Health Sci News 2025
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DPT Faculty Member Interviewed on Podcast
May 16, 2025
We’re excited to share that Dr. Rachel Humphrey, Director of Clinical Education for the University of Memphis' developing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program*, was recently interviewed for a podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Chua, owner of GeriHab Physical Therapy and Wellness in Jackson, Tennessee. Dr. Humphrey spoke about the future of our developing program and what makes it exceptional. Be sure to give it a watch at the link above. It’s a great preview of the energy and vision driving this exciting new program.
* Accrediation information from CAPTE: Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered by CAPTE to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) cohort should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or specific state boards. A list of state boards and contact information is available on the FSBPT website.
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703.706.3245 | accreditation@apta.org
The University of Memphis is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program plans to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, in Nov. 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
Dr. Brunsdon Honored in SITL Awards
May 9, 2025
Dr. Jamie Brunsdon, professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis, has been nominated for the 2024 Outstanding Journal Publication of the Year by the Spectrum Institute for Teaching and Learning (SITL). His conceptual article, Flourishing through The Spectrum: Toward an affective-oriented composite pedagogical model, blends the Spectrum of Teaching Styles with neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics to promote moral development, emotional engagement and human flourishing in education. The College of Health Sciences congratulates Dr. Brunsdon on this well-deserved honor.
Former HealthSci Faculty Member Honored in Distinguished Alumni Awards
May 2, 2025
Former Health Sciences professor Jane Howles Hooker was honored with the UofM Illustrious Service Award at this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. Dr. Hooker, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968, a Master of Education in 1969 and later a doctorate from the University of Mississippi, is more than a former professor and student-athlete–she’s a pioneer in women’s collegiate sports.
In 1969, Dr. Hooker, alongside her friend Elma Roane, established the Tennessee Women’s Sports Foundation to provide varsity sports for women. She also held numerous leadership roles in state and national athletic organizations and at the UofM, retiring in 1998. Her work in both administration and women’s sports contributed to the success of sports legends like Pat Summitt.
Dr. Hooker has always been a master of multitasking—while earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she also managed her household with four children. Subsequently, while earning her doctorate, she continued to teach at Memphis State–well before the ease of online learning or modern communication tools existed.
The College of Health Sciences is proud to be built upon the hard work of alumnae like Hooker. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.
To learn more about Dr. Hooker and the Distinguished Alumni Awards, click the link below
Health Sciences Grad Student Completes Boston Marathon
April 25, 2025
University of Memphis Assistant Track and XC coach, and College of Health Sciences graduate student, Payton Gleason recently completed the 2025 Boston Marathon—just his second-ever marathon—in an impressive 2:33:44, placing 355th out of nearly 29,000 runners. Gleason qualified at the 2023 St. Jude Marathon, which was his debut marathon, and outperformed his projected Boston seeding of 549th. A former standout for the Tigers, Gleason is originally from Churchville, N.Y., and holds the school record in the indoor 5,000 meters. He is currently pursuing his MAT after earning a degree in Physical Education Teacher Education.
UofM Faculty Present Research at 2025 Academic Symposium
April 20, 2025
Faculty members from the University of Memphis College of Health Sciences—Sam Lyons, Mary Catherine Schallert, Max Paquette, and Kirbie Daily—recently presented their collaborative research at the 2025 Academic Symposium, held on the University of North Texas campus. The event marked a full-circle moment for Schallert, who presented alongside Daily, a former undergraduate student who contributed to the project during her studies. Daily now serves as the Assistant Director of Olympic Nutrition for Memphis Athletics. The team expressed gratitude to the College of Health Sciences, Memphis Athletics, and the American Athletic Conference for their support. They look forward to continuing their work and presenting again next year in Wichita.
Dr. Paquette Featured Featured in Research in a Minute
April 4, 2025
Dr. Max Paquette, professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis, is featured in the latest “Research in a Minute” segment. He shares insights from his research on the biomechanics of running, examining how factors like footwear, surface type, and fatigue impact performance and injury risk. By studying movement patterns and mechanical forces, Dr. Paquette aims to help runners train more efficiently and reduce injury. His work offers valuable guidance for athletes at all levels, from casual joggers to competitive runners. Read more here.
University of Memphis Hosts 2025 NDEP Conference
March 28, 2025
The University of Memphis hosted the 2024 NDEP Annual Conference on March 28–29 at the FedEx Institute of Technology, with many of our dietetics and nutrition faculty members facilitating the event. The conference welcomed 200 nutrition educators and preceptors from across the country. Dr. David J. Russomanno, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, welcomed the attendees Thursday afternoon with opening remarks.
NDEP (Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors), a national group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, supports those who train future registered dietitian nutritionists. The conference focused on professional development, collaboration, and advancing best practices in dietetics education. Hosting this event highlights the college’s commitment to innovation and leadership in nutrition.
Dr. Paquette receives Tigers Ascending to Excellence Award
March 21, 2025
Dr. Max Paquette was recently honored with the Tigers Ascending to Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the University. He was celebrated on March 7 during the men’s basketball game against the University of North Texas, where he served as honorary coach. Congratulations, Dr. Paquette!
Character & Leadership Development Conference Hosts Special Guests
March 17, 2025
The Character & Leadership Development Conference at the University of Memphis brought together students, faculty, and staff—primarily from the College of Health Sciences—for an inspiring exploration of leadership and personal growth. Featuring renowned speakers Michael Lamb, PhD (Wake Forest University), Pete Allison, PhD (Pennsylvania State University), and Brett Bartholomew (The Art of Coaching), the event empowered attendees with valuable insights on fostering meaningful and impactful leadership.
Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored the core principles of character development within the college’s Ascend ethos. The conference provided a dynamic space for reflection, connection, and actionable takeaways that will shape future leaders. Those in attendance left with a renewed sense of purpose and practical strategies to elevate their leadership journeys.
College of Health Sciences Faculty Honored at 2025 Research Celebration
March 4, 2025
The College of Health Sciences congratulates Dr. Richard Bloomer and Dr. Brandt Pence for being named impact leaders at the 2025 University of Memphis Research Celebration. Dr. Bloomer, recognized among the university’s top faculty based on his Scopus H-Index, and Dr. Pence, honored as a Google Scholar Highly Cited Author with over 11,000 citations, showcase the college’s research excellence.
The celebration also honored Dr. Amr Mohamed, Dr. Jacquelyn Pence, and Dr. Douglas Powell for their contributions as key personnel on externally funded projects. In addition, Drs. Richard Bloomer, Tracy Bruen, Jamie Brunsdon, Max Paquette, Brandt Pence, Marie van der Merwe, and Yufeng Zhang were recognized as principal investigators driving discoveries in FY24.
These achievements highlight the College of Health Sciences’ vital role in supporting the University of Memphis’ Carnegie R1 status and advancing impactful research.
PETE student featured in Daily Memphian
January 1, 2025
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Excerpt from the Daily Memphian
Three years ago, Will Barto’s life changed forever.
When he spoke then with his father, Danton Barto, who was hospitalized because of COVID-19, Will never imagined it would be their final conversation.
Danton Barto, the Memphis Tigers’ football leader in career tackles, was 50 years old. Will Barto made a promise during their final talk. He, at 22 years old, pledged to Danton that he would earn a college degree in preparation for a football coaching career.
“I was like, ‘Hey, I really want to go back to school, and this is kind of what I want to pursue,’ ” Will recalled. “And he just told me, he said, ‘I want you to do what makes you happy and I want you to pursue your goals the way I pursued mine.’
Will kept his word and officially graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Physical Education Teacher Education (Sports Coaching) during the UofM winter commencement ceremony at FedExForum.
“He was not going to break that promise to his dad,” said Rachel Barto, Will’s mom and Danton’s ex-wife. “That would have crushed his spirit and crushed his soul. His dad was his best friend. He would have done anything, and he did.”
