• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
Baylor University
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • About Us
    • About Robbins College
    • Office of the Dean
      • Dean Jason Carter
      • College Council
    • News
      • Faculty Devotionals
    • Magazine
      • Past Issues
    • Pure Gold
      • Pure Gold Award Recipients
      • Pure Gold Nomination Form
    • Board of Advocates
    • Interprofessional Education
      • Committee Members
      • Do No Harm: An Interprofessional Patient Safety Event
      • Projects & Highlights
    • Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series
    • Contact Us
  • Prospective Students
    • Admissions
      • Graduate Admissions
      • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Degree Programs
      • Undergraduate Degrees
      • Graduate Degrees
    • Tuition & Fees
  • Current & Incoming Students
    • Incoming Students
    • Prehealth Careers & Majors
    • Advising
      • Advising Team
      • Resources
      • Appointments
      • Degree Plans
    • Career Services
    • Forms & Resources
      • Request to Change to CFS Major
      • Request to Change to CSD Major
      • Request to Change to HSS Major
      • Request to Change to NUTR Major
      • Request to Change to PH Major
    • Graduation
    • Scholarships
  • Departments
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
    • Human Sciences and Design
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Physician Assistant Studies
    • Public Health
    • Army-Baylor Programs
  • Resources
    • Research Resources
    • Committees
      • Interprofessional Education
      • Scholarship Committee
    • Quick Links
  • Research
    • Signature Research Initiatives
      • Behavioral and Human Sciences
      • Chronic Diseases and Conditions
      • Health Access and Quality
      • (Re)habilitative Sciences
    • Expert Directory
    • Scholarly Activity
      • Communication Sciences and Disorders
      • Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
      • Human Sciences and Design
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Physical Therapy
      • Public Health
    • Research Facilities
    • Postdoctoral Researchers
  • Make a Gift
Baylor BU Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences About Us Pure Gold Pure Gold Award Recipients Fall 2022
  • About Robbins College
  • Office of the Dean
  • News
  • Magazine
  • Pure Gold
    • Pure Gold Award Recipients
      • Fall 2022
      • Spring 2023
      • Fall 2023
      • Spring 2024
      • Fall 2024
      • Spring 2025
    • Pure Gold Nomination Form
  • Board of Advocates
  • Interprofessional Education
  • Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series
  • Contact Us

Fall 2022

Congratulations to the Fall 2022 Pure Gold Award Recipients!

September 9, 2022

RESEARCH: Kelly Ylitalo

Associate Professor, Department of Public Health

Kelly Yitlalo

"Kelly Ylitalo is an outstanding researcher who integrates teaching, research, and service in meaningful ways. She works with the Waco McLennan County Public Health District and Waco Family Medicine to assess health needs in underserved populations. Her findings are used by these partners to promote health and quality of life for those in need. Her students work with her on these projects and learn how to integrate research and service in ways that match their calling." —Eva Doyle


TEACHING: Christy Gantt

Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy

Christy Gantt

"Dr. Gantt demonstrates excellence in teaching via leadership and student care for our Clinical Education courses. Leading a team of 1 faculty and 3 program managers, she facilitates clinical placements, educates clinical educators, and coordinates short-notice illness and emergency management for approx. 300 student placements per year. The impact has improved student feedback to where the Clinical Education Program and coursework in the Department of Physical Therapy is recognized as a true support to the students." —Brian Young


SERVICE: Nicole McAninch

Clinical Associate Professor in Child and Family Studies, Department of Human Sciences and Design

Nicole McAninch

"In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. McAninch works tirelessly to address unique student concerns. She uses amazing problem-solving skills to see that student needs are met while maintaining the integrity of her Child and Family Studies program. Her admin work requires a broad scope of expertise across varying fields of study and work. She keeps up with that beautifully and is able to mentor students well. She is a rock star!" —Karen Beck


September 23, 2022

RESEARCH: Michael Wiggs

Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Michael Wiggs

"Dr. Wiggs is currently completing a NIH funded project. He had 3 publications accepted in 2022, with 3 more in review. He was awarded samples from the NASA Biospecimen Sharing program. He was recently selected for NASA's Spaceflight Technology, Application and Research (STAR) program for space biosciences training." —Dale Connally


