The Power of Volunteer Service at PAEA 

Every day, PAEA is strengthened by a community of volunteers who generously give their time, expertise, and energy to advance excellence in PA education. During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize and thank those individuals whose contributions help move our work—and the PA profession—forward. 

Volunteers play a vital role across PAEA. From contributing their perspectives in discussions, to advancing key initiatives and supporting programs and resources that serve PA education nationwide, their impact is both meaningful and far-reaching. 

By the Numbers 

The strength of our volunteer community is reflected not only in its dedication, but also in its scale and reach: 

• 481 volunteers have contributed their time and expertise so far in 2026 
• 29 committees, working groups, and advisory bodies are currently supporting PAEA’s work 
• 204 institutions have been represented across the volunteer community so far in 2026 

Behind each of these numbers is a volunteer who has chosen to invest in something larger than themselves. 

Advancing the Work, Together 

Volunteers are integral to advancing PAEA’s strategic priorities. Through both long-standing committees and shorter-term initiatives, volunteers: 

• Provide subject matter expertise that informs decision-making 
• Help shape programs, resources, and services for members 
• Contribute to conversations that strengthen PA education 
• Support innovation and progress across the profession 

In many cases, this work happens behind the scenes—but its effects are visible across the organization and throughout the broader PA education community.  

A powerful example of this impact was on display during this year’s Exam Development Board Summit in Nashville, TN. Seventy-one dedicated volunteers came together over the course of a few days to review and refine exam content that will be used by PA students across the country. Volunteers reviewed and edited more than 1,070 exam items, approving 1,063 for use. 

The scale of this accomplishment is significant, but what stands out even more is the nature of the work. It is rigorous and cognitively demanding, requiring deep medical knowledge, the ability to think like a PA student, and a willingness to critically evaluate both individual and collective contributions. It also calls for thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and, at times, debate, all in service of strengthening the quality of student assessment. 

Despite the intensity of the work, these volunteers left with a strong sense of accomplishment and connection —ready to return and do it again. The sense of community, shared purpose, and pride in contributing to something larger is both evident and inspiring. 

This is just one example of the many ways volunteers show up, contribute, and make a lasting impact across PAEA. 

A Community Built on Connection 

Beyond outputs and outcomes, volunteering with PAEA is also about connection. It brings together individuals from across institutions and backgrounds who share a commitment to advancing PA education. 

Volunteers consistently describe the experience as an opportunity to: 

• Build relationships with peers who understand their work 
• Exchange ideas and learn from one another 
• Contribute to meaningful, collaborative efforts 

I get to be a part of and share in the process of improving PA education. On top of that I get to meet many brilliant minds and as a result I grow in many aspects of my life. 

-Jeremy Nelson, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, University of Iowa 

With Gratitude 

To all who have volunteered with PAEA—thank you. 

Your time, insight, and dedication support not only the work of this organization, but also the continued advancement of PA education and the students and communities it serves. 

We are grateful for the role you play in shaping this community and for the many ways you continue to contribute to its success. 

Looking Ahead 

As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering meaningful and engaging volunteer experiences that support connection, recognize contributions, and create opportunities to make an impact.  

If you’re interested in volunteering with PAEA, email volunteers@PAEAonline.org and update your interests in your PAEA member profile in the Member Community to get early access to new opportunities. Thank you for being part of this work.