Cassady Appointed Dean

Sandy Cassady, professor and director of physical therapy, was appointed Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at St. Ambrose University in December, 2010. Dr. Cassady has been a member of the St. Ambrose University faculty since 1994. In 2002, she assumed the role of physical therapy director.

During her time as director, the professional Master of Physical Therapy program transitioned to a professional doctorate, and the department created two, post-professional programs, a post-professional doctorate in physical therapy, and a clinical residency program.

This past summer, the department relocated to a newly-constructed Center for Health Sciences Education with the departments of occupational therapy and nursing. Recently, the DPT program secured continued accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education for a 10-year period. The DPT program also saw a planned increase in its class size this fall when the program relocated to expanded facilities.

As dean, Dr. Cassady works closely with programs in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work, as well as multiple majors offered by the kinesiology department, and undergraduate and graduate programs in education. Collectively, the College is comprised of 85 full-time faculty and staff members, and the programs enroll over 1,200 students.

Continuing to serve as a professor in physical therapy, Dr. Cassady maintains some teaching and advising roles. She looks forward to continuing to support the program and interacting with students, faculty and staff.
Currently, Dr. Michael Puthoff serves as interim director of the Physical Therapy Department. The department is conducting a national search to secure its next director.