The Spotlight
Illuminating the physical therapy profession, our students, the lives of others, and the world.
A Message from the Chair
Greetings, Baylor Physical Therapy Alumni and Friends!
I am excited to share that 2025 was a year of growth and recognition for the Department and our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, and we are set to continue this growth in 2026! There are so many things to share, but first, none of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our phenomenal staff and faculty who bring Baylor's DPT education to life! Our team is well supported by 78 adjunct faculty from across the United States, as well as 253 clinical sites and their clinical instructors. Together, this group is leading in DPT hybrid education, as recognized by our U.S. News & World Report peer rank of #42 out of 261 physical therapy programs. This top 16% placement—the highest for a hybrid-only DPT program—shows that hybrid education, done well, has a solid footing within the DPT education landscape, providing unique and sought-after educational opportunities for students.
This year, we formally began our Pediatric Residency program in Waco, Texas, through collaboration with Hope and Believe Pediatric Therapy, while our Orthopedic Residency, in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest, graduated two more orthopedic residents and boasts a 100% board specialty exam pass rate. The DPT to PhD pathway, in collaboration with the Exercise and Nutritional Sciences PhD housed within the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR), gained two more physical therapy department-supported students, bringing our current number to four in this residential PhD program.
In research news, a faculty team led by Dr. Jessica Feda and including Baylor DPT faculty Dr. Kyle Adams, Dr. Louie Puentedura, Dr. Tiffany Barrett, and Dr. Shane Koppenhaver along with colleagues across Baylor and in clinical practice in Rochester, Minnesota, secured a two-year award from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. Their work aims to validate a clinical prediction rule to identify those with neck pain who are likely to benefit from spinal manipulation. This work is based on the initial prediction rule published by Puentedura and colleagues. Additionally, Dr. Liz Ardolino and Dr. Megan Flores, along with Dr. Cory Smith from Baylor's HHPR, were provided a two-year National Institutes of Health award to study activities-based locomotor training in children with cerebral palsy. Collectively, the Department published 34 peer-reviewed articles and had 37 peer-reviewed conference presentations, along with presentations at the Florida and Texas state physical therapy meetings showcasing student researchers.
Finally, Baylor's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences formally opened a state-of-the-art simulation lab to support training for graduate programs within the College, including our very own DPT program. The transformational space, with more than 5,000 square feet for teaching purposes, allows the use of simulation manikins, conversion to hospital and clinic rooms for standardized patient learning experiences, and a large multipurpose skills lab.
This issue of The Spotlight showcases numerous stories from our great community of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and clinical partners. I hope you enjoy reading these stories, only made possible by faith, prayer, and the effort of countless individuals.
Sic 'em, Bears!
Brian Young, PT, DSc
Chair and Clinical Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
Faith — Connection — Growth — Inclusion — Adaptability — Courage
The "secret sauce" for Baylor DPT and OTD's impressive 100% job placement rates? A strong, innovative collaboration with the Baylor Career Center. From orientation through graduation (and beyond), these graduate students receive career coaching, resume and interview preparation, clinical placement support, and AI-driven resources, ensuring employment readiness in competitive healthcare fields.
In December 2025, the Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrated the graduation of its seventh cohort of practitioners, with 97 students earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. As part of its celebration, the Department presented awards to a handful of outstanding graduates who embody the meaning of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others.”
Meet the Class of 2026's Light the Way Scholarship recipients, and learn what inspired them to pursue their DPT degrees. The fund, established by an anonymous donation, is now supported by continued contributions from alumni, faculty, and friends.
With a growing demand for physical therapy treatment nationwide, Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy has greatly benefited from the Light the Way Scholarship fund, which provides much needed financial aid to students in the doctoral degree program. Hear from current students and alumni alike who share what it means to receive this scholarship.
In October 2025, Baylor University held a ribbon cutting to unveil its new $5 million Clinical Simulation & Skills Facility. The facility, which integrates cutting-edge technology with immersive training, will provide opportunities for DPT students, as well as graduate students from other programs, to advance their skills in a state-of-the-art lab space.
Driven by a passion for movement and a heart for children, Hannah Wheatley, PT, DPT, became Baylor University’s first Pediatric Physical Therapy Resident. Her journey—from dancer to physical therapist—reflects a deep calling to serve through expert care, mentorship, and faith-based practice, preparing her to advocate for young patients with compassion and skill.
The right questions can do more than diagnose—they can honor those we serve. Discover how Christ's example transforms clinical conversations into sacred encounters in this powerful faculty devotional from Clinical Associate Professor Casey Unverzagt.
Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointments of new faculty across its departments, effective August 2025.
Clinical Associate Professor Anne Boddy, PT, DPT, PhD, faithfully weaves her passion for service into her teachings in Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy. She is intentional to lead by example, hoping to inspire her students to have a similar heart for service.
Ethan Torrance, a Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student, began his first clinical experience excited to work with young athletes. However, Torrance soon found fulfillment in helping a completely different, and unexpected, population—geriatrics.
At the end of the fourth trimester, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students begin their first of three clinical education experiences during which they practice skills under the guidance of Clinical Instructors (CI) in clinics across the country. Hear from two students as they share their experiences, along with an alumnus who volunteers as a CI.
Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is celebrating the latest round of U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, including one program making a top 50 inaugural debut. The hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program entered the U.S. News rankings for the first time at #42, making it the highest ranked hybrid program, the third-ranked program in the state of Texas, and placing it in the top 16% of physical therapy programs in the nation.
The Do No Harm event, an interprofessional educational initiative hosted by Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences’ Interprofessional Education Committee, was designed to prepare healthcare students for real-world challenges. Held in March 2025, the virtual event engaged students and professionals from across healthcare disciplines, allowing them a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate complex medical scenarios involving patient safety, compassion, and collaboration across fields.
Whether you just walked the stage or were in the first graduating cohort in 2019, we want to keep in touch with you! Visit our Baylor DPT Alumni website periodically to update your contact information, connect on Facebook, make a gift, and share your latest achievements. And, if you're interested in becoming a clinical education instructor or adjunct faculty, please make sure to fill out an interest form. Sic 'em, Baylor DPT Alumni!
