Faculty and Staff
Sandra Stennett
MS, MPAS, PA-C
Founding Department Chair / Program Director
sandrastennett@weber.edu
Sandra Stennett, MS, MPAS, PA-C
Founding Department Chair and Program Director
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MPAS: University of Utah School of Medicine Physician Assistant Studies
MS: University of Utah Exercise Physiology
BFA: University of Utah Dance Performance - Ballet
Professional Profile
Sandra Stennett is the founding Chair and Program Director for the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University, responsible for creation, strategic planning, curriculum design, and program operations, ensuring that students are equipped to meet the challenges of the program’s dual focus in primary care and hospital medicine.
She brings over 30 years of experience spanning medical practice, healthcare administration, and education, including leadership roles within major hospitals and health systems. Her academic leadership experience includes serving as Associate Program Director for the University of Utah PA Program (2016–2020) and Director of Didactic Education at the University of Charleston, West Virginia. Her passion for teaching and mentorship has influenced the development of countless students into skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Sandra is a skilled clinician specializing in hospital medicine, with additional experience in cardiology, family medicine, and cardiothoracic surgery. She is an active member of national and state PA organizations, including service as Vice President of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (2019–2021) and six years on the PAEA End-of-Curriculum Exam Development Board.
Personal
Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, Sandra’s dance career brought her to Utah and to major cities including Boston and Pittsburgh. The dry climate and beautiful mountains, however, always drew her back to Utah. Outside of work, She enjoys time with family and friends. She has a passion for the arts, particularly ballet and musical theater. She also enjoys creative pursuits such as graphic design, interior design, and home renovation.
RJ Bunnell
MD
Medical Director
robertbunnell@weber.edu
RJ Bunnell, MD
Medical Director
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
Residency Training: University of Utah - Internal Medicine
Medical Degree: University of Utah School of Medicine
Baccalaureate Degree: Stanford University - Environmental and Water Resource Engineering; Minor in Spanish Language and Culture
Professional Profile
Dr. RJ Bunnell is a hospitalist at McKay-Dee Hospital, where he has served since 2007, and currently serves as Medical Director of Care Transformations for Intermountain Healthcare. In this role, he leads clinical informatics initiatives focused on optimizing electronic health record systems, improving decision support tools, and enhancing care delivery across the organization. Throughout his career, Dr. Bunnell has held numerous leadership roles, including Lead Hospitalist and Stroke Director at McKay-Dee Hospital. He has led system-wide efforts to standardize evidence-based care, improve clinical documentation, and strengthen collaboration across the care continuum. His work has contributed to advancements in quality improvement, patient safety, and operational efficiency.
Dr. Bunnell played a key role in Intermountain Healthcare’s iCentra implementation, contributing to workflow design, order sets, and documentation processes across multiple facilities. He has also been actively involved in provider leadership development and system-wide initiatives to improve sepsis care, transitions of care, and utilization management.
A recognized leader in healthcare improvement, Dr. Bunnell was selected for the inaugural class of the Intermountain Institute for Healthcare Leadership and received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the McKay-Dee Family Practice Residency Program. He has presented regionally on topics including sepsis care and continuous process improvement.
Personal
Outside of his professional life, R.J. enjoys spending time with his wife, and can frequently be seen sharing his talent for singing and playing the guitar at charity events and other local venues.
Nicholas Dean
MPAS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education
nicholasdean@weber.edu
Nicholas Dean, MPAS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MPAS: Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine - Physician Assistant Studies
BS: Weber State University - Radiological Sciences
Professional Profile
Nicholas Dean is one of the inaugural faculty members in the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University (WSU), currently serving as the program’s Director of Didactic Education. In this role, Nicholas exemplifies the program’s commitment to excellence in medical education. He is dedicated to shaping the next generation of physician assistants to provide quality healthcare and improve access for the local community.
Nicholas is an accomplished educator and clinician with seven years of experience as a Physician Assistant, specializing in rural Emergency Medicine. His time spent in rural medicine has given him the unique perspective of practicing medicine with limited resources and with underserved populations.
Nicholas is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). He has earned continuing certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants since 2016.
