Steven G. Wilkinson, PT, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP). Wilkinson has served as the Interim Chair and Program Director for the past ten months. Prior to that, he had served as the DPT Associate Program Director since 2016.
RMUoHP Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Mark Horacek, PT, PhD, MS, said, “Dr. Wilkinson’s academic and professional qualifications prepared him for this role and his compassion for people and quality healthcare set him apart. We’re pleased to welcome him as the new DPT program director.”
Before joining the RMUoHP family in 2015, Wilkinson was a Senior Manager of Rehabilitation for St. Luke’s Health System in Boise. He managed an outpatient, hospital-based clinic that included physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling for pediatric and adult patients. He was also part of their Executive Leadership Council, which oversaw 22 clinics. Wilkinson began his career in academia at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, where he was an assistant professor of physical therapy.
Wilkinson earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Informatics and a Master of Science degree in Medical Informatics from the University of Utah’s School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. Furthermore, Wilkinson earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Recently Wilkinson completed the Education Leadership Institute (ELI) Fellowship program, a year-long program intended to develop visionary, innovative, and influential leaders in higher education. ELI is a collaboration between the American Physical Therapy Association, the Academy of Physical Therapy Education, and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.
In his new role, he continues that work through adopting “ELEVATE” as his theme for the upcoming year.
“I want to elevate the program, faculty members, and students with the goal that we can be better than we were yesterday,” said Wilkinson. “Elevate also works as an acronym for the expectations I have for myself and those in the program: Expectations, Love, Enthusiasm, Vision, Attitude, Team, and Excellence. My vision is that every decision is based on what’s best for the students. I want us to be a team, continually striving for excellence.”
Prior to becoming Program Director, Wilkinson worked closely with former Program Director, Dr. J. Wesley McWhorter, who retired this year. Wilkinson also oversaw DPT faculty development and student progression.
