APK Advisory Board
Mission
To be a driving force of industry professionals and alumni actively collaborating to empower student success with APK faculty, staff. We guide experiential learning, build innovative coursework, and support cutting-edge research to launch the next generation of leaders across all career paths relevant to applied physiology and kinesiology. 1. CHAMPION CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Engage directly with students, faculty, and staff to shape innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to confidently enter and lead the industries related to healthcare, wellness, and fitness.
2. SUPPORT A ROBUST ALUMNI NETWORK: Cultivate a strong, interconnected community of alumni and industry partners to provide ongoing mentorship, professional connections, and clear career pathways for current and future students.
3. FACILITATE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT: Drive targeted financial support through scholarships, research underwriting, and department-level donations to remove barriers to student success.
4. ADVANCE INNOVATIVE RESEARCH: Identify and create opportunities for active industry involvement in the development and real-world application of department research, connecting state-of-the-art science with industry practice.
5. TELL OUR STORY OF INNOVATION: Amplify the innovative work and student success stories happening within the APK program to expand our reach, drive industry engagement, and grow our supportive community.
2. SUPPORT A ROBUST ALUMNI NETWORK: Cultivate a strong, interconnected community of alumni and industry partners to provide ongoing mentorship, professional connections, and clear career pathways for current and future students.
3. FACILITATE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT: Drive targeted financial support through scholarships, research underwriting, and department-level donations to remove barriers to student success.
4. ADVANCE INNOVATIVE RESEARCH: Identify and create opportunities for active industry involvement in the development and real-world application of department research, connecting state-of-the-art science with industry practice.
5. TELL OUR STORY OF INNOVATION: Amplify the innovative work and student success stories happening within the APK program to expand our reach, drive industry engagement, and grow our supportive community.
(Board member bios can be accessed by clicking on individual photos)
Morgan Smith, Ph.D., C.S.C.S.
Senior Performance Coach
U.S. Soccer Federation
(2026 Advisory Board President)
LinkedIn
Ron Forbes
Owner/Performance Coach
Quantum Human Performance
Alfred Jackson, D.D.S.
Owner/Orthodontist
Jackson Orthodontics
Nicholas Ricca, P.T., D.P.T.
Physical Therapist
Strive! Physical Therapy
Kristen Sowalsky, Ph.D.
Owner/ Chief Consultant – Neuroscience, Biomechanics, Health, & Well-Being
K. Sowalsky Consulting
LinkedIn
Joseph Stauffer, D.O., M.B.A., F.A.P.C.R.
CEO, Founder, Chief Medical Officer
Delta Life Sciences
LinkedIn
Commander James “JB” Walsh, D.O., O.L.Y.
Flight Surgeon & Primary Care Physician
U.S. Navy
Contact The Board
David Vaillancourt, Ph.D.,
Department Chair
Diba Mani, Ph.D.,
Board Program Manager and Faculty Liaison
