Election

2026 Election - Candidate Profiles

Online voting will be available between February 15 and March 1, 2026.

Life Member Candidate

Paula Pate-Schloder, MS, R.T.(R)(CV)(CT)(VI), FAEIRS

With a strong background in medical imaging and administration, I transitioned into education after serving as Chief Technologist at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. Although I was initially apprehensive about teaching, it quickly became my passion. In 1991, I began teaching full-time as a clinical instructor at Misericordia University, where I first learned about AEIRS.

I spoke at my first AEIRS conference in 2006. It was through these annual meetings that I found a community that shared both my dedication to medical imaging and the unique challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to academia. Throughout my career, I have presented at numerous state and national conferences, served on ARRT examination committees, and published four times in Merrill’s Atlas. I recently retired from Misericordia University after 32 years of service, having held every role in the department, including Department Chair.

My leadership within AEIRS includes serving 9 years on the Board of Directors. I was first elected as Director-at-Large in 2008 and served as President-Elect in both 2011 and 2022. During my tenure, I directed three strategic planning sessions and participated in the 2024 session.

AEIRS has had a profound impact on my life, fostering lifelong friendships and providing invaluable professional opportunities. My focus has always remained on mentorship and encouraging new members to become active participants in our organization.

I am truly honored to be nominated as a Life Member.

President-Elect Candidate

Jay Hicks, EdD, R.T.(R)

Radiologic Technology Program Director, Clinical/Applied Assistant Professor

University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

AEIRS Positions

Director-at-Large, 2023-2026
Advocacy Committee, Member, 2019-2022
Education Committee, Member, 2019-2020
Editorial Review Board, Member, Radiologic Science & Education, 2015-2018
Membership Committee, Chair, 2007-2008
Membership Committee, Member, 2005-2007
Member since May 2004

Organizational Positions

ASRT Professional Mentor Program, Mentor, 2025-2026
ASRT Education Chapter, Delegate, 2025-2026
ASRT Commission, Member, 2024-2025
ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, Vice Chair, 2021-2024
ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, Member, 2019-2024
ASRT Curriculum Project Workgroup, Member, 2015-2017, 2012-2013, 2010-2012 (JRCERT representative)
ASRT BSRS Curriculum Workgroup, Member, 2006-2008
ASRT Committee on RT Advocacy Region 5 Subcommittee, Member, 2014-2015
ASRT RT in DC, 2007
ASRT Leadership Academy for Educators, 2006
ASRT Member since 2000
ISRRT Member since 2022

ASRT Affiliate Positions

Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT), Chair, 2024-2025; President, 2023-2024; President-Elect, 2022-2023
CSRT Affiliate Delegate, 2025-2026, 2024-2025, 2023-2024
CSRT Education Committee, Chair, 2020-2025
CSRT Member since 2019
Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (LSRT), Secretary, 2007
LSRT CARE Bill Promotion Taskforce, Chair, 2007, 2006
LSRT CARE Bill Promotion Taskforce, Member, 2005, 2004
Louisiana Educators in Radiologic Sciences (LERS), Chair, 2007
LERS, Vice Chair, 2006, 2005

Other Positions

Department Head/Program Director, University of Hartford, 2025-present; Sacred Heart University, 2019-2022; University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2006-2007
JRCERT Staff, 2007-2018

Vision

AEIRS must continue along the path of those who have made it a successful organization. We must also recognize the challenges that face current and future educators. Educators face a unique situation in understanding and teaching not just the art and science of our profession but now the advancements with AI, DR image post-processing algorithms all while advocating for our students’ mental health wellness. AEIRS must always play a role in the discussions that affect our profession and advocate for educators.

Qualifications

I bring more than two decades of progressive leadership in medical imaging practice and education, including service as a program director, department chair, and national accreditation leader. My extensive experience with curriculum development, faculty mentorship, outcomes assessment, and accreditation and previous three years of service as Director-at-Large on the AEIRS Board demonstrates the qualifications needed to boost our association to the next level. As a nationally recognized presenter and advocate for student success, mental well-being, and leadership development, I am well prepared to guide AEIRS in advancing educational excellence, supporting educators, and strengthening the future imaging workforce.

Goals

My goals are to advocate for medical imaging and radiologic sciences (MIRS) educators within the larger professional landscape. Promote concepts and methodologies that ensure the MIRS professionals of tomorrow excel in an increasingly complex and advanced technologic environment.

