College of Health Professions Alumni, Friends and Donors

This is truly an exciting time in healthcare, as treatment innovations, and technological advances are changing the landscape of health practice. Simultaneously, the opportunities for individuals in the health professions seem limitless, as the scope of practice and the need for healthcare practitioners continually expand. Learn more about what's happening in the College of Health Professions in our fall 2026 alumni newsletter.

In the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, student success is our highest priority. We are nationally recognized leaders in the education of healthcare and providers in:

• Athletic Training.
• Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• Physician Assistant.
• Health Sciences.
• Physical Therapy.
• Physical Education and Sport.
• Nutrition and Dietetics.

When you  support The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, you are making a difference in the lives of these well-deserving students. You can help passionate students realize their dreams. You can help turn our faculty discoveries into practice, and by supporting our research centers and labs, you contribute to improving the lives of real people in very meaningful ways. If you are interested in learning more about donating to the College of Health Professions, email Sara Schafer or call 989-774-1423.

Dean's alumni advisory board

Meet the alumni advisory board that brings together leaders and advocates to help shape our college's future. They identify opportunities, priorities, and future initiatives that will support the continued growth and success of the college. The goals of the board include strengthening alumni engagement, enhancing student opportunities, and advancing the college's mission of preparing the next generation of health professionals. 

Dr. Thomas Claringbold 

Dr. Claringbold is chief ophthalmologist for the MyMichigan Health system. His practice is located in Clare, Michigan. He completed his undergraduate education as a sports medicine major at Central Michigan University. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2024, he obtained a master’s degree in global health from Michigan State University and is an Assistant Professor in the Global Health Institute at MSU. He has been actively involved in promoting CMU’s College of Health Professions since its creation.

Padraic McMeel

Padraic McMeel is the President and CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree in community recreation and sports studies with a minor in athletic coaching and a masters in physical education and athletic administration from Central Michigan University.  Padraic worked in intercollegiate athletics for over 20 years at eleven institutions including serving as the Director of Athletics at four schools.

Dr. Brian Parr

Dr. Parr is a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of South Carolina (USC) Aiken where he teaches courses in exercise physiology, exercise testing, and clinical exercise physiology and mentors undergraduate student research. He earned his doctorate in exercise science from the University of Tennessee, a master's in exercise science from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor's in biology from Stonehill College. Dr. Parr is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) and an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Dr. Parr currently serves as a Vice-President of ACSM, on the Steering Committee of the National Physical Activity Plan, and as the Faculty Athletics Representative at USC Aiken.

Gary Russell

Gary Russell is a longtime Central Michigan University alumnus and supporter with a deep connection to the university and its community. Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in educational administration from CMU in 1966 and 1970, respectively. It was also at CMU that he met his wife, Barbara “Barb” Russell. Gary started his career as an educator and transitioned into leadership roles for several U.S. Senators, a Michigan Congressman, and the U.S. Department of State. Gary and his wife are lifetime advocates for CMU, with six endowed funds supporting many areas across campus. 

Dr. Linda Seestadt-Stanford

Dr. Seestedt-Stanford is an academic leader and audiologist known for serving, most recently, as the founding Vice President and Dean of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University (MBU). Prior to that appointment she was the Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Western Carolina University. In addition to leading these colleges in developing programs and maintaining excellence in teaching and learning, she helped design and provide oversight of the construction of state-of-the-art health sciences buildings at each institution. Dr. Seestedt-Stanford worked at CMU for thirty-two years, first serving as the Director of Clinical Instruction and Services in Audiology, then as the Founding Assistant Dean of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions.  As a part of her role in the Dean’s Office, she coordinated, with architects and faculty to design the health professions building. Dr. Seestedt-Stanford earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and her doctorate from Michigan State University. She is retired and living in Churchville, Virginia and Sylva, North Carolina with her husband Mark. She has been blessed with four wonderful grandchildren.

Marty Sytsema

Marty completed his undergraduate studies at Calvin College and then received his degree in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in its inaugural class of 1997. He went on to complete a residency in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy at Gratiot Hospital in Alma, Michigan and was named a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists as a result. He received a second manual therapy certification (Certified Integrated Manual Therapist) through Great Lakes Seminars. Marty started and co-owned i’move physical therapy for 20 years, growing it to nine clinics throughout West Michigan. i’move merged with Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon in 2025. Marty has been teaching continuing education classes around the country with Great Lakes Seminars for the last 25 years and has been active with payment issues through the Michigan Physical Therapy Association.

Dr. Beth Taylor

Dr. Taylor currently serves as a Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company and as Adjunct Faculty for the Doctor of Health Administration program at Central Michigan University.  She has 45 years of executive healthcare experience in private and federal health systems.  During her time as Assistant Undersecretary for Health/CNO for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she led work on staffing models, national practice and license issues, and the caregiver support program. Dr. Taylor was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2021.