Southern Miss Faculty Appointed to Mississippi Academy of Physician Assistants Board
Thu, 11/13/2025 - 02:00pm | By: Dr. David Tisdale
Lee Matthews
University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) faculty members Lee Matthews and Dr. Katherine Gunther have been chosen president-elect and treasurer-elect, respectively, for the Mississippi Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) Board of Directors.
Matthews joined the Southern Miss faculty in March 2024. This year, she was named director of Clinical Education for the university’s Physician Assistant Studies program at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, Miss. Her clinical experience as a PA includes outpatient internal medicine (adult primary care) and women’s health, and she continues providing women’s health services in a volunteer role.
All MAPA board members participate in monthly meetings and collaborate to advance the organization’s goals. Matthews was initially elected to the MAPA board in 2021 as director-at-large for the southern district, serving in that role until recently becoming president-elect. In her new position, she supports the board and its members and develops relationships with key stakeholders in preparation for service as board president.
“PAs play an important role in the health care industry,” said Matthews. “In the United States, board-certified PAs (PA-C) see more than 11.4 million patients each week. They work in every clinical setting, including hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and long-term care facilities.”
“PAs evaluate and treat patients, prescribe medications, perform procedures, assist in surgery and more,” Matthews continued. “They practice in every medical and surgical specialty as part of a physician-led health care team.”
She also noted that approximately one-fourth of practicing PAs provide patient care in designated Health Professions Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs).
Dr. Katherine Gunther
Gunther is an assistant teaching professor and director of Didactic Education with CNHP’s Physician Assistant Studies program. She joined the Southern Miss faculty in 2024 after nearly a decade of experience in emergency medicine. She continues to practice clinically one day a week, emphasizing the importance of remaining connected to patient care.
As MAPA treasurer-elect, Gunther will shadow the current board treasurer to learn all financial processes and reporting procedures to ensure a seamless transition when she assumes the post. She will also participate in board meetings to gain insight into financial planning, collaborate on budget preparation and long-term financial strategy and serve as back-up treasurer.
“I’m honored and excited to contribute to the PA profession both at the state level and through my work in helping develop a new PA program at USM,” said Gunther. “Being part of this effort in Mississippi—an area with significant need for improved access to healthcare—is especially meaningful.”
“I look forward to supporting the growth of the profession, mentoring future PAs, and collaborating with colleagues across the state to strengthen the PA community and enhance the quality of care for our patients.”
Dr. Charleen McNeill, dean of the CNHP, praised Matthews and Gunther for their service and contributions to the physician assistant profession.
“It gives me great pride to recognize the outstanding achievements of Lee and Katherine,” said McNeill. “This recognition underscores not only their individual excellence and leadership in clinical practice or education, but also highlights how our college seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across nursing, physician assistant studies and allied health.”
“In an era when health care systems are demanding ever-greater integration and team-based care, MAPA’s mission and its honoring of exemplary professionals signal the importance of supporting PAs as full partners in care. Lee’s and Katherine’s distinction thereby reflects well on our institution, reinforcing our shared commitment to elevating the standard of care, expanding access, and shaping the future of health professions in Mississippi and beyond,” McNeill added.
MAPA is a nonprofit specialty organization affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). It promotes professional growth through continuing education, personal excellence, networking opportunities and recognition. The organization’s goal is to support PAs in improving the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered health care.
MAPA has several ongoing projects, including regional PA appreciation events throughout the state and the development of Continuing Medical Education (CME) specific to controlled substance prescribing—a biennial requirement for Mississippi licensees who have applied to prescribe controlled substances. The organization also partners with the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) and plans to host a statewide town hall this fall.
Information on upcoming events can be found on the MAPA website. PAs in Mississippi and surrounding areas with questions about professional practice regulations or employment are encouraged to contact a board member.
For information about the Southern Miss College of Nursing and Health Professions, visit the website or follow the college on social media.