Lincoln Memorial University-School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) has promoted Aaron Harris to director of assessment for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A dedicated educator and experienced clinician, Harris brings a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and data-driven program improvement to his new leadership role.
A native of East Tennessee, Harris is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he completed his Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Since becoming a certified physician assistant in 2016, he has practiced in family medicine, providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. He continues to see patients one day each week, ensuring he remains grounded in clinical practice while contributing to the future of the profession.
His educational background is both diverse and deeply rooted in East Tennessee. He has taught in settings ranging from middle school classrooms to graduate-level physician assistant programs, giving him a unique perspective on learner development and instructional design. For the past three years, he has served primarily as principal faculty in PA education, where he has been recognized for his dedication to teaching, thoughtful mentorship, and collaborative approach to curriculum improvement.
In his new role as director of assessment, Harris will lead efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, support accreditation readiness, and ensure continuous quality improvement across
the Knoxville PA program. His combination of clinical experience, instructional expertise, and commitment to evidence-based assessment makes him a strong asset to the LMU School of Medical Sciences.
Established in 2019, LMU-SMS is home to LMU’s PA program with a primary care focus at the main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, a PA program with a surgical focus at LMU-Knoxville, the online Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program, and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. The school supports the University’s mission of service to Appalachia and other underserved areas by maintaining high quality medical education and supporting student success.
