Dr. Thomas Cappaert is Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU). In this role, he oversees and supports a broad range of academic and research initiatives, including the Learning Resource Center and Writing Center, the Human Research Protection Program, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, the Office of Research, the faculty development and teaching effectiveness programs, and the interprofessional education program. His work brings together his experience in health professions education, faculty development, academic assessment, research, and biostatistics education, with a focus on supporting faculty, advancing academic quality, and strengthening the University’s educational and research mission.
Dr. Cappaert earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from the University of Charleston, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology/Cardiac Rehabilitation from Marshall University, and a Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Toledo. He began his career practicing in outpatient physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation settings before transitioning to higher education.
Prior to joining RMU full-time, Dr. Cappaert spent ten years at Central Michigan University, where he attained tenure and the rank of full professor. He also served as a visiting professor at Indiana University-Indianapolis. He began teaching at RMU as an adjunct faculty member in 2009 and joined the University full-time in 2012.
Throughout his career at RMU, Dr. Cappaert has served in a variety of academic, administrative, and faculty leadership roles. He taught Biostatistics in the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program, administered the Ph.D. dissertation process, and served in various roles within the Office of Research. He served as director of the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program from 2019 to 2022 and has chaired the Academic Research Committee and the Committee for Rank and Promotion. He has also served on the Faculty Development Committee and Teaching Effectiveness Committee. Since 2024, he has served in the Vice Provost’s Office. He has served on more than 75 dissertation committees and mentored numerous researchers and educators throughout their academic careers.
Dr. Cappaert has authored more than 50 articles, book chapters, home study programs, and grants and has delivered more than 60 national and regional presentations and workshops. He serves on the editorial board of the Athletic Training Education Journal and as a manuscript reviewer for 10 scientific journals. His research interests include health professions education, biostatistics education, physical rehabilitation, and thermoregulatory physiology. He also maintains a blog and YouTube channel focused on providing biostatistics instruction for clinicians and non-statisticians.
Dr. Cappaert is a two-time recipient of RMU’s Hartgraves Excellence in Teaching Award and has received the RMU Presidential Award. Outside of his professional activities, he enjoys cooking, rowing, and traveling. He resides in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.