Before becoming a PA, Nicholas spent seven years as a radiologic technologist, specializing in radiography and computed tomography at a regional trauma center. Additionally, he served as an adjunct instructor for eight years in the Health Sciences Department at WSU, teaching anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. His engaging teaching style and ability to make complex concepts relatable helped build strong foundations for aspiring allied healthcare professionals. This rewarding experience solidified a desire to return to education following PA school.
Personal
Outside of his professional pursuits, Nicholas values quality time with his wife and two children. He enjoys movies and attending musicals. He has a passion for working on cars, and his competitive spirit finds an outlet in sports like golf.
Kolleen Marchand
MMS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education
kolleenmarchand@weber.edu
Kolleen Marchland, MMS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education / Assistant Professor
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MMS: Midwestern University - Physician Assistant Studies
BS: Weber State University - Zoology/Chemistry
Professional Profile
Kolleen Marchand joined the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University (WSU) in 2023 and currently serves as the program’s Director of Clinical Education. Kolleen has practiced family medicine—with a special interest and experience in women’s health—in Davis and Weber Counties since 2003. Her successful career and long-standing provider relationships along the Wasatch Front help to ensure that the WSUPAP students are provided with the highest quality and variety of clinical rotations in the second year of learning.
Kolleen received her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Prior to that, she earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry right here at Weber State University! She enjoys sharing her belief and passion that healthcare should be treated as a partnership between the provider and patient, where education and understanding are key to providing the highest quality care possible.
Kolleen is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). She maintains certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants since 2003.
Personal
Outside of her clinical practice and role here at Weber State, Kolleen enjoys spending time with family including her four daughters and three crazy dogs. Her hobbies include saltwater reef keeping, crafting, decorating, attending live music, and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Clayton Halford
MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
claytonhalford@weber.edu
Clayton Halford, MSPAS, PA-C
Principal Faculty / Assistant Professor
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MPAS: Touro University - Physician Assistant Studies
BS: Utah State University - Human Movement Science; Minor in Chemistry
Professional Profile
Clayton Halford is an inaugural faculty member in the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University, serving as a principal faculty member. Clayton focuses primarily on teaching and mentorship, where he shares his passion for education and patient care with aspiring medical providers.
Clayton holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Movement Science with a minor in Chemistry from Utah State University. He furthered his education by earning a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University in Henderson Nevada.
Clayton is a skilled Physician Assistant with eight years of clinical practice experience, specializing in trauma and critical care medicine. His clinical experience also includes family and emergency medicine, and orthopedics.
Clayton is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). He has earned continuing certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants since 2015.
Personal
Outside of work, Clayton is a devoted family man with four children. He enjoys scuba diving, backcountry snowmobiling, and long-range rifle shooting competitions. His favorite pastime is spending quality time in the mountains with his family, creating lasting memories.
Austin Okelberry
MHS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
austinokelberry@weber.edu
Austin Okelberry, MHS, PA-C
Principal Faculty / Assistant Professor
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MHS: Duke University, School of Medicine - Physician Assistant Studies
BS: Weber State University - Medical Laboratory Science
Professional Profile
Austin Okelberry is an Assistant Professor and principal faculty member in the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Weber State University and earned his Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Duke University.
Since graduating in 2015, Austin has been practicing as a physician assistant with Intermountain Health, specializing in orthopedics. He currently serves as the Advanced Practice Provider Director of Joint Replacement of the Canyons Region, where he helps lead clinical operations and contributes to program development and team leadership within the joint replacement service line. He brings a wealth of clinical and administrative experience into the classroom, helping students connect medical knowledge with real-world patient care.
Austin is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA), and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). He has maintained national certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 2015.
Personal
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. His personal interests include snow skiing, boating, coaching youth soccer, and playing soccer himself.
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Sarah Carter
MA
Enrollment Director
sarahcarter@weber.edu
Sarah Carter, MA
Enrollment Director
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
MA: Weber State University - English; Creative Writing Emphasis
BA: Brigham Young University - English, Minor in Communications
Professional Profile
With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Sarah Jean Carter serves as the Enrollment Director for the Weber State Physician Assistant Program. She leverages decades of expertise in student advocacy and healthcare to help future PAs navigate their path toward the right program, responsible for guiding applicants through finding the WSU program, understanding prerequisites and recommended preparation, completing and submitting applications, all the way to acceptance and matriculation in the program.
