KIRKLAND, WA (Oct. 26, 2009) – A.T. Still University (ATSU) ranked #6 out of 200 educational institutions offering online degree programs by Guide to Online Schools, a leading online education portal. The annual study by Guide to Online Schools factored in multiple metrics: regional accreditation, tuition cost, number of students, number of full-time faculty, number of part-time faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate, and retention rate, all derived from the latest data compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a U.S. Department of Education group. For its findings, Guide to Online Schools also leveraged student feedback and reviews collected on its site during the study. The top 25 schools to rank were then published with full metric data presented online.

ATSU had the highest graduation rate of all the top 25 institutions and ranked well for having a low overall student-to-faculty ratio. ATSU received high marks for its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), in addition to having program-specific accreditations through professional organizations. For example, the University’s Physician Assistant Studies program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

ATSU’s ranking placed it ahead of other popular online institutions, including the University of Phoenix, Capella University, and Walden University. “A.T. Still University has consistently proven itself to be a leading institution, both in terms of popularity and in the quality of education it provides its students. The University represents a fantastic distance learning opportunity for anyone interested in furthering their healthcare education,” stated Keith Cushner, project manager for Guide to Online Schools.

ATSU, with residential campuses in Kirksville, Mo., and Mesa, Ariz., was founded in 1892. The University offers graduate degree programs centered on whole person healthcare and other related healthcare fields, delivering courses through a variety of methods, including campus-based, blended learning, and online.

Guide to Online Schools in an authoritative online resource for distance education and career information. The site provides prospective students with school reviews, distance learning testimonials, in-depth career information, and the ability to connect directly with schools. Guide to Online School’s study is available at http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-colleges, and is part of an annual review of all online schools presented on the website.

For more information, contact Keith Cushner of Guide to Online Schools at 425.605.8898 or keith@reachnetwork.com.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (2-18-09) – On February 18, 2009, the Site Visit Team of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reported its preliminary recommendation to accredit A.T. Still University (ATSU) for 10 years, the longest period possible.  The highlight of assessing ATSU’s Missouri and Arizona campuses was positive feedback on student learning, teaching effectiveness, and evidence of a unique learning culture consistent with the mission of ATSU.  The HLC team also acknowledged the great work the University is doing in community service, particularly with underserved populations.  In addition, the preliminary report noted ATSU’s ongoing efforts to become a more cohesive University.  A different team will return in two years for a focused visit to review implementation of those ongoing efforts.

The HLC will send its formal report to ATSU President Jack Magruder within the next few months.  The February 18 exit report of the Site Visit Team was a very positive outcome for the University; the review process, beginning with presentation of evidence to the Commission in a written document in December 2008 and culminating with the Visit Team’s exit report, was the first full accreditation review of ATSU since it became a University in 2002 and thus marks a significant milestone for the institution.

“The excellent result is due to the hard work of all constituents of the institution who participated in the process and who helped make the University what it is; I am grateful to all members of the faculty, student body, staff, administration, alumni, and greater ATSU communities,” said President Magruder.

Founded in 1892 in Kirksville, Mo., by A.T. Still, M.D., D.O., as the American School of Osteopathy, the School underwent name changes as it grew in size and reputation, becoming the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) in 1971.  KCOM has graduated more than 15,000 physicians in its 117-year history and has worldwide recognition as the founding institution of osteopathic medicine.  KCOM is now one of the five schools on two campuses which comprise A.T. Still University. Its other schools are the School of Health Management (in Kirksville), the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and the Arizona School of Health Sciences (all located on ATSU’s Mesa, Ariz., Campus).

The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, is an independent oversight agency which awards accreditation to degree-granting institutions in the United States and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  The 10-year accreditation for ATSU is the HLC’s highest award.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (2/10/09) - Peter W. Detweiler, chair of A.T. Still University’s Board of Trustees, announces that the Board has extended the contract of Jack Magruder, Ed.D., as president of the University beyond its original ending date of June 30, 2010.  According to Detweiler, this multi-year extension will permit President Magruder to lead ATSU through the next strategic planning cycle now under way and carry it well into its implementation.

“The Board is delighted with the progress of ATSU under Jack’s leadership and looks forward to his continued guidance as our president,” Detweiler said.  “The Board was enthusiastic and unanimous in its decision.”  The action this past weekend concluded a regular board meeting at the Mesa, Ariz., Campus of ATSU.

Magruder, when told about his extension, said, “I am humbled, pleased, and delighted.  A.T. Still is very close to my heart, and I would like us to continue to flourish.”  As ATSU’s 10th president, Magruder said he is committed to working closely with students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni and friends in both the Kirksville and Mesa communities and across the nation.

Beyond an upcoming accreditation site visit over the next week by a team from the Higher Learning Commission, Magruder will focus on strengthening the University’s governance structure, improving communication throughout the University, and beginning a strategic planning process with broad input from all constituents.

Magruder, who became acting president of ATSU on February 14, 2008, and president on April 1, 2008, also indicated that he will continue to focus on student learning and university-wide assessment.  Detweiler, the chief executive officer of Alliant Bank in Kirksville, Mo., said that Magruder’s talents and experience make him the right person to continue to lead ATSU.

Magruder began his academic career at Truman State University in 1964 teaching chemistry.  During his many years at Truman, he was not only a professor but successively held the posts of head of the division of science and vice president for academic affairs.  On July 1, 1994, Magruder was named the 13th president of Truman State University, a position he held until retiring from Truman on June 30, 2003, with the titles president emeritus and professor emeritus of chemistry. 

Magruder attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics.  He has a master’s degree in chemistry and science education from the University of Northern Iowa and a doctorate in chemistry and science education from the University of Northern Colorado.  Magruder is a 1992 graduate of Harvard University’s Institute of Educational Management.  He was honored in 1999 by the University of Northern Colorado as the recipient of the Administration Achievement Award and was granted an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2002.  Magruder was honored by receiving the 2003 Hall of Fame Award from the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Magruder served as a member of the Missouri State Fair Foundation Board and the Community Advisory Committee to the Missouri Foundation for Health.  He is also past chair of the Blue Ribbon Panel for Accountability, Credibility, and Efficiency for the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.  During his time at Truman, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, past chair of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education Committee on Transfer and Articulation, past president of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, past president of the Council on Public Higher Education for Missouri, and past president of the Board of Directors of the Truman State University Foundation.  Prior to becoming ATSU’s president, Magruder served as a member of the Board of Trustees for ATSU, as well as chair of the Board’s Education/Research Committee.

ATSU enrolls more than 3,400 students in its Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arizona School of Health Sciences, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and the online School of Health Management.  The University has campuses in Kirksville, Mo., and Mesa, Ariz.

The University offers graduate degrees in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, human movement, athletic training, audiology, physical therapy, physician’s assistant studies, health administration, health education, public health, geriatric health, health science, and occupational therapy.

Originally established as the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, ATSU is the founding school of osteopathic medicine begun in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O.