Director-at-Large Candidates

Kerry Dunn, EdD, R.T.(R)(M)

Senior Lecturer/Clinical Coordinator

Georgia Southern University, Savannah, GA

AEIRS Positions

Editorial Review Board, Member, Radiologic Science & Education, 2025-present
Publications Advisory Panel, Member, 2024-2025
Education Committee, Chair, 2024-2025
Education Committee, Vice Chair, 2023-2024
Education Committee, Member, 2022-2023
Member since April 2019

Organizational Positions

ASRT Health Equity Leadership Academy, 2024-present
ASRT Educator Institute, 2019
ASRT Leadership Academy, 2013
ASRT Leadership Academy for Educators, 2011
ASRT Editorial Review Board, Member, Radiologic Technology, 2019-present
ASRT Scanner Editorial Advisory Board, Member, 2014-2015
ASRT Committee on RT Advocacy Region 7 Subcommittee, Member, 2014-2015
ASRT Grass-roots Network, 2012-2016
ASRT Member since 2006

ASRT Affiliate Positions

Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologists (GSRT), Member at Large, 2023-2024; Chair of the Board, 2017-2018; President, 2016-2017; President-Elect, 2015-2016; Vice President, 2014-2015; Member at Large, 2013-2014
GSRT Affiliate Delegate, 2019-2021, 2018-2019
GSRT Member since 2008

Other Positions

JRCERT Site Visitor, 2012-present
Clinical Coordinator, 2008-present

Vision

I envision AEIRS continuing to expand its visibility and influence within the radiologic sciences while finding new ways of recruiting, developing, and supporting the next generation of educators and leaders.

Qualifications

My qualifications support the mission of AEIRS through sustained leadership in radiologic sciences education, including program administration, clinical coordination, and teaching across multiple program levels, which promotes the exchange of educational concepts and methodologies. My scholarly work in clinical leadership, reflective learning, burnout, and work culture—combined with active service in AEIRS leadership, accreditation, and editorial roles—advances the profession, supports academic career pathways, and fosters excellence in imaging and radiologic health care.

Goals

I see AEIRS’s continued movement toward scholarly research as a fundamental goal by encouraging educator-driven inquiry, mentorship, and dissemination of evidence-based practices. I see the development of leadership competencies and academic career pathways as integral aspects of preparing future educators and researchers.

Sarah Fitch-Hawkins, MSRS, R.T.(R)(CT)

LMRT Instructor

College of Health Care Professions, Fort Worth, TX

AEIRS Positions

Member since April 2025

Vision

I see AEIRS heading toward a future defined by strong collaboration, inclusive leadership, and intentional support for educators at every stage of their careers. As the profession continues to evolve, AEIRS should remain a forward-thinking organization that amplifies mentor voices, embraces innovation in radiologic education, and fosters meaningful connections across institutions and specialties.

Qualifications

My past experiences have been mostly clinical over the past 20 years. My full-time move to education occurred in mid-October 2025. I have been excited for the move since graduating with my MSRS in 2023. I have made it my goal to increase engagement among the educators I work with and the students I teach. Other goals of mine include increasing my writing and research profile and presenting more at professional conferences. I presented my master's research paper at the TSAHP meeting in September 2025 over the topic of “Teaching Professionalism and Communication Skills to the Next Generation of Healthcare Students.”

Goals

AEIRS should be a visible, accessible, and supportive professional home where members feel valued, informed, and empowered to lead. My goal is to strengthen member engagement, support professional development initiatives, and contribute to initiatives that promote educational excellence, mentorship, and sustainable growth for the organization.

Jamie S. Tucker, EdD, R.T.(R)(CT)

Program Director

The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX

AEIRS Positions

Education Committee, Member, 2025-present
Member since March 2025

Organizational Positions

ASRT Member since 2010

ASRT Affiliate Positions

Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists (TxSRT), Annual Meeting Planning Committee, 2025-present
TxSRT Educator Alliance, Member, 2024-present
TxSRT Member since 2007

Other Positions

JRCERT, Site Visitor Team Chair, 2016-2024
Program Director, 2022-present

Vision

As a candidate for the AEIRS Board of Directors, I am committed to advancing the mission of AEIRS by fostering excellence in imaging education and supporting the professional growth of educators and students alike. My vision is to strengthen collaboration among academic programs, promote innovative teaching strategies, and advocate for resources that empower educators to prepare the next generation of imaging professionals.

Qualifications

My experience as a Program Director has provided me with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education and specifically in imaging sciences. Working as a JRCERT Site Visitor Chair has strengthened my skills as a collaborator, communicator, mediator, and mentor. I am passionate about serving our profession and contributing to AEIR’s continued success.

Goals

I believe in collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity. From my perspective, there are three areas of growth that I would like AEIRS to focus on: 1) Enhancing member engagement to promote meaningful dialogue and networking among the membership, 2) Promote diversity and equity to ensure that initiatives are in line with the diverse perspectives and needs of the professional community, and 3) Advocate for professional development by developing characteristics of a mentor to reach educators at all career stages.