Sarah Jean Carter earned her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Communications from Brigham Young University. She subsequently completed her Master of Arts in English at Weber State University.
Before college administration as a career, she was a midwife, writing instructor, poet, and technical editor. Her personal quest is to help applicants and students find their "PURPOSE"—aligning aspiring healthcare leaders with WSU’s mission of compassionate, highly skilled, evidence-based, and patient-centered care.
Personal
Outside of her professional roles, Sarah enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction, writing poetry, dark chocolate, and camping in the mountains with her husband.
Sarah Schaefer
BS
Academic Coordinator
sarahschaefer@weber.edu
Sarah Schaefer, BS
Academic Coordinator
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
BS: Weber State University - Composite Elementary And Special Ed
Professional Profile
Sarah Schaefer joined the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University in April 2025 and currently serves as one of the program’s Academic Coordinators. Sarah brings over 15 years of experience in education, having worked as an elementary and special education teacher and later as the Director of Special Education for a local charter school. Her extensive background in teaching and program coordination strengthens the academic foundation of the WSUPAP, ensuring students receive strong support throughout their training.
Prior to her career in education, Sarah served the community through her work with the Utah Department of Public Safety as both a Driver License Examiner and Hearing Officer. Her diverse professional journey reflects a deep commitment to public service and a passion for student development.
Sarah earned her Dual Composite Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Weber State University. She also holds an endorsement to teach English as a Second Language, equipping her with the skills to support a broad and diverse student population. She firmly believes that students will rise to high expectations when provided with the right support and dynamic, engaging instruction.
Personal
Originally from Montana, Sarah developed a love for wide-open spaces and a strong sense of community. Outside of her role at Weber State, she enjoys reading, baking, traveling, camping with her family, and spending quality time with her children and grandchild.
Christopher Hamm
BA
Academic Coordinator
chrishamm@weber.edu
Christopher Hamm, BS
Academic Coordinator
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
BA: Ashford University, San Diego - English
Professional Profile
Christopher Hamm joined the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University in 2025 and serves as one of the program’s Academic Coordinators. Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in reverse supply chain logistics and management, including his role as a Regional Director for a logistics conglomerate specializing in government surplus sales. His expertise in leadership, operations, and program coordination provides a strong organizational foundation for the WSUPAP, ensuring that students and faculty receive consistent support throughout the didactic year.
Chris began his studies in English at Weber State University and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in English through Ashford University in 2016 while living in Hawaii. His background in writing and communication further enhances his ability to foster collaboration and contribute to student success.
Personal
Born and raised in Utah, Chris is a long-time resident of Ogden, though his career and love of travel have taken him to many places across the United States and abroad. After several years living in Europe, he returned to Ogden in 2020 to be closer to his children and granddaughter. Outside of his role at Weber State, he enjoys reading, writing fiction, and spending quality time with his granddaughter.
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Samantha Anderson
AS
Administrative Specialist
samanthaanderson4@weber.edu
Samantha Anderson, AS
Administrative Specialist
Weber State University, Department of Physician Assistant Medicine
Education
AS: Southern Utah University, Associate of Science
Professional Profile
CSamantha Anderson serves as the Administrative Specialist for the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine at Weber State University, where she supports the department’s daily operations and contributes to student learning through her creative work. She brings her artistic skills to the program by providing special effects makeup for patient actors in simulated clinical cases, enhancing the realism of simulation experiences.
A local to the Ogden area, Sam brings a dynamic and creative background to her role. Her career journey began in the spotlight as a chef contestant on an Emmy Award-winning television show for two seasons. She later pursued a degree in film and media at Southern Utah University, where she directed live news broadcasts, hosted her own radio show, and received multiple awards for her short film work.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam paused her education to support her family and worked with individuals with disabilities. This experience sparked a strong interest in special education and helping children find joy in learning, leading her to roles in both primary and secondary schools. She looks forward to completing her degree and continuing to explore opportunities in education and media at Weber State.
Personal
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her husband and their two cats. She channels her creativity into hobbies such as stained glass, sewing, cooking, and games.