Physical Therapy, Athletic Training Department Name New Chair

Saint Louis University's Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training has named Tricia Austin, Ph.D., department chairperson. Austin has served as a faculty member in the department for 13 years, and has been interim chairperson for the past two years.

“I was honored to be offered the position and to have the continued opportunity to work in a chair capacity with individuals in our department, as well as Dean Wilson and other Doisy College of Health Sciences faculty and staff,” Austin said. “The department has a history of very strong administration, and the opportunity to continue to build on the previous accomplishments we have actualized is most exciting.”

Department chairperson is an important position that comes with its share of opportunities and responsibilities, but for Austin, it was the people that inspired her to pursue the position.

“I was motivated by the opportunity to continue to work with the excellent faculty, staff, students and alumni in our respective department programs, as well as those within DCHS and the university community,” Austin said. “The commitment, creative energy and passion of those within the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training foster an environment of dialogue and support which serves us well as we collectively pursue the opportunities before us.”

Mardell Wilson, Ed.D., dean of Doisy College of Health Sciences, said she believes Austin will be an effective leader for the department, which is consistently one of the college’s largest departments in terms of student enrollment.

“Dr. Austin brings demonstrated leadership experience and innovative ideas on how to continue to advance the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training,” Wilson said. “I am excited to work with her and am eager to see what the future holds for the department and its contributions to the advancement of the college and the university.”

Learn more about SLU’s physical therapy program.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.