Jessyca Wagner, PhD, R.T.(R), CIIP

Diagnostic Imaging Educator, Clover Learning, Louisville, KY

Adjunct Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, North Central Texas College, and Charles Drew University

AEIRS Positions

Research Committee, Member, 2025-present
Education Committee, Member, 2024-2025
Member since March 2023

Organizational Positions

ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, Chair, 2025-present
ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, Vice Chair, 2024-2025
ASRT Educator Institute, 2023
Education Chapter, Alternate Delegate, 2023-2024
ASRT Editorial Review Board, Member, Radiologic Technology, 2022-present
ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, Member, 2022-2025
BSRS Curriculum Revision Workgroup, 2022
Education Chapter, Delegate Nominee, 2022, 2023
Student to Leadership Development Program, Mentor, 2022
SIIM Education Committee, Member, 2024-present
SIIM Research Committee, Member, 2023-2025
Peer Reviewer, Journal of Digital Imaging, 2023-present
American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII) Item Writer, 2024-present
ACERT Board Member, All Positions, 2016-2025
ACERT Representative Member, AAPM Working Group on CARES, 2022-2024
ACERT Representative Member, AAPM CARES Committee, 2019-2022

ASRT Affiliate Positions

Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists (TxSRT), Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Member, 2020-2023
TxSRT Student Affairs Committee, Member, 2020-2023

Other Positions

Reviewer, Journal of Literacy and Technology, 21(2), Special Edition, Fall 2020

Vision

I envision AEIRS as a premier organization for medical imaging and radiation therapy educators. It is a place to share best practices, build meaningful professional relationships, and advance our profession through research, innovation, and collaboration. Through its annual meeting and ongoing initiatives, AEIRS supports scholarly growth, innovative teaching strategies, and mentorship, while preparing and inspiring the next generation of educators, technologists, and therapists.

Qualifications

I bring nearly two decades of experience in medical imaging, including 19 years as a radiographer and 13 years as an educator. My background spans diverse clinical settings and imaging modalities, multiple educational levels and delivery formats, and a certification in imaging informatics. I served almost ten years on the ACERT Board of Directors, gaining experience in all board roles, which has prepared me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to AEIRS leadership.

Goals

My goals align closely with my vision to support and advance imaging and radiation therapy educators. AEIRS can leverage its members’ diverse expertise by continuing to offer high-quality programming at the annual meeting, promoting research and publication, expanding outreach to new educators, and strengthening mentorship and advocacy. These efforts will foster collaboration, professional growth, and leadership, ensuring continued excellence, relevance, and innovation within our profession.

Rhonda Weaver, EdD, MHA, R.T.(R)(M)(BD)(CT)

Associate Professor and Program Chair

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Concord, NC

AEIRS Positions

Editorial Review Board, Radiologic Science & Education, 2024-present
Education Committee, Chair, 2022-2023
Education Committee, Member, 2021-2022
Member since January 2014

Organizational Positions

ASRT Professional Mentor Program, Mentor, 2024-2025
ASRT BSRS Curriculum Workgroup, 2022-2023
ASRT Computed Tomography Curriculum Workgroup, 2017-2018
ASRT Leadership Academy, 2016
ASRT Scanner Editorial Advisory Panel, 2016
ASRT Grass-roots Network, 2014-2019
Student to Leadership Development Program, Mentor, 2014, 2015, 2019
Presenter, ASRT Educational Symposium, 2014, 2015
ASRT Leadership Academy for Educators, 2014

ASRT Affiliate Positions

North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists (NCSRT), Affiliate Delegate, 2019-2020, 2022-2024
NCSRT, Chair of the Board, 2017-2018; President, 2016-2017; President-Elect, 2015-2016; Secretary, 2014-2015
NCSRT, Alternate Affiliate Delegate, 2014-2016, 2018-2019

Other Positions

Program Director Medical Imaging, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, 2014-present

Vision

I envision AEIRS as the leading organization guiding imaging educators in advancing best practices in health professions education. AEIRS will support the development of new educators by establishing and disseminating evidence-based standards for faculty development, promoting excellence in teaching, learning, and professional growth across imaging disciplines.

Qualifications

I bring 26 years of experience as a multi-modality imaging technologist and 16 years as an educator. This background has given me insight into the challenges clinicians face when transitioning from clinical practice into academia with limited formal training in education. In response, I have focused on supporting new clinical faculty and preceptors by strengthening their teaching skills in classroom and clinical settings. I developed a clinical preceptor workshop and a series of elective courses emphasizing educational theory, instructional design, assessment, and content development. These offerings are now used across multiple programs and collectively form a minor in Health Professions Education.

Goals

I believe AEIRS should lead in establishing standards for excellence in imaging education while fostering collaboration, professional development, and scholarship. My goal would be to develop strategies to encourage members to participate in research, writing, and publication to amplify the professional voice of imaging educators, and advance evidence-based teaching practices across the field.