TEACHING: Margo Shanks

Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Public Health

Margo Shanks

"Margo Shanks creates excitement in the classroom by engaging students in hands-on projects and activities designed to address real-world problems. Her use of modern technology and social media as teaching tools causes students to ENGAGE! She is a warm and approachable instructor who helps students see how the world problems they care about can be addressed with their public health skills." —Eva Doyle


SERVICE: Tricia Blalock

Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Health Science Studies, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Tricia Blalock

"In short, Dr. Tricia Blalock's light shines bright at Baylor University. This was most apparent in the spring of 2022 when she led members of Robbins College through the Christian Medical & Dental Association’s Faith Prescriptions course. This course focused on equipping healthcare professionals to share the love of Christ with patients and colleagues. Not only did she spearhead this life-giving work, but she faithfully led each of the 16 sessions. Thank you for living out Mathew 5:16!" —Casey Unverzagt


October 7, 2022

RESEARCH: Leigh Greathouse

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Sciences and Design

Leigh Greathouse

"Leigh is a leader in her department and Robbins, as is demonstrated by her success in funding her research program. Among other external and internal awards, Leigh is the PI of a DOD early career award and an NIH R15. She collaborates across campus and is always open to sharing her expertise and experiences with others to support their own research journeys. Leigh integrates undergraduate and graduate students into her research to further expand their learning experience and growth." —Renée Umstattd Meyer


TEACHING: Kelly Layne

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy

Kelly Layne

"Dr. Layne is a true testament to the principle of servant leadership. Kelly consistently goes over and above to ensure students have the tools and skills necessary to be agents of change in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. Kelly continuously looks for ways to reach every student learner through innovation and compassion. Kelly never fails to lift her students and instill faith and kindness. She is an asset to Baylor and the entire OT community." —Jerilyn Callen


SERVICE: Chris Kuhl

Assistant Director of Advising and Graduation

Chris Kuhl

"Mr. Kuhl is committed to making our students' experiences positive and successful. He is a role model for our advising team and works to support his students, the advising team with whom he works, his colleagues, and Baylor University. Each semester, he works tirelessly to certify our students for graduation. He has worked through many complicated situations with students and parents and has done so with grace and tact. Mr. Kuhl is a selfless servant who loves Christ, his students, and advising!" —Amanda Holland


October 21, 2022

RESEARCH: Alison Prahl

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Alison Prahl

"Dr. Alison Prahl's recent NIDCD Early Career Research Award is one example of how she demonstrates excellence in research. Her research focuses on improving language and literacy outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her work promotes independence for individuals with IDD through functional literacy training. Dr. Prahl helps students understand the connection between research and clinical practice through hands-on experiences on her research projects." —Kristen Muller


TEACHING: Brittany Perrine

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Brittany Perrine

"Dr. Perrine teaches an undergraduate course, Speech Science, and a graduate MS course, Voice Pathology. She has repeatedly received excellent student ratings for her teaching and her passion for the field. Her case- study design for her Voice class has made it highly applicable for our clinical students. Dr. Perrine is also an extremely talented research mentor, who has mentored undergraduate and graduate students in her Voice laboratory and inspired many students to pursue research in CSD." —Diane Loeb


SERVICE: Teresa Bachman

Clinical Associate Professor, Assistant Program Director, and Graduate Program Director, Department of Physical Therapy

Teresa Bachman

"Dr Teresa Bachman has absorbed essential workload during the Department of Physical Therapy Chair transition and search, including DPT GPD, Curriculum Committee chair, and leading two virtual curriculum retreats. She concurrently chairs the Assessment Committee, participates in the Department Chair search, teaches a 3-credit class/94 students/9 faculty, and is working on her DHSc degree. Dr Bachman’s efforts allow other faculty to continue course builds, onboard new faculty, prep grants, and support students." —Brian Young


