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Department of Occupational Therapy Chair and Professor , has been elected president-elect of ������ of Texas Kenneth I. Shine Academy of Health Science Education.

Piernik-Yoder, who served as chair of the academy’s education committee for the past two years, will begin her two-year term in March 2024.

The academy’s purpose “is to promote excellence in health science education across the UT system but also across the state,” Piernik-Yoder said. “I’m truly honored to be elected for this position because it’s the heart of my passion for health science education and service to health science educators.”

The academy, named for former UT System executive vice chancellor Kenneth Shine, fosters excellence in education in the health sciences by recognition of outstanding educators and advancement of knowledge and innovation in the field of education. Members represent all UT System health science campuses and represent multiple professional backgrounds.

Piernik-Yoder’s work with the Shine Academy makes a difference for many, said School of Health Professions Dean David Shelledy, PhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, FASAHP.

“Dr. Piernik-Yoder’s efforts to improve health professions education benefit not only students at the School of Health Professions but also those across the state and the patients they will one day care for,” Shelledy said.