Dr. Kevin K. Chui Named Director of School of Physical Therapy

Pacific University has appointed Dr. Kevin Chui as the next director of its School of Physical Therapy within the university's College of Health Professions.

College of Health Professions executive dean and vice provost Ann Barr-Gillespie said Chui was selected from among an impressive set of finalists after an exhaustive year-long national search.

Chui comes to Pacific from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., where he has served as chair and physical therapy program director in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences since 2014. He joined Sacred Heart in 2005 as an assistant professor before ascending to his current leadership role.

Chui begins his appointment on Aug. 1 and succeeds retiring School of Physical Therapy director Dr. Richard Rutt, who has served in the role for 12 years and has been a member of the Pacific faculty since 1993. In addition to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the School of Physical Therapy now has a Master of Science in Athletic Training program.

“Dr. Kevin Chui is an accomplished leader and scholar who impressed all of us in the College of Health Professions with his knowledge of the major issues in healthcare, his expertise in developing relevant health professions education programs that prepare graduates for contemporary practice, and his calm and compassionate demeanor," Barr-Gillespie said. "We are very fortunate to have Dr. Chui as the new leader of the School of Physical Therapy and as a member of Pacific’s senior administrative team.”

Chui earned a PhD in pathokinesiology from New York University in 2005 and a doctor of physical therapy degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2011. He is a geriatric certified specialist, an orthopedic certified specialist, a certified exercise expert for aging adults and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He also completed the American Physical Therapy Association fellowship in education leadership and a doctoral level certificate in manual therapy from Regis University.

“Throughout the interview process it was clear that Pacific University is committed to fulfilling its mission and achieving its vision," Chui said. "Across all levels of the organization, there is a commitment to excellence, an impressive sense of community and a clear dedication to student and faculty success."

Chui expressed thanks to Barr-Gillespie, director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies and search committee chair Mary Von and Rutt. "They have helped me to appreciate how special Pacific University truly is, and I look forward to working with all of my new colleagues and students," he said.

Barr-Gillespie thanked the members of the search committee for what she said were considerable efforts in reviewing the numerous applications for the position and for selecting a strong set of finalist candidates. She especially thanked School of Physical Therapy administrative assistant Tamarra Mellick for supporting the search committee and candidates. "The outcome of the search committee efforts is absolutely outstanding, and we will enjoy their benefits for years to come,” Barr-Gillespie said.

Members of the Physical Therapy Director Search Committee include Dr. Mary Von, committee chair and director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies; Dr. Jeremy Hilliard, instructor and academic coordinator of clinical education, School of Physical Therapy; Dr. Erin Jobst, associate professor, School of Physical Therapy; Dr. Jeffrey Kawaguchi, associate professor and assistant director of Athletic Training, School of Physical Therapy; Dr. Anne Hogan, assistant professor, School of Audiology; Dr. Tamara Tasker, associate professor, School of Professional Psychology; Dr. Shawn O’Henry, professor, Department of Exercise Science, School of Natural Sciences; and Mr. Shawn Fincher, major gift officer, University Advancement.