What is the APTA WV Student Leadership Academy?
Are you interested in creating change and learning from leaders in our profession? Are you thinking about becoming a leader but are not sure how? APTA WV offers the Student Leadership Academy yearly.
You will learn what it takes to be a leader, how to get started, and opportunities for
professional engagement within the state chapter and national APTA organization.
You will hear from leaders within the APTA WV , the WVBOPT, student leaders, recent graduates, and a keynote speaker in the field of leadership. The 2023 keynote speaker is Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole.
Participation prizes will be presented throughout the morning of the interaction.
Learn about opportunities for engagement that deepen the meaning of your role as a
Professional.
2023
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole “Leadership: What it is, how it works, and who’s involved.”
Attendees:
| Marrina Brown | Marshall University |
| Marcas Cordova | Marshall University |
| Kaylan Johnson | Marshall University |
| Chibuike Obinnakwelu | Marshall University |
| Casey Schlachter | Marshall University |
| Jacob Lehman |
West Virginia University |
| Blaise Robson |
West Virginia University |
| John Thomas |
West Virginia University |
Why?
Employers are looking for leaders. Those who seek opportunities for professional development have a competitive edge. Leadership training also has applications beyond Physical Therapy.
The SLA will add value to the DPT or PTA degree and demonstrate to employers that the graduates of the academy have unique knowledge and skills. Leadership training will fast-track individuals and provide an opportunity for networking with leaders in the physical therapy profession.
Benefits
Selected students will attend a FREE day and a half leadership academy that will help to prepare them for a leadership role in the APTA. Attendees of the SLA will receive three meals (Breakfast x 2, and lunch x 1). All students who complete the academy will receive a certificate of completion.
Eligibility
ANY student who is enrolled in a DPT or PTA program in West Virginia and who is a member of the APTA WV is eligible to apply for the Student Leadership Academy (SLA). The Academy is limited to 18 students per year based on a competitive application process.
Preference will be given to students based on program seniority (e.g., DPT student 3rd year vs. a 1st year or PTA 2nd year student vs. 1st); however, more junior students are encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed by a committee of three (3) APTA WV members who have an affiliation at different institutions to ensure a fair review process. All students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher in the DPT or PTA program.
All students must provide a resume or CV, and a short letter of reference from a DPT or PTA faculty member indicating that the student is in good standing in the program and meets the 3.2 GPA requirement. The applicant must provide a 150-word maximum statement of interest.
Previous Events
2022
Keynote Speaker: Charise Lindsey, Program Coordinator for Leadership Development and Wellness at the Marshall University School of Medicine and CEO and Founder of Lifeseeds Development Group
Attendees:
| Derik Brace | Mountwest CTC |
| Seth Johnson | Mountwest CTC |
| Kayla Brooks | New River CTC |
| Alicia Gallaher | New River CTC |
| Danielle Matheny | New River CTC |
| Marcus Cordova | Marshall University |
| Hallie Barnhart | Marshall University |
| Kaylan Johnson | Marshall University |
| Kaylee Sowers | Marshall University |
| Jordan Suarez | Marshall University |
| Kelsey Thompson | Marshall University |
| Amanda Ferrell | West Virginia University |
2021
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole, Professor and Director of WVU’s Leadership Studies program
Attendees:
| Alexandra Arnoldy | Marshall University |
| Jamie “Jay” Billiter | West Virginia University |
| William Lucas | West Virginia University |
| Serenity Lynch-Bolen | West Virginia University |
| Steven Murray | West Virginia University |
| Jessica Welch | West Virginia University |
| Jarrod Plank | Marshall University |
| Kaitlin Stiltner | Mountwest |
2019
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bobbi Nicholson, Professor of Leadership Studies at Marshall University
Attendees:
| Whitley Adkins | Marshall University |
| Isabella Anile | West Virginia University |
| Lauren Cline | West Virginia University |
| Ian Dobek | Marshall University |
| Kelsie Gillespie | West Virginia University |
| Emma Grose | West Virginia University |
| Summer Hill | Marshall University |
| Amanda King | Wheeling University |
| Andrew Lively | Marshall University |
| Rachael Mears | West Virginia University |
| Winston O’Neal | Wheeling University |
| Chloe Parsemain | Marshall University |
| Cole Salmons | West Virginia University |
| Aaron Saunders | West Virginia University |
| Donald Smith | Marshall University |
| Jared Tucker | Marshall University |
