News

Following the launch of Baylor University’s Strategic Plan, Baylor in Deeds, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences promptly began work on its own unit-level plan. Using its strategic Signature Research Initiatives as a foundation—along with input from College-wide surveys, departmental conversations, stakeholder discussions, and leadership deliberations— the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences 2024-2030 Strategic Plan was born.

In 2024, Department of Physical Therapy faculty Shane Koppenhaver, PT, PhD, Clinical Professor and Associate Chair, and Laurel Proulx, PT, DPT, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, received a four-year $2.5 million grant award from the Department of Defense to test a novel intervention for female service members suffering from debilitating chronic pelvic pain. The potential outcomes of this research could include better access to care and rapid yet effective treatment, expediting service members’ return to duty. 

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. 

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences internal seed funding award recipients! In addition to the Robbins College Research Program, this year saw the introduction of two new internal funding programs: the Pedagogical Scholarship Award Program and the Dr. Mike and Mrs. Micki Maris Endowed Seed Fund for Student Research.

Jessica Feda, PT, DPT, DSc, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has received a $200,000, two-year Paris Patla Manual Therapy Research Grant from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research to study how to best identify patients with neck pain likely to benefit from cervical spinal manipulation.

Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy has awarded its second round of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Light the Way Scholarship—this time to eight deserving recipients. The annual scholarship was established by an anonymous donation and is supported by continued contributions from alumni, faculty, and friends of the Department. 

Amber Knoernschild, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student from Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, was selected to represent the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in advocating for policy changes on Capitol Hill. This prestigious opportunity allowed her to promote critical healthcare issues during Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in April 2024.

Megan Flores, PhD, PT, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has received a two-year, National Institutes of Health (NIH) subaward in partnership with Sandra Vanegas, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Texas Center for Disability Studies in the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Baylor received $74,063 from the $275,000 award, and Flores will serve as Baylor’s principal investigator (PI).

The Baylor University – Hope & Believe Pediatric Therapy Pediatric Residency has been granted the status of "developing program" by the American Board of  Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). A decision on candidacy will be released in early 2025 after which applications will open. The program is looking to matriculate its first resident in June of 2025.

This past year, faculty in Baylor University's Department of Physical Therapy have continued their combined excellence in collaboration, research, and teaching, specifically through the receipt of internal grant awards. The projects highlighted here received funding either through the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences Research Award program, or through the Academy for Teaching and Learning's University Teaching Exploration Grant. 

In Spring 2025, MetroHealth's Old Brooklyn Campus in Cleveland, Ohio will open two new and unique food and beverage options for hospital visitors, patients, and employees, providing a space for community members with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to participate in upcoming research projects while volunteering and rehabilitating. To bring this project to life, Cole Galloway, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Clinical Professor in Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy, has partnered with James Sulzer, PhD, Staff Scientist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Associate Professor of PM&R at Case Western Reserve University, who serves as principal investigator on the pair’s recently awarded two-year $434,438 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

With excitement, July 2024 welcomed the long-awaited return of the International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists Incorporated (IFOMPT) conference, as more than 1,600 physical therapists from 57 countries convened in Basel, Switzerland. Among those in attendance were two faculty members representing the Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

Baylor University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is well-known for developing skilled and compassionate therapists who are equipped to face the ever-changing challenges of healthcare. A key part of this success is the program's alumni who continue to contribute to Baylor's legacy by returning as adjunct faculty, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the profession, using their roles to educate the next generation of physical therapists. 

In October 2024, Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy celebrated both National Physical Therapy Month and Physical Therapy Day of Service® by giving back to the Waco, Texas community. The Department partnered with a local nonprofit, Better at Last, to host its first-ever Wellness Expo to serve the 55+ community. 

With the New Year in sight, it is time to reflect back on the significant developments and exciting happenings from the past year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. In no particular order, check out these 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2024 year in review.

Inspired by the University’s mission and Christian commitments, Baylor’s Department of Physical Therapy in Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences includes “Faith” as one of its core values. This emphasis shines through in many ways, but one particularly unique outcome is an optional course offering called Faith Prescriptions. 

In December 2024, the Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrated the graduation of its sixth cohort of practitioners, with 97 students earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Whether you just walked the stage in December 2024 or were in the first graduating DPT 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 (CI) or adjunct faculty, please make sure to fill out an interest form. Sic 'em, Baylor DPT Alumni!

In an ever-evolving educational world, hybrid learning is reshaping how students approach physical therapy programs. The Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that blends online courses, on-campus lab immersions, and local clinical experiences. 

Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences and Calvin University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, have announced a new partnership that will provide physical therapy education opportunities at Baylor for Calvin University students. 

The Baylor Scott & White-Baylor University Orthopedic Residency program is pleased to announce the members of its next cohort—James Castillo and Julia Hunnell—who will begin the residency program in February 2025.

