Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy

Who better than a current student to ask something about our Doctor of Physical Therapy program? Click on a name below to find out a little more about each student, and take the opportunity to ask a question.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, numerous scholarships have been established to benefit students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Award amounts vary yearly based on market performance. 

The application for UAB DPT scholarships will open in Fall Semester 2026.

Adams Denton Sponsored Scholarship for Physical Therapy Clinical Education

A generous gift from an anonymous donor established this award for UAB DPT students participating in full time clinical education experiences. The award was named in honor of two Emeritus PT faculty members, Cara Adams and Betty Denton. The award is intended to support costs associated with participation in full time clinical education experiences (e.g., travel expenses, room and board, and other school related expenses).

Barnes Family Endowed Scholarship

The Barnes Family Endowed Scholarship in Physical Therapy was established in 2019 by Rocky and Amelia Barnes who are both alumni of the UAB Physical Therapy program. Amelia is a graduate of the Class of 1981 while Rocky is a graduate of the Class of 1979. Rocky is a Co-Founder of PT Solutions and currently sits on the Board of Directors. Both Rocky and Amelia have worked in various capacities at PT Solutions since the early years of the company’s inception.

Encompass Health Corporation Endowed Scholarship

The Encompass Health Corporation Endowed Scholarship was established in 1991 to provide financial assistance to deserving physical therapy students. Encompass Health also offers incredible learning opportunities for students through clinical education experiences and internships.

Stephen and Jana Foster Endowed Dean Scholarship in Physical Therapy

The Stephen and Jana Foster Endowed Dean Scholarship in Physical Therapy is awarded to second year UAB DPT students participating in the UAB Foster Scholars Initiative. For more information, please contact Dr. Berner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cecilia Graham Endowed Scholarship

Friends and colleagues of Dr. Cecilia Graham made generous gifts for the purpose of creating a scholarship in her memory. Dr. Graham had a passion for physical therapy education and service. She was a creative teacher and a lifelong learner who was never afraid to try new ideas in order to better reach and further educate her students. She will be remembered for the difference she made both here at UAB and in the physical therapy profession. 

Debra Jayne Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy Students

The Debra Jayne Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy Students was established in 2022 through a generous donation that attests to the donor’s abiding interest in the University of Alabama at Birmingham and their appreciation for scholarship funding they received while attending the University. Debra Jayne is a graduate of the UAB PT program and a member of the class of 1978

Shirley A. Shaddeau Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Shirley Shaddeau Memorial Scholarship endowment was established through a generous gift from Sue Shaddeau to honor the memory of her sister, Shirley Shaddeau, and her dedication to the profession of physical therapy. The fund has continued to receive additional contributions from family, alumni, and friends. Shirley was associated with the Department of Physical Therapy for 23 years and at the time of her sudden and unexpected death in 1995 was an Associate Professor. She was a devoted and gentle educator; she was a positive and supportive person who challenged her students to focus on the process of learning, not just exams or grades. Her beautiful legacy includes the impact that she had on the physical therapy profession, School of Health Professions, her students, her colleagues, and so many others.

Sharon E. Shaw Endowed Scholarship

The Sharon E. Shaw Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to students with a talent for and desire to provide physical therapy services to underserved populations. The scholarship was established to honor Sharon E. Shaw, PT, DrPH for her contributions to UAB, the community, and the physical therapy profession. Sharon first came to UAB in 1971. In 1999, she became chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and served in this role until her retirement in 2013. After a brief illness, Sharon passed away in January 2016, and while we will miss her, the impact that she had on the physical therapy profession, the School of Health Professions, her students, her colleagues, and so many others, remains as a legacy.

TherapySouth Sponsored Scholarship

TherapySouth is a steadfast clinical education partner. The company established the scholarship to assist students with long-term clinical education costs.

Robert Mason Endowed Scholarship in Physical Therapy

The Robert Mason Endowed Scholarship in Physical Therapy was established through a generous donation from Dr. Robert Hayes Mason to assist deserving students in the Department of Physical Therapy for whom affordability of pursing their degree may be an obstacle.