Dr. Becker to direct physical therapy education

Dr. Norman to step aside as PT director

Joseph Norman, Ph.D., has announced his intention to step down as director of the College of Allied Health Professions' physical therapy education program, effective Jan. 1. Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., dean of the college, thanked Dr. Norman, who will continue to serve on the physical therapy faculty.

"It's been my great pleasure to have worked with Joe in the capacity as program director," Dr. Meyer said. "He has provided consistent, strategic, and experienced leadership for the program, and his straightforward, common-sense style has greatly benefited the program and the college."

Under Dr. Norman's leadership, the program achieved the maximum renewal of their program accreditation, expanded to the Health Science Education Complex in Kearney, and saw increased enrollment in the entry-level DPT program.

He also led a revision of the curriculum, set for implementation in fall 2019. And, an expansion of physical therapy's research enterprise with the addition of new faculty and collaborations. These collaborations have been local, with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, and international, with several top universities in China.

Dr. Norman said it was a difficult decision to step down, but he will now spend more needed time with family. "It is truly a privilege to work with such a devoted team of colleagues," he said.

His tenure as PT director drew wide praise:

"Joe's expertise has been invaluable, but in addition to that, he is an individual who really cares about the people he works with -- colleagues, patients, students. He is one of those individuals you feel very fortunate to know and to work with," said research colleague Bunny Pozehl, Ph.D.

"He was a steady hand and would always take the time to lend an ear and be present to help. I knew, without a doubt, his true intentions were to do what was best for the UNMC PT program," said alum and UNMC PT Alumni Association President Elliott Tapprich, D.P.T.

"Dr. Norman, Joe, has been an exceptional leader for the physical therapy program during a period of substantial growth and transition for physical therapy education," said colleague and former director Pat Hageman, Ph.D.

"Under Dr. Norman's leadership, some of the best students and faculty from China come to UNMC to study, train, and conduct research, while American UNMC students travel to China to gain a different perspective on physical therapy. Dr. Norman has been critical to fostering these partnerships and is a leading ambassador between UNMC and China," said Hannah Tong, Ph.D., associate director of the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program.