WesternU Adds Two New Directors

Two new directors have been hired at Western University of Health Sciences

(WesternU): LeeAnne Carrothers, PT, PhD, in the Center for Disability

Issues and the Health Professions (CDIHP); and David Hacker, MA, in the

Office of Student Affairs.

Dr. Carrothers is the director of curriculum for CDIHP. In that role, she

is working on research projects and curriculum development. She is

currently involved in several projects designed to improve the quality of

education for health care professionals providing care to persons with

disabilities. Additionally, she is creating traditional and Web-based

curriculum for international use as a result of two grants CDIHP has

received.

Dr. Carrothers has also held positions as an associate professor of

physical therapy at WesternU and as an adjunct faculty member in the

health sciences department at Cal State Dominguez Hills. She earned a

master’s degree in physical therapy from USC and a doctorate in clinical

psychology from the California Graduate Institute. She is a resident of

Huntington Beach.

“”My educational and professional background has made for a natural

transition from physical therapy to disability issues,”” Dr. Carrothers

said. “”As a therapist, I’ve been exposed to people with a variety of

disabilities, and I’m excited about the opportunities my new position

offers and I look forward to making a valuable contribution.””

Hacker is the new director of the Office of Learning Enhancement and

Academic Development in the Office of Student Affairs. In that position,

he coordinates academic support services for students, offering workshops

on test taking, note taking and time management; assisting students in

their preparation for professional board exams; and organizing tutorial

and summer pre-matriculation programs. He is also available for individual

counseling sessions.

Hacker came to WesternU from a post as director of medical education for

Kaplan Educational Centers, where he was involved in the development and

implementation of more than 30 educational programs nationwide. He also

founded Medical Career Advancement and Training, a company dedicated to

preparing pre-medical students for the Medical College Admission Test

(MCAT). He holds a master’s degree in American history from Cal State

Fullerton. He resides in Fontana.

“”I really enjoy working in an academic setting, where the bottom line is

working with students toward their future success,”” Hacker said. “”I’m

looking forward to developing additional academic support programs at

WesternU and being a resource to all the students on campus.””