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Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø named Dr. Amy Parker director of its physical therapy program during the fall semester.

“Dr. Parker has a servant’s heart and a steadfast commitment to Christ-centered leadership. She brings both excellence and compassion to this role, and I look forward to seeing her inspire our students and faculty to serve others,” said Dr. Alicia Purvis, dean of the College of Health Sciences.

WCU launched its physical therapy program in 2016. The three-year doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum, with hands-on practice of techniques and clinical rotations at healthcare organizations.

Parker has been a member of WCU’s physical therapy faculty from the beginning and served as curriculum chair from 2016 to 2024. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.

“I was drawn to Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø by the opportunity to be closer to family and work at a Christian university. I am passionate about ensuring the public receives the care they need during difficult times,” Parker said.

“Our physical therapy program is tied for first in the nation in ultimate board pass rates and receives high compliments on the quality of our students. We have a faculty that, I believe, has been purposely brought to Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø by God. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside them.”

In 2001, Parker earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from Creighton University in Omaha. She practiced for four years in rural Nebraska before serving in Mississippi for another 11 years.

Parker also has a quirky connection to WCU: “At one point, my family held the record for the number of relatives who attended Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø. I was one of the few who hadn’t – but I finally earned a Ph.D from Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø in 2022.”