About the Award
The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding individual, group, or organization whose collaboration and commitment have made a transformative impact on our students, academic program, and the broader community. This honor celebrates a partner who goes above and beyond in fostering meaningful engagement and supporting experiential learning.
Each academic program is asked to identify two (2) community partners who exemplifies the spirit of collaboration by investing time and expertise to create opportunities that enrich our student’s educational experience. These contributions help bridge the gap between academic learning and real world application, empowering students to grow as informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.
Our Community Partner of the Year demonstrates:
- A sustained commitment to collaborations and shared mission
- Innovative approaches to engagement and experiential learning
- Meaningful impact on student learning and development
- Positive influence on the wellbeing and vitality of the local community
This award acknowledges the essential role of the community in our collective success and celebrates the deep and enduring relationships that make our work possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recipients
Athletic Training
Kwadwo Donkor, Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Noah Wilson, Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Applied Nutrition & Dietetics
Annemarie Price, Dietetics Community Partner of the Year
Stacey McCray, Applied Nutrition Preceptor of the Year
Health Services Administration
Grace Reed, HSA Community Partner of the Year
Sunnyside, HSA Community Partner of the Year
Occupational Therapy
Donna Pattie, OT Fieldwork Supervisor of the Year
Rachael Laughlin, OT Community Partner of the Year
Physician Assistant Studies
Dr. Stuart Henochowicz, PA Preceptor of the Year
Dr. Trent Mazer, PA Preceptor of the Year
Athletic Training
Lauryn Kenon: Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Ellen Hicks: Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Dietetics
Andrea Early: Dietetics Community Partner of the Year
Susan Lessar: Dietetics Preceptor of the Year
Health Services Administration
Leah Henton: HSA Internship Supervisor of the Year
University Career Center: HSA Community Partner of the Year
Occupational Therapy
Kala Doss: OT Community Partner of the Year
Jim Cochrane: OT Fieldwork Supervisor of the Year
Physician Assistant Studies
Dr. Kelli Hanon: PA Preceptor of the Year
Dr. Kelly Gladin: PA Preceptor of the Year
Athletic Training
Jon Leonard, Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Olivia Hale, Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year
Dietetics
Explore More Discovery Museum, Dietetics Community Partner of the Year
Martha Betts, Dietetics Preceptor of the Year
Health Services Administration
Meghan Patterson, HSA Internship Supervisor of the Year
Laura Ipock Powell, HSA Community Partner of the Year
Occupational Therapy
Lee Baker, OT Community Partner of the Year
Jamie McNamara, OT Community Partner of the Year
Physician Assistant Studies
Dr. Brad Rash, PA Preceptor of the Year
Blue Ridge Free Clinic, PA Clinical Site of the Year
MSC 4315
235 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
