Expanding access to patient-centered care
The Physician Assistant program prepares advanced clinicians who deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across healthcare settings. Graduates help address shortages and improve access to care for diverse populations.
Philanthropy enhances educational quality while easing the financial burden on students entering this demanding profession.
Department highlights
- Long-standing, accredited professional training- being founded in 1972, we are the second oldest PA program in Michigan. The profession itself was founded in 1967.
- Smaller cohorts with focused instruction- 40 students per cohort with a 13:1 student to faculty ratio.
- Holistic admissions and active student engagement- we consider more than the GPA in the admissions process. This in turn increases diversity in the cohort. Out students are active in community service.
Make your gift today and help shape tomorrow’s workforce.
Your Impact
Donations support:
- Provide scholarships and emergency student support
- Expand clinical education and training experiences
- Strengthen program resources aligned with evolving healthcare needs
Ways to Give
- Give online through WMU’s secure giving portal (pre-linked to the department)
- Mail a check designated to the Department of Physician Assistant to:
Attn: Gift Processing
WMU Foundation
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403
- Connect with the college advancement team to discuss customized, in-kind or planned giving opportunities
Your Dollar in Action
- $1,000 supports student clinical resources and supplies
- $5,000 provides immediate partial scholarship support
- $20,000 supports expanded clinical training opportunities
- $50,000 endows a named scholarship or fund
Current Funds and Endowments
- Department of Physician Assistant
- Founding Director Dr. WG Birch Physician Assistant Anniversary Scholarship Fund
- Helen Elizabeth Gibbens Physician Assistant Scholarship Fund
- John Josten Award Endowment
- Michael Dabaja Endowed Physician Assistant Scholarship
- Thomas V. Arbanas Endowed Scholarship for Physician Assistant's Program
Your support helps prepare clinicians who serve communities when care is needed most.
Current funds and questions
Current funds
- Physician Assistant Department fund
Questions
For more information, contact Spencer Haworth, chief development officer for the College of Health and Human Services.
