ACAPT is proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals selected as recipients of the 2026 ACAPT Awards.

Each year, the ACAPT Awards recognize members of the academic physical therapy community whose leadership, service, innovation, and commitment are making a meaningful difference in physical therapist education and the profession.

This year’s recipients exemplify the work happening across our community to strengthen education, support colleagues and students, advance new ideas, and help shape the future of physical therapy.

Emerging Educator Award

Emily J. Hawkins, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education

Old Dominion University

Friend of PT Award

Samantha Mundell, M.Ed.

Manager, Academic Support Services for the Division of Physical Therapy

University of Central Florida

Innovation Award

Jed Droge, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy

University of South Dakota

Learn more about our winners

We look forward to celebrating our award recipients in person during the ACAPT Business Meeting on Thursday, October 15, as part of the 2026 Educational Leadership Conference (ELC) in Washington, DC.

ACAPT also extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who submitted a nomination. Your nominations help us shine a light on the people whose dedication, creativity, and leadership make our academic physical therapy community stronger.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 ACAPT Award recipients!