In November of 2019, Chapman University announced that it was the recipient of a $9 Million gift from the Simon Foundation to provide scholarships for future students of the MMS Physician Assistant Studies program (PA Studies). Crean College is pleased to announce that Gerald Glavaz, DHSc, PA-C has been appointed Associate Dean of the Simon Scholar PA Program Fund and will manage all activities related to the gift.

Dr. Glavaz received his Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln before completing his Doctor of Health Sciences Studies (DHSc) at A.T. Still University in 2013. He served as a professor and clinical director of Loma Linda University’s Physician Assistant Sciences program from 2008 to 2014 before becoming Department Chair in 2014, a role he maintained until his move to Chapman. Additionally, Dr. Glavaz authored several peer-reviewed publications, was responsible for Loma Linda’s Song-Brown Healthcare Workforce Training Grant and has been an active member of the PA lobby to the U.S. House of Representatives to increase federal funding for PA programs.

When asked about his new role, he had this to say: “I am very excited and honored to be named Associate Dean for the Simon Scholars Physician Assistant Program at Chapman University. I look forward to working with Simon Scholars students who have overcome significant economic obstacles and personal hardships to excel academically and to improve the world we live in. Ninety-eight percent of Simon Scholars are first-generation college students, which is a significant accomplishment. As a long-time PA educator, I have seen firsthand how PA students that display this type of character, determination, academic excellence and commitment to serving others become great PA’s. Upon graduation, they often hold leadership positions within the profession while choosing to practice clinically in medically underserved areas.”

We are delighted to welcome Jerry to the Chapman Family and wish him success in his new role as Associate Dean of the Simon Scholar PA Program fund.