Congratulations to Kathy Anderson, PT, Associate Professor and Associate Division Director of the Division of Physical Therapy (DPT), on her retirement. Her last official day was Friday, January 15, 2021.

A lifelong Gopher three times over, Dr. Anderson obtained two Bachelor’s (her second in Physical Therapy) and her PhD in Rehabilitation Science — all from the University of Minnesota. She is dually certified as both an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Orthopaedic Manual Therapist.

Dr. Anderson with students at a conference

Numerous accomplishments
In her nearly 25 years of service as a faculty member, Dr. Anderson accomplished many things with her dedication to the students and the program. She completely revamped the DPT musculoskeletal course series, integrating evidence-based practice, outcomes assessment, pain science, imaging, and specialty practice such as women's health. She also contributed to the Geriatric Residency content and the development of specialty practice clinical placements.

National/international service

Dr. Anderson teaching in Niger

Dr. Anderson had a long history of professional service, including national leadership on physical therapy education guidelines regarding women's health, international service to Niger, and development of the U of M physical therapy faculty practice. She contributed over many years to coordinating the Associated Faculty in the PT Division, and more recently, as the Associate Division Director.

In partial recognition of her many accomplishments and contributions, she was awarded the University-wide President's Award for Outstanding Service in 2020, and the American Physical Therapy Association Minnesota Chapter Corrinne Ellingham Long Term Service Award.

We wish Dr. Anderson the best in all her new adventures.