ACHE Announces Key Leadership Appointments

FORT SMITH — The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Teressa Brown, PT, DPT, PhD as the new Vice President & Provost, and Christopher Smith, EdD as the Assistant Provost & Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Donald Simpson, MPH, PhD as Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Director, and Dana Kahl, PT, DPT, EdD, as Assistant Dean & Chair of the ACHE School of Physical Therapy. These strategic appointments underscore ACHE’s commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity across its five academic programs: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, ACHE School of Physical Therapy, ACHE School of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Biomedicine, and Master of Public Health.

Teressa Brown, PT, DPT, PhD – Vice President & Provost

Teressa Brown brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in physical therapy education and academic leadership. Most recently, Brown served as the founding Dean of the ACHE School of Physical Therapy, where she successfully guided the program to full accreditation and ensured its growth and excellence. Brown’s experience includes her tenure at West Coast University in Los Angeles, California, where she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacology programs for the for-profit institution.

Brown holds a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Simmons University. In January 2015, she earned her PhD in Health Professions Education from Simmons University as well. Her primary research areas include instructional methods and assessment practices in anatomy education and predictors of success or difficulty in the DPT curriculum.

As Provost, Brown will lead all academic activities and faculty affairs, oversee budgeting, faculty hiring, and performance, and spearhead academic planning initiatives. Her vision and expertise will be instrumental in driving ACHE’s academic programs to new heights.

Christopher Smith, EdD – Assistant Provost & Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Christopher Smith joined ACHE in 2022 as the Director of DEI, bringing over seven years of experience in higher education and DEI-related fields. Smith has a deep dedication to student success and has spearheaded campus-wide initiatives focused on recruitment and retention. He has also actively contributed to state and system-wide task forces on race and equity.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, Smith served as Acting Provost at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. Smith provided oversight of academic policies and programs while ensuring accessible, quality education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Smith worked closely with academic leadership on faculty appointments, strategic planning, and community outreach, working to enhance the university’s educational offerings and reputation.

In his expanded role as Assistant Provost & Director of DEI, Smith will continue to lead ACHE’s efforts in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. His leadership will be crucial in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all academic programs and institutional initiatives.

Kyle D. Parker, President and CEO stated, “I am thrilled to announce the appointments of our new Provost and Assistant Provost, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise within our institution. Their deep understanding of our mission and their proven leadership will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of ACHE. As in-house hires, they bring continuity and a profound commitment to our values, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest quality education and support to our students. I look forward to their contributions as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”