The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) is proud to introduce its newly elected board members, institute vice-chairs, committee members, and our new leader, Dr. Heather Ross. The new leaders will assume their roles on October 17, 2026, at the Education Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Ross's dedication to advancing academic physical therapy and commitment to collaborative leadership have helped shape many of ACAPT's recent initiatives. Dr. Ross succeeds Dr. Kimberly Varnado as ACAPT continues its work to strengthen the profession.
The incoming Board represents a diverse group of educators and leaders from across the profession who bring expertise in education, scholarship, leadership, clinical education, advocacy, and innovation. Together, they will guide ACAPT's strategic priorities while continuing to build on ACAPT's strong foundation.
These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of expertise, leadership, and dedication to ACAPT’s mission of advancing academic excellence in physical therapy education.
The Board will officially assume leadership responsibilities during the 2026 Educational Leadership Conference on October 17, where members from across the country will gather to connect, learn, and shape the future of physical therapist education.
Incoming ACAPT President:
Heather Ross, PT, MPT, PhD
Assistant Dean of Ivester College of Health Sciences, Program Director & Department Chair of Physical Therapy, and Professor
Brenau University
Re-elected leaders:
Neva Kirk-Sanchez, PT, PhD
Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy, Department Chair, Director of Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
University of Miami
Amy Heath, PT, DPT, PhD
Department Chair, DPT Program Director, Associate Professor
Western Michigan University
Newly Elected Leaders Include:
Board Director
Amber Fitzsimmons, PT, MS, DPTSc
Professor and Department Chair
University of California San Francisco
Nominating Committee Member
Tarang K. Jain, PT, DPT, PhD
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Idaho State University
Reference Committee Member
Ethan Hood, PT, DPT, Ed.D., MBA
Program Director and Associate Professor
Desales University
Institute Vice-Chairs:
Institute of Community Engagement
Meredith Wampler-Kuhn, PT, DPTSc
Clinical Assistant Professor
Oregon State University
Institute of Scholarly Inquiry
Elke Schaumberg, PT, MS, DPT, PhD
Interim Program Director and Associate Professor
Johnson & Wales University
Institute of Teaching and Learning
Jody Eckert, PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Chair of Doctoral Physical Therapy and Associate Professor
University of Mary
Institute of Academic Advancement
Andrea Bowens, PT, DPT, PhD
Associate Professor
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The newly elected leaders will play a vital role in guiding ACAPT’s strategic priorities, fostering collaboration among member institutions, and supporting excellence in physical therapy education.
ACAPT extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Board members for their service, leadership, and dedication. Their contributions have helped strengthen ACAPT's programs, expand member engagement, and advance the mission of academic physical therapy.