SLU Program in Physical Therapy Associate Professor Earns Multiple National Educator Awards

Saint Louis University (SLU) Program in Physical Therapy Associate Professor Kim Levenhagen, PT, DPT, WCC, CLT, FNAP, recently earned awards from two different academies of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dr. Levenhagen was the recipient of the Katherine Harris Educator Award from the Acute Care Academy. In addition, she was the recipient of the Award of Excellence in Academic Education by the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management.

The Katherine Harris Educator Award was created in honor of the life and work of Dr. Katherine Harris. The recipient is an outstanding physical therapy educator who has made major contributions in the area of acute physical therapy education. Dr. Levenhagen discussed how it felt to be named the recipient of the Katherine Harris Educator Award.

“I am honored to receive an award named for Katherine Harris. She was an excellent educator who truly loved the profession of physical therapy,” Dr. Levenhagen said. “I truly treasure the short time I had the pleasure of knowing and learning from her. She was respected by her colleagues and students which is why this award is so meaningful.”

The Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management (ACEWM) is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association consisting of approximately 1,000 physical therapy practitioners and students interested in electrophysiology, biophysical agents, wound management and neuromusculoskeletal ultrasonography. In her nomination, the ACEWM described Dr. Levenhagen as “dedicated to the students’ growth in their clinical abilities and understanding as seen in the creativity, innovation and thoughtfulness for the experiential nature of learning.”

Both of these awards recognized Dr. Levenhagen’s excellence in teaching. She explained that her passion for teaching comes from seeing how much students learn and grow as they progress.

“I love that moment when the students first understand a new concept or see how the lesson applies directly to their future as physical therapists. I love watching the students grow and change—from freshman to professional phase and from students to alumni. I enjoy the opportunity to build on students’ individual talents and strengths as they continue to evolve during their time at SLU,” Dr. Levenhagen said. “It is a joy to have a front-row seat to watch students’ growth and development in becoming physical therapists who are caring, compassionate, and strive for excellence. Our students never cease to amaze me, I am so glad I can be part of their journey.”

SLU Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Interim Department Chairperson Chris Sebelski, Ph.D., PT, DPT, praised Dr. Levenhagen for her impressive accomplishments as an educator.

“Dr. Levenhagen is well deserving of these awards,” Dr. Sebelski said. “She is an educator who shares her passion for physical therapy with students both inside and outside of the classroom.”

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 more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.