Novel intervention to be tested by Robbins College faculty could have a “substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of countless women service members”

As Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrates its 10-year anniversary, take a look back at its programs' histories, learn more about modern growth, and hear about the future of one of Baylor University’s fastest growing academic unit.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences established a set of high-level research initiatives to inform the prioritization of resources, including faculty hiring, infrastructure enhancements, and fundraising efforts. Here, we introduce the Robbins College Signature Research Initiatives to you by showcasing a current research project within each initiative. 

Alumni of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences are striving to improve health access and quality of life within their communities. While their professions differ, they all lead with a desire to “love thy neighbor” and to make an impact for those in need.

In 2023, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences researchers published more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and publications. Here we share examples of publications from across the College, as well as a selection of grant-funded projects from the last year—all supporting and strengthening the Robbins College Signature Research Initiatives. 

In his Fall 2022 semester kickoff address to College faculty and staff, Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, described his vision for developing a culture within the College that emphasizes valuing employees and encouraging collaboration. One of the ways these priorities took shape was through the launch of the Robbins College Pure Gold initiative.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian A. Young, PT, DSc, as Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, effective May 1, 2024.

Baylor University researcher Megan Flores, PT, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, is working to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. Flores is exploring whether an orthotic garment, called Hip Helpers®, could accelerate the acquisition of gross motor skills for infants with Down syndrome. 

Light the Way Scholarship recipients will receive the scholarship funding during each of their two years in the DPT program. Recipients, Humberto Perez and La-Dayijah Cook, intend to impact access and representation within the physical therapy profession after graduation.

The interdepartmental collaboration, within Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, allows those holding a DPT degree to earn a PhD degree in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. The Department of Physical Therapy hopes these PhD graduates will return as faculty.

The Department of Physical Therapy will have extensive representation at the upcoming 2024 Combined Section Meeting (CSM). If you are attending the conference, please attend the below presentations to support the Department. 

The Autism Consortium of Texas (ACT) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) is a collaboration between Baylor University, Texas State University, and the University of Texas at Austin. The program brings together graduate students from diverse health disciplines who seek to improve care for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

In 2023, the Department of Physical Therapy was pleased to announce the appointment of five faculty members.

Get to know four adjuncts for the Department of Physical Therapy, as they each share their love for physical therapy in a quick Q&A session.  

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany King, PT, DPT, CCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

While in Waco for lab immersion, students volunteered in two meaningful projects, Moving for Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Challenge and Bags of Grace. The Physical Therapy Day of Service® event, held on Oct. 21, 2023, is annually promoted by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Stephanie Crownover, PT, MSPT, was presented with the Department's Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award. Crownover was nominated by Emily Lapes, DPT, Class of 2023. 

In December 2023, the Department of Physical Therapy celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort of practitioners, with 93 students earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

With the New Year in sight, it is time to reflect back on the significant developments and exciting happenings from the past year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Read more about 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2023 year in review.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Regine Rossi, PT, DPT, PhD, CSCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Rossi is a 2020 graduate of the Department’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Cole Galloway, PT, PhD, FAPTA, as Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Galloway, who officially joined the University in September 2023, is the first Robbins College faculty to be hired with focused duties and responsibilities related to the College research mission.

The Baylor Scott & White - Baylor University Orthopedic Residency program is pleased to announce the members of its third cohort of residents—Jonathan Kim and Emily Lapes. 

Current Baylor DPT student Ben McRae, a certified Physical Therapy Assistant, discusses his journey to and in the Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, including how he manages his school-home-work balance and his PT professional involvement in his home state of Louisiana. 

Congratulations to Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy student Alexandra McDonald! McDonald was recently announced as a recipient of the Exxat Student Scholarship in the category of Scholarly Productivity, which recognizes students who have made significant contributions to the body of evidence in their respective professions, thereby advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient care. 

On August 8, 2023, Jason R. Carter, PhD, celebrates his one-year anniversary as Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University. In this Q&A, Dean Carter shares his reflections on this past year along with his hopes and vision for the future.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurel E. Proulx, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy alumnus Zac Howe shares about his experience in the program and how a winding journey, filled with hard work and commitment, has led him to become an NBA coach and an adjunct faculty member for the DPT program.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Germaine Ferreira, PT, DPT, MSPT, BHMS, as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

The Baylor Department of Physical Therapy is hosting innovated interprofessional education activities to better prepare students for their profession.

DPT student Gia Yarbrough faced several difficult experiences throughout her time in the program but found comfort and support through her faith, her family, and her Baylor community.

The newly launched Baylor Scott & White-Baylor University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency is making an impact on the Waco community—and on its inaugural clinicians.

Brandie Freeman, PT, DPT, MEd, APHC, gave up an award-winning teaching career to become a pelvic physical therapist, a decision that led her to the Baylor DPT program and, eventually, to founding her own clinic.

The Department of Physical Therapy in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has received notice that the Baylor Scott & White Health-Baylor University Orthopedic Residency has been granted initial accreditation through January 2028 by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).

From Kingdom building to sleeping horses to cheering on the Baylor Bears, get to know Jason R. Carter, PhD, new Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University, in this Q&A.