Meet Our Faculty

	NATHAN MIRACLE Program Director and Associate Professor miraclen@franklinpierce.edu Hello, my name is Dr. Nathan Miracle, DMSc, PA-C, and I am the Program Director for the Franklin Pierce University Hybrid PA Program in Round Rock, Texas. My clinical background as a physician assistant is in orthopedics and rural health care, which has shaped my perspective as an educator. I have extensive experience in PA education, having served as the Associate Program Director, Director of Curriculum and Director of Didactic Education at other universities with primary roles in teaching, curriculum development, and leadership that emphasized innovation and student success. My academic career has included developing interprofessional learning opportunities, mentoring students and faculty, and guiding program growth. I am excited to be a part of the FPU Texas program where I can continue to focus on advancing physician assistant education and preparing students for clinical practice.
	David Olson, MD Medical Director olsond@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I am David Olson MD, Medical Director for this program. I trained at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I then completed an Emergency Medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I have worked in academic emergency departments in Milwaukee, Galveston and Houston, serving as a Residency Director, and Department Chairman. I have also directed community hospital emergency departments and free-standing emergency departments in Houston. My wife and I currently reside in San Marcos TX. I enjoy teaching and interacting with our students.
	Todd Smith Director of Didactic Education and Associate Professor smithp@franklinpierce.edu Dr. Todd Smith is the Director of Didactic Education for the Franklin Pierce University Hybrid PA Program in Round Rock, Texas and is a board-certified Physician Assistant with over 20 years of clinical experience and more than 14 years in PA education. He brings a strong blend of academic leadership, curricular innovation, and clinical expertise that aligns closely with the mission of hybrid PA programs. His clinical background includes gastroenterology and urgent/emergency care, and he has held several key academic leadership roles, including Program Director, Director of Didactic Education, Director of Clinical Education. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Health Science, with research focused on interpretative phenomenological analysis through the lens of intersectionality to examine healthcare decision-making among underrepresented populations. His teaching philosophy centers on mentorship, empowerment, and collaboration, key values in geographically dispersed hybrid learning environments. Dr. Smith is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and academic excellence for students.
	Kelly Clinton Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor clintonk@franklinpierce.edu Hello! I’m Dr. Kelly Clinton, Director of Clinical Education for Franklin Pierce University MPAS Program in Round Rock, Texas. I have over 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant with experience in Emergency Medicine at Level 1 and 2 Trauma Centers, including Chest-Pain, and Stroke Centers. I have also delivered care in the Post-Acute Medicine setting, including growing and managing a remote patient care (RPM) digital health practice. With previous experience in clinical education, I am thrilled to continue to teach the next generation of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care to those who need it most. My passion is guiding students to grow into providers that I would have utmost confidence in delivering care to my loved ones.
	Jennifer Rodriguez Associate Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor rodriguezj@franklinpierce.edu Howdy! I’m Jenni Rodriguez, Associate Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Franklin Pierce University's Texas campus. I earned my Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I believe Clinical Education is a collaborative endeavor and I view preceptors as co-educators and role models who bridge classroom learning with patient care. I work to foster strong partnerships with clinical sites, ensuring preceptors feel supported, valued, and engaged in the mission of training the next generation of PAs. By cultivating these relationships, I strive to broaden opportunities for students while maintaining high standards of clinical teaching.
	Kenia Selva Program Coordinator selvak@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I'm Kenia Selva, Program Coordinator for Franklin Pierce University at the Round Rock, Texas campus. I orchestrate program planning and activities while managing essential communications between students, faculty, and staff. I collaborate on staff assignments, workloads, and scheduling to support seamless operations. My background combines extensive experience in Federal Financial Aid, Registrar services, and Educational Administration, bringing valuable expertise to my position. I'm passionate about paying it forward by sharing my professional experience with others in the academic community.
	Megan Harborth Clinical Placement Coordinator harborthm@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I’m Megan Harborth, Clinical Placement Coordinator for Frankin Pierce University – Texas, Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. I collaborate closely with our clinical partners, students, faculty, and DCE to ensure that every student receives a comprehensive clinical rotation experience and develops the hands-on skills necessary to become a competent healthcare professional. I am passionate about working in higher education and find it deeply rewarding to contribute to students’ academic and professional growth.
	Pamela O’Brien Admissions Director obrienp@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I'm Pamela O'Brien, the Admissions Coordinator. I help students through the admissions process and supporting them as they begin their journey to become physician assistants. I enjoy being part of a team that guides future healthcare professionals toward achieving their goals.
	Joseph Weber Director of Program Assessment weberj@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I'm Dr. Joseph Weber, a Professor and Director of Program Assessment for the Physician Assistant Studies Program.at Franklin Pierce University's Texas campus. I teach courses in Pharmacology, Behavioral Health, Addiction Medicine, and Biomedical Ethics. My background combines healthcare, education, and business, allowing me to guide students in both clinical skills and leadership. I've also worked at companies like Microsoft and Lubrizol, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Lately, I've been exploring how artificial intelligence can improve healthcare and education.
	Shannon Areford Associate Professor arefords@franklinpierce.edu Hi, I’m Dr. Shannon Michaels Areford, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C. I’m the course director for Patient Assessment and Associate Professor in the Franklin Pierce University PA program at the Round Rock Campus. My medical background as a Physician Assistant is in Emergency Medicine, Observation Medicine, Wound Care, Occupational Medicine, and Urgent Care. My teaching philosophy is founded on the encouragement for professional development, personal growth and intrinsic motivation fostering life-long learning.
	Harrison Reed Associate Professor reedh@franklinpierce.edu Harrison Reed, MMSc, PA-C is an Associate Professor at Franklin Pierce University and a member of the principal faculty at the Hybrid MPAS Program in Round Rock, Texas. He is a graduate of the Yale Physician Associate Program and has spent his clinical career practicing critical care medicine in a variety of intensive care and resuscitation units. His academic work has won numerous national awards including the Society of Critical Care Medicine's Annual Scientific Award and the American Academy of Physician Associates' Publishing Award. He lives in Washington, D.C.