A Message From the Chair
A message to our friends and alumni –
It’s been a remarkable year and a busy one that included re-accreditation by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education Programs (CAPTE) and approval of our transitional on-line DPT program. We welcomed 41 students from around the United States in the first cohort this fall and applications are being accepted for the Spring cohort. A joint MBA/DPT dual degree program was also given the green light. Qualified students will have the opportunity to achieve both degrees in a shorter period of time and at less cost, but must satisfy the normal admission requirements for both the School’s DPT program and The School of Business Administration’s MBA program.
With achievements come challenges. We will be searching for new faculty to replace Professors Rich Gajdosik and Carrie Gajdosik who will retire after the end of the 2008-09 academic year with a combined 54 years of service; Rich’s career at the University will have spanned 32 years and Carrie, 22 years. In addition, Dr. Sheng Li will move on to Baylor to pursue a career in academic medicine in June; we wish Sheng and his family all the best.
With life comes sadness as well – we grieved the loss of our friend and generous benefactor, Dr. John Evert, who passed away April 7th. The 2008 Summer PT Alumni Newsletter is dedicated to “Dr. John” and Nora Staael Evert, one of the pioneers of Physical Therapy at The University of Montana.
Applications to our School were up again and have engaged another full class of thirty-four outstanding students. Our clinics are thriving and providing unique learning and service opportunities to our students. This year we welcomed Steve Reischl and Kornelia Kulig from the University of Southern California to instruct in our third year curriculum as well as provide a workshop in our very successful joint venture with the Montana chapter of the APTA. Bill Temes and Gail Malloy from Therapeutic Associates provided our annual manipulation elective course for the third year students.
As always, I am indebted to a great faculty and staff and the continuing support of Dean David Forbes and his crew.
As an alumnus, you have a lot to be proud of and I encourage you to visit us. And of course, despite the challenging economic times I would be remiss not to ask your consideration of helping us help the students through unrestricted gifts to the School, so please keep us in mind. So, I’d love to hear from you anytime and see you if you are in the neighborhood! All the best in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Reed Humphrey, PT, PhD
Professor & Chair
