Samford University School of Health Professions

Samford University School of Health Professions Samford's School of Health Professions includes an array of specialties and fields of study that make

No industry today is more dynamic or growing faster than health care. For those called to a life spent caring for others, the health professions include a diverse range of career options. The School of Health Professions includes a vast array of specialties and fields of study that make up the majority of health-related careers. The school is made up of four departments: Cardiopulmonary Sciences,

Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. To meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate health care providers, we are working to add a number of new degree options, both undergraduate and graduate.

What does it look like to care for patients and support students through illness, loss and uncertainty?For Dana Blake, D...
05/28/2026

What does it look like to care for patients and support students through illness, loss and uncertainty?

For Dana Blake, DPT, professor and director of clinical education in Samford University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, it means going beyond clinical expertise—bringing faith, compassion and presence to those she serves.

Those experiences led Blake to co-author The Crucible of Illness with Birmingham physician Robert D. Marks. Rooted in her belief that physical healing and spiritual care go hand in hand, the book invites readers to discover purpose, hope and community in the midst of suffering.

👉 Read more about her story and the heart behind the book.

https://www.samford.edu/healthprofessions/news/2026/Samford-Physical-Therapy-Professors-New-Book-Explores-the-Intersection-of-Faith-and-Healing

Class of 2028 Baby Lab with the Physical Therapy Department! 🍼👶Students, faculty and alumni joined the Physical Therapy ...
05/20/2026

Class of 2028 Baby Lab with the Physical Therapy Department! 🍼👶

Students, faculty and alumni joined the Physical Therapy Department as we explored motor milestones with babies and toddlers. The day included Goldfish, cartwheels and lots of fun. The day was full of sweet smiles and giggles during one of our favorite events! 💙❤️

05/18/2026

Graduation has come and gone, but we’re taking a moment to celebrate our Speech-Language Pathology graduates.

We gathered for a special luncheon filled with food, fellowship and recognition. Professor Karen Flynn shared about her mission trip to Tanzania and a book she co-authored, inviting attendees to contribute messages of hope for the mission trip.

We also honored outstanding students and clinical educators:
💙Spirit of SLP Award – Mary Ellis Frutchey
❤️Clinical Service Award – Erin Carland, Erin Deese, Anna Maybee, Sophie McRoy, Ramsey Smith and Audrey Vickers
💙Excellence in Clinical Education Awards – Nicole Bryant, Natalie McCollum and Suzanne Stewart
❤️Also recognized: Morgan Dover, Hillary Lawrence, Jill Musgraves and Dana Rives

Congratulations to our graduates—we’re proud of you and the impact you will make. 👏

Celebrating Excellence in the School of Health Professions!We are proud to recognize outstanding faculty whose work refl...
05/16/2026

Celebrating Excellence in the School of Health Professions!

We are proud to recognize outstanding faculty whose work reflects a deep commitment to teaching, mentoring, scholarship, service and collegiality—living out 1 Peter 4:10 in meaningful ways.

Kelly Atkins, DPT
Excellence in Graduate Teaching: Clear, engaging instruction that makes complex concepts accessible

Susan Wilbanks, Kinesiology
Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: Creative, student-centered learning with innovative methods

Haley Cochran-Gill, DPT
Excellence in Student Mentoring: Intentional guidance supporting academic, personal and spiritual growth

Scott Bickel, DPT
Excellence in Scholarship: Impactful research and strong support of colleagues’ scholarly development

Rob Hensarling, Office of Interprofessional Education
Excellence in Service: Dedicated leadership and meaningful contributions across the university

R. Mark Caulkins, DPT
Excellence in Collegiality: Collaborative spirit that strengthens programs and relationships

Angie Barber, CSDS
1 Peter 4:10 Award
Honors a faculty member who faithfully uses their gifts to serve others, demonstrating Christ-centered leadership and impact across SHP and beyond.

For Nathan East, DPT ’25, the journey to physical therapy started on the field. From athletic recovery to the NFL and ba...
05/12/2026

For Nathan East, DPT ’25, the journey to physical therapy started on the field. From athletic recovery to the NFL and back to the classroom, his path shaped a calling to help others heal.

Read his story by clicking the link in the comments!

Join us online for our virtual Physician Assistant Open House. Connect with faculty, learn more about the physician assi...
05/11/2026

Join us online for our virtual Physician Assistant Open House. Connect with faculty, learn more about the physician assistant program, explore the curriculum and admission process and have your questions answered live — all from wherever you are. Click the link in the comments for more information!

Commencement weekend marked a meaningful milestone for the School of Health Professions.Congratulations to the Class of ...
05/08/2026

Commencement weekend marked a meaningful milestone for the School of Health Professions.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 — each of you has been equipped with unique gifts and skills. As you move forward, may you use them to serve others and make a difference, as 1 Peter 4:10 reflects.

Link to the full story in the comments!

05/07/2026

Moments like these make it all worth it 🎉

Our DPT graduates celebrated together at the hooding ceremony during commencement weekend. It was a meaningful time to celebrate as a class before walking across the grand stage.

Calling all Physician Assistant Studies alumni. 🎉Join us May 9 at The Edge for food, fellowship and time to reconnect an...
05/04/2026

Calling all Physician Assistant Studies alumni. 🎉

Join us May 9 at The Edge for food, fellowship and time to reconnect and share memories. We would love to see you there.

Click the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/4eoTIqw

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Birmingham, AL
35229

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