November 4, 2022

RESEARCH: Yang-Soo Yoon

Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Yang-Soo Yoon - Pure Gold

"Yang-Soo is an active researcher in CSD, who was recently awarded NIH funding to support his research program through an R15 (funded Fall 2021). The receipt of this award highlights the research potential for his department and Yang-Soo's own work to make a difference for those experiencing hearing loss. After receiving his award, Yang-Soo has continued to write, submit, and plan external NIH proposals to support the next phases of his research program." —Renée Umstattd Meyer


TEACHING: Emmanuel Akowuah

Lecturer and Internship Coordinator, Department of Public Health

Emmanuel Akowuah

"Dr. Emmanuel Akowuah constantly checks in on his students, both academically and personally. He sets time aside specifically for this. He also challenges his students to branch out and creates opportunities for them to really engage with and own the subject matter. He is a caring teacher and his passion for global health is evident." —Andrea Baker


SERVICE: Heather Hudson

Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Heather Hudson

"Mark 9:35 says: 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.' I know of no leader in Robbins College who better demonstrates this heart and conduct than Dr. Hudson. She demonstrates astonishing altruism as she chairs the Robbins College IPE Committee. She goes above and beyond what is asked of her, while simultaneously overflowing with grace amid mounting responsibilities. Her actions in front of the classroom and behind closed doors are beyond reproach." —Casey Unverzagt


November 18, 2022

RESEARCH: Shane Koppenhaver

Clinical Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Physical Therapy

Shane Koppenhaver

“Shane is actively collaborating between PT and HHPR as the PhD advisor to two active-duty military PT PhD students. He is managing over $1.4M in DoD research grants across 3 protocols. And, he has authored/co-authored 14 publications in 2022 with numerous colleagues from Baylor PT and across the profession on topics ranging from hybrid education, to physical examination test validity, to treatment utilizing dry needling. Shane is truly showing how PT research can occur in hybrid R1 programs.” –Brian Young


TEACHING: Kelli McMahan

Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Kelli McMahan

“Dr. McMahan is constantly looking to improve her students' learning both inside and beyond the classroom. She structures myriad projects and discussions around course material in outdoor leadership studies. She restructures her content every semester to include current research and breaking news in the industry. Off campus she provides transformative outdoor experiences for students, connecting them both with God's creation, and with oustanding professionals in the outdoor education world.” —Dale Connally


SERVICE: Karen King

Office Manager, Department of Human Sciences and Design

Karen King

“Karen King is a great office manager in the department of Human Sciences and Design. She has a servant heart and always seeks to help the students, faculty, and other staff in the department thrive in their respective areas of service. She goes above and beyond for students and faculty by investing her time in the lives of many people.” —Jay Yoo


December 2, 2022

RESEARCH: Beth Lanning

Professor, Associate Chair, and Director of MPH Community Health, Department of Public Health

Beth Lanning

“Beth Lanning has been Principal Investigator or co-Investigator of multiple research and evaluation projects over the past 3 years, collectively totaling more than $1 million in direct costs. Her work on health and human flourishing highlights human-animal interactions for multiple populations and motivational interviewing techniques for people who have experienced sexual exploitation. She also connects researchers and brings in outside speakers to support the work of others.” –Kelly Ylitalo


TEACHING: Elise King

Associate Professor, Department of Human of Sciences and Design

Elise King

“Professor Elise King integrates passion and expertise to create a stimulating class experience for her Interior Design students. Her focused approach immerses students in innovative learning strategies, where class activities represent real-world applications. Her organized and efficient approach to teaching guides students in achieving measurable success in practical, evidence-informed design and skill development. Her students view her as brilliant, encouraging, and invested.” —Sheri Dragoo


SERVICE: Michaela Ritter

Associate Dean for Undergraduate and International Studies, Robbins College

Associate Professor and Director of the Language and Literacy Clinic, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mikie Ritter

“Dr. Michaela Ritter is someone that embodies what Baylor stands for—a Christian education. She leads by example and is truly a ‘servant leader!’ As long as I have known her, she has never wavered from being a Christian in all she does. She gives tirelessly and never complains—she does her work truly, ‘as unto the Lord.’ I can’t think of anyone better who deserves this Pure Gold Award. I am proud and blessed to call her not only a colleague, but a true sister in Christ!” —Rochelle Brunson


Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences

Hankamer Academic Center, Suite 120
1428 S. 5th Street
Waco, TX 76706

One Bear Place #97303
Waco, TX 76798-7303

(254) 710-4630
About
Advising
Visit
Gift
Baylor BU Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences About Us Pure Gold Pure Gold Award Recipients Fall 2022
  • About Us
    Back
    • About Robbins College
    • Office of the Dean
      Back
      • Dean Jason Carter
      • College Council
    • News
      Back
      • Faculty Devotionals
        Back
        • Good leisure is a balancing act
        • A place where knowledge meets grace
        • The margins of excellence
        • Learning to ask well
        • From the very beginning, God ordained occupation
        • Stepping into a sacred space
        • Our words leave a mark
        • A traveling companion with us
        • Worrying doesn't add, it subtracts
        • Meet people where they are
        • That it all be done in love
        • Where our treasure truly lies
        • I hate being disappointed
        • When God's Grace governs the clock
    • Magazine
      Back
      • Past Issues
        Back
        • 2024
    • Pure Gold
      Back
      • Pure Gold Award Recipients
        Back
        • Fall 2022
        • Spring 2023
        • Fall 2023
        • Spring 2024
        • Fall 2024
        • Spring 2025
      • Pure Gold Nomination Form
    • Board of Advocates
    • Interprofessional Education
      Back
      • Committee Members
      • Do No Harm: An Interprofessional Patient Safety Event
      • Projects & Highlights
    • Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series
    • Contact Us
  • Prospective Students
    Back
    • Admissions
      Back
      • Graduate Admissions
        Back
        • Connect with a Graduate Enrollment Coordinator
      • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Degree Programs
      Back
      • Undergraduate Degrees
      • Graduate Degrees
    • Tuition & Fees
  • Current & Incoming Students
    Back
    • Incoming Students
    • Prehealth Careers & Majors
    • Advising
      Back
      • Advising Team
      • Resources
        Back
        • Attendance Policy
      • Appointments
      • Degree Plans
    • Career Services
    • Forms & Resources
      Back
      • Request to Change to CFS Major
      • Request to Change to CSD Major
      • Request to Change to HSS Major
      • Request to Change to NUTR Major
      • Request to Change to PH Major
    • Graduation
    • Scholarships
  • Departments
    Back
    • Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
    • Human Sciences and Design
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Physician Assistant Studies
    • Public Health
    • Army-Baylor Programs
  • Resources
    Back
    • Research Resources
    • Committees
      Back
      • Interprofessional Education
      • Scholarship Committee
    • Quick Links
  • Research
    Back
    • Signature Research Initiatives
      Back
      • Behavioral and Human Sciences
      • Chronic Diseases and Conditions
      • Health Access and Quality
      • (Re)habilitative Sciences
    • Expert Directory
    • Scholarly Activity
      Back
      • Communication Sciences and Disorders
      • Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
      • Human Sciences and Design
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Physical Therapy
      • Public Health
    • Research Facilities
    • Postdoctoral Researchers
  • Make a Gift
  • General Information
  • Academics & Research
  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Gateways for ...
  • About Baylor
  • Athletics
  • Ask Baylor
  • Bookstore
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Directory
  • Give to Baylor
  • News
  • Search
  • Social Media
  • Strategic Plan
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Graduate School
  • Hankamer School of Business
  • Honors College
  • Law School
  • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
  • Research at Baylor University
  • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Computer Science
  • School of Music
  • University Libraries, Museums, and the Press
  • More Academics
  • Athletics
  • Compliance, Risk and Safety
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Operations, Finance & Administration
  • Senior Administration
  • Student Life
  • University Advancement
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • goBAYLOR
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Baylor Law School Admissions
  • Social Work Graduate Programs
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Virtual Tour
  • Visit Campus
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Parents
  • Prospective Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • Students
  • Anonymous Reporting
  • Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Digital Privacy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Notice of Non-Discrimination
  • Report It
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility
 
Baylor University
Copyright © Baylor® University. All rights reserved.
Baylor University • Waco, Texas 76798 • 1-800-229-5678