Valentin Honored with Leadership Award by PAEA
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
A College of Health Sciences faculty member was one of 11 recipients of a recent award from The PA Education Association (PAEA).
On October 9, 2025, at the Education Forum in San Diego, the PAEA recognized educators who “represent the best of the PA profession with the PAEA Faculty and Staff Awards.”
Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C and the Daus Family Endowed Professor of Physician Assistant Studies, as well as the department chair, was honored with the 2025 Leadership Development award.
Designed to promote and celebrate growth, commitment, dedication, and advocacy throughout PA education, the awards spanned a range of categories from Administrative Support to New Faculty, Research, and Lifetime Achievement. Each award recipient has made “a significant, lasting effect on their programs, students, and communities,” the PAEA website noted.
“It was a huge honor to be awarded with this national recognition in front of my colleagues and peers,” Valentin said. “I truly love mentoring others and helping in their development and leadership so it was a significant honor for me to be acknowledged with this national award.”
The 2025 Award Recipients:
Administrative Support
Alyssa Holtz, Clinical Education Administrator, University of Pittsburgh
Article of the Year
“Burnout, Personal, and Occupational Factors as Predictors of Physician Assistant Faculty Intent to Leave after the COVID-19 Pandemic.” by April Stouder, EdD, MHS, PA-C, Interim Division Chief & Program Director, Duke PA Program
Clinical Education
Jennifer Guthrie, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Experiential Education, Butler University
Excellence in PA Education
Detroit Mercy PA Program
Leadership Development
Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, Department Chair & Associate Professor, University of Kentucky
Lifetime Achievement
Susan LeLacheur, DrPH, PA-C, Professor, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Master Faculty
Christina Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
New Faculty
Jaclyn Demeter, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Department of PA Studies, Butler University
Partnership
Circle the City: Healthcare Services for the Homeless
Research Achievement
Trenton Honda, PhD, PA-C, Dean & Professor, Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences, JPAE Editor in Chief
Rising Star
Lucy Kibe, DrPH, MHS, MS, PA-C, Associate Professor & Program Director, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
"Dr. Valentin’s leadership exemplifies the very essence of this award — she mentors with purpose, innovates with courage, and leads with authenticity and compassion," said Leslie Woltenberg, PhD, an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for the UK Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Woltenberg was one of those who nominated Valentin for the award. "Her impact on students, staff, faculty, and the national PA education community is profound. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition. It is an honor and a joy to work alongside such a remarkable leader."
PAEA is the only national organization representing PA educational programs in the United States. Currently, all of the accredited programs in the country are members of the Association. PAEA provides services for faculty at its member programs, as well as to applicants, students, and other stakeholders.
Founded in 1972 as the Association of Physician Assistant Programs, the Physician Assistant Education Association took on a new name in 2005. Member programs voted to adopt the current name, PA Education Association, in 2022.