News

Dr. VanHoose Elected to APTA Board of Directors

The American Physical Therapy Association has announced newly elected members of the Board of Directors. Congratulations to Dr. Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, FAPTA, who was recently elected to the APTA Board of Directors for a four-year term beginning in 2026. Dr. VanHoose is a UCA PT alumnus (’96) and former Department of Physical Therapy faculty member (2016-2019). Currently, she is Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of the DPT Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Dr. VanHoose is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Therapy and a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Master of Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her BS in Health Science and MS in Physical Therapy are from the University of Central Arkansas.

The APTA Board provides strategic direction for the organization and advocates on behalf of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students of physical therapy, and patients nationwide to advance the profession of physical therapy and improve the health of society. Speaking on behalf of APTA, CEO Justin Moore, PT, DPT, said, “It is my honor to welcome our newly elected and returning members and officers of the APTA Board of Directors, and to extend sincere gratitude to our departing leaders for their years of dedicated service to advancing the physical therapy profession. This 2026 Board brings diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing APTA’s strategic priorities, including improving payment, empowering our members, and evolving our practice. Their leadership will be instrumental in driving progress for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and the patients they serve.”

PT Faculty Publish Article Regarding Wound Treatment

Congratulations to the PT and SON faculty/staff on this second publication that highlights the great simulation activities happening in the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation.
Odom B, Yates C, Lowe L, Garrett E, Luyet S. “A chronic wound treatment in outpatient setting” Part 2. American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) Simulation Library, 2025 acapt.org 

Dr. Roset PhD Dissertation Defense

PhD in Physical Therapy student, Dr. Sydney Roset, PT, DPT, presented her dissertation on November 7, 20205 at 9:00 am.  The dissertation was entitled, “Preparing Empathetic Practitioners:  The Development and Implementation of Trauma-Informed Care Training in Doctor of Physical Therapy Education”.  Dr. Roset’s major professor was Dr. Leah Lowe for this project.  Dr. Roset will complete her PhD and graduate in December 2025.

Applications Open for Underserved Community Scholarship

Applications now open for Bridging the Gap: Arkansas Physical Therapy Underserved Community Scholarship presented by APTA Arkansas and the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Available to DPT2 or DPT3 students in Arkansas. Two-year commitment to work in underserved community in Arkansas. ar.pt.scholarship@gmail.com

Dry Needling Course Held at UCA

Dry Needling Foundations Course by Dr. Andrew Nelson of Leading Edge Academy was held October 11-12. Third-year DPT students, recent 2025 graduates and faculty joined the group for this hands-on weekend course of learning and skill development that introduced essential dry needling principles and techniques as part of the path toward full Orthopedic Dry Needling Certification, which will be completed during the Advanced Dry Needling Course on November 22-23. A huge thank you to Leading Edge Academy for partnering with UCA DPT to host this professional development opportunity on campus!

DPT Family Day 2025

UCA DPT Family Day, October 11th, Winners of the Chili Cook-Off are 1st place Golden Ladle to 1st year Abbi Launius. 2nd place Silver Bowl to Dr. Mathis. 3rd place Bronze Measuring Spoons to 1st year Shelby Drumwright. Well done to the winners and thanks to all the chili cooks and PT Club for hosting a great family!!

White Coat Ceremony DPT2027

White Coat Ceremony DPT Class of 2027, October 11, 2025

The University of Central Arkansas DPT Class of 2027 held their White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, October 11th at the Windgate Center of Fine and Performing Arts.

October is National PT Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month! This month raises awareness about the many benefits of physical therapy and celebrates the work of PTs, PTAs, and students who transform lives.

This year’s theme, “PT for Future Me,” highlights the important role physical therapy plays in promoting strength, mobility, and overall wellness at every age. Physical therapy supports prevention, function, and quality of life, helping people live healthier, more active lives.

Check out the APTA website for more information at www.apta.org!!

PT Scholarships Presented

UCA Foundation Scholarship Reception, September 25, 2025

Physical Therapy Student Scholarships were presented on 9.25.25 during the annual Scholarship Reception hosted by UCA Foundation. First year students Lani Hackney, Samantha Hopkins, Gage Johnson, Amy French, and Kara Sain received the Charlotte Mills Fant Memorial Scholarship. Third year student Jayden Dumas received the Madeline Ann Grubbs Scholarship. Second year student Braeden Johnson and third year student Abigail McBroome received the Thomas M. Meadows Memorial Scholarship. Second year students James Christopher and Taylor Zimmerman and third year students Ashlyn McCanless and Madelyn Tankersley received the Joe Finnell Physical Therapy Scholarship. These 12 awards totaled almost $9,000 made possible by private donations from UCA PT alumni and friends. We are grateful for these student scholarships made possible by generous contributions. #bearsgiveback #ucaphyiscaltherapy #ucadpt

Anne Moellers Named 2025 Outstanding Student Clinican

Dr. Anne Moellers

Many congrats to Anne Moellers for receiving the 2025 Outstanding Student Clinician Award presented by APTA Arkansas at the anual oPTimize conference held in Fayetteville, Arkansas on September 20th. Dr. Moellers is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas DPT Class of 2025.  She served as the president of the DPT Class of 2025 and a Teaching Assistant in the Department for Dr. Bill Bandy and Dr. Mieke Corbitt.  During the UCA DPT Convocation Ceremony on August 8, she received the UCA DPT Clinical Excellence Award and was a recipient of the Academic Excellence and Research Excellence Awards.  Anne was also a member of the ACAPT National Physical Therapy Honor Society.   Moellers is a UCA Alumnus having received her BS in Health Science with a minor in Spanish before beginning the DPT Program.