Dr. Richard Rutt, Director of the School of Physical Therapy, Announces Retirement
Richard Rutt, director of the School of Physical Therapy within the College of Health Professions, has announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year. This transition will mark the completion of his 12th year as school director, his 24th overall at Pacific, and will coincide with the completion of a major professional accreditation site visit for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Rutt also led the school through a recent successful initial accreditation review for the Master of Science in Athletic Training program this spring.
Rutt received his bachelor’s degree from Morningside College in 1972, his associate’s degree in nursing from Iowa Western University in 1975, his master of science in physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1982, his PhD in physiology in 1988, and became a certified athletic trainer in 2002. His areas of interest as a clinician have most recently included pports physical therapy, injury prevention, and wellness and health promotion.
During his time as director, the School of Physical Therapy has grown and evolved from offering a master’s degree to now offering a doctorate, as well as a master’s degree in athletic training. The student body has almost doubled, and the program has moved from the Forest Grove Campus to Creighton Hall on the Hillsboro Campus. Rutt has also served the student-athletes as an athletic trainer at many of Pacific’s intercollegiate athletic events, and was instrumental in bringing the athletic training program to the College of Health Professions.
“When I first came to Pacific University, I intended to stay no longer than five years,” Rutt said. “That was 24 years ago. In those years, it has been my distinct pleasure to work with a highly skilled and passionate group of faculty and staff who have at their heart service to students. Additionally, it has been my good fortune to mentor highly competent students who are dedicated to serving others through provision of excellent physical therapy care. I will miss everyone here at Pacific but it is time for new adventures.”
Ann Barr-Gillespie, vice provost and executive dean of the College of Health Professions, praised Rutt for his dedication and vision. “Richard has contributed significantly to the prominence of the school and college through his diverse clinical experiences and leadership,” she said. “He has deep roots here, and has helped all of us in the College of Health Professions appreciate our history, as he has seen and facilitated many of the major changes leading to our growth.”
Rutt looks forward to completing a major accreditation self-study report and site visit for the DPT degree this fall to precede his retirement with another major accomplishment to add to his distinctive record as a clinician, academician and healthcare leader.
A national search for Dr. Rutt’s replacement will begin over the summer months and extend into the fall semester with the goal of appointing a new director by July 1, 2016. The Search Advisory Committee will be chaired by Dr. Mary Von, director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies.