PT Faculty Publish Article Regarding Wound Treatment
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. For more information contact by email at 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 through October 12, 2025. 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 through November 23, 2025. A huge thank you to Leading Edge Academy for partnering with BTÌìÌÃDPT to host this professional development opportunity on campus.
DPT Family Day 2025
BTÌìÌÃDPT Family Day was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Winners of the Chili Cook-Off were announced. First place Golden Ladle was awarded to first year student Abbi Launius. Second place Silver Bowl was awarded to Dr. RuthAnn Mathis. The Bronze Measuring Spoons third place award winner was first year student Shelby Drumwright. Great work to the winners and thanks to all the chili cooks and PT Club for hosting a great family.
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 for more information.
PT Scholarships Presented
Physical Therapy Student Scholarships were presented on September 25, 2025, during the annual Scholarship Reception hosted by BTÌìÌÃFoundation. 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 BTÌìÌÃPT alumni and friends. We are grateful for these student scholarships made possible by generous contributions.
Anne Moellers Named 2025 Outstanding Student Clinician
Many congrats to Anne Moellers for receiving the 2025 Outstanding Student Clinician Award presented by APTA Arkansas at the annual Optimize conference held in Fayetteville, Arkansas on September 20, 2025. 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 BTÌìÌÃDPT Convocation Ceremony held on August 8, 2025, she received the BTÌìÌÃDPT 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 BTÌìÌÃAlumnus having received her BS in Health Science with a minor in Spanish before beginning the DPT Program.
Dr. Odom Elected as President of APTA Arkansas
Congrats to Dr. Brian Odom – President Elect of APTA-Arkansas. Odom, a BTÌìÌÃfaculty member and alumnus, and has served as Vice President of APTA-AR in the past, was elected President during the 2025 Optimize Conference held in Fayetteville. He will begin in January of 2026. Dr. Odom is an Assistant Professor in the PT Department at UCA, and a Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) by the American Board of Wound Management. He received his PhD in Physical Therapy from BTÌìÌÃin 2018 as well as his MS in PT in 1999, and PTA degree in 1996. Dr. Odom has been clinically active at Arkansas Children’s since 2002, taught in the PT Program at Harding for 10 years, began teaching part-time at BTÌìÌÃ2005 and joined the BTÌìÌÃProgram full-time in 2022. Congratulations to Dr. Odom.





