The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences announced in November that David Beck, assistant professor, is the chair of the newly designated Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Beck played an integral role in the development of the program since its inception a decade ago. As interim program director, he was instrumental in the program receiving its department status and managing its relocation from the University of Pittsburgh Applied Research Center in Harmar Township to Oakland's Murdoch Building on Forbes Avenue earlier this fall. 

Beck is an American Academy of Physician Assistants Distinguished Fellow; a member of Pi Alpha, the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants; and was named the 2017 Physician Assistant Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.