.edu