UNC PT department class of 2015 group photo at 10-year reunion.

On October 11th, 2025, the Physical Therapy class of 2015 held its long-awaited 10-year reunion. The group had originally hoped to gather for their 5-year reunion back in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans were put on hold. While they stayed connected virtually and celebrated from afar, there’s nothing quite like being together again in person.

The 10-year reunion was held at The Farm in Chapel Hill from 12–4 p.m. The family-friendly venue allowed attendees to enjoy not only the event with their peers but also outdoor activities with their little ones.  The afternoon was full of hugs, laughter, delicious food, and the rekindling of old friendships, while also creating new memories with spouses, partners, and children. Alumni were also invited to gather later that evening at One40 Social on Franklin Street. 

Being both a current faculty member in the Division of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a 2015 alumna, Deidra Charity took the lead in planning the 10-year reunion. After the class’s 5-year reunion in 2020 had to be held virtually, she was determined to make this one memorable. Early planning and teamwork were key. Charity sent out a survey in February to pick the best date and held several committee meetings starting in April. Partnering with many university entities, including Medical Alumni Affairs, helped make the event a success. “I reached out to several offices outside of the School of Medicine, and the responses I received were a great example of how UNC is truly a community of people willing to support others,” Charity says. Even classmates who couldn’t attend were included through a slideshow of photos and updates shared by alumni from all over. 

Charity couldn’t have done it alone. The planning team included several UNC DPT Class of 2015 alumni — Briarly Reed, Reid Medlin, Patrick McNamara, and Mark Boles — along with Director of Alumni Engagement Dillon Kimmel, whose support was tremendously helpful. 

Reed and Medlin reflected on the planning process and shared what made the event such a success. “Having regular Zoom meetings with our planning committee was helpful to stay on track,” Medlin said. “Deidra was the spearhead who kept us on track and did an amazing job keeping everything organized for us. Reaching out to the alumni group was smart and very helpful as well.” Reed agreed, adding, “We had a high turnout and everybody in attendance had great things to say about the event. From the amazing catering to the fellowship that was had, it was a great time to catch up with classmates.” Charity, Reed, and Medlin all agreed that the reunion went exceptionally well; the only thing they would have changed was having even more alumni there to share in the memories. 

The current Director of the Division of Physical Therapy, Tim Eckard, also joined the celebration. He encouraged alumni to continue sharing their professional achievements with the program, highlighting opportunities to feature their work and service on the UNC PT website. Eckard also reminded attendees to stay connected with the department to follow program updates, student activities, and ongoing developments in the field. 

Overall, the reunion had an excellent turnout. Many alumni were able to attend, traveling from both near and far to reconnect with classmates and current as well as retired faculty. The room was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and stories of growth since graduation. For many, it felt as though no time had passed at all. The sense of pride and community within the PT program was evident throughout the day, making the reunion not just a celebration of the past but a reminder of the lifelong connections formed at UNC. 

Thank you to everyone in the Division of Physical Therapy, university entities, local vendors, and to all who helped make this incredible event possible. 

Dana McCarty, PT, DPT, PhD, shared her research and expertise at two major international conferences this past summer. In June 2025, she was invited to speak on a panel titled “Exploring the Intersection Between Therapeutic Interventions for Infants and Parent-Child Dyad” at the 4th Triennial Meeting of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD) and the 37th Annual Meeting of the EuropeanAcademy of Childhood-Onset Disability (EACD) in Heidelberg, Germany. 

In addition, McCarty presented with UNC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit PT Fellow Jennifer Bosserman, PT, DPT, PCS at the International Congress on Early Sensorimotor Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Tours in France. Together, they shared preliminary findings from a feasibility trial using a portable force plate to measure the center of pressure in preterm infants at term-equivalent age.

Lastly, McCarty presented a poster highlighting the reduction of salivary cortisol—a potential physiological marker of reduced stress—observed in parents after they massaged their preterm infants.

The University of North Carolina Sports Division I Fellowship aims to provide physical therapists with unique opportunities to advance in the specialized practice area of sports physical therapy at the Division I (DI) collegiate athletics level. The fellowship program provides an unsurpassed breadth and depth of sports medicine training preparing sports physical therapists for success in high level athletics.

Applications are now open, the program is set to start in July 2026. To apply to the University of North Carolina Sports Division I Fellowship, please submit your application by December 1, 2025.

SHAC PT Manager, Louisa Bynum (right) and Second Year Student, Carolyn Barksdale (left)

The Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) is run entirely by student volunteers from the UNC Health Science schools and divisions. Students gain clinical skills while also engaging in interdisciplinary service-learning. This past weekend, students volunteered and ran in the Annual SHAC 5k to raise funds for the organization. 

Current SHAC PT Manager, Louisa Bynum, reflected on the experience, noting how the event underscored SHAC’s larger purpose. “The 5K is a fun celebration and way to sustain SHAC’s mission, but the real impact happens in the clinic every week when students and providers come together to serve our community. Being a part of SHAC has been an amazing experience—I’ve loved learning alongside students from other health disciplines, while serving those who might not otherwise have access to care.” 

Congratulations to first-year student Correy Fairchild (bottom left) who was the first overall finisher, and second-year student Sydney Peterson (bottom right) who placed third overall among females! 

First-Year student, Correy Fairchild (center) placed first overall.

Second-Year Student, Sydney Peterson (left) placed 3rd overall female!

Attention graduate students! Want to make the most of spring break while gaining valuable experience? Consider applying to our Tyrrell County spring trip, where you’ll collaborate with community agencies and residents to promote well-being and reduce health risks in under-resourced communities. This week-long trip includes one course credit for PHYT/SPHS 869.

Interested? Don’t wait! The application deadline is October 17th. For more information, download the PDF of the flyer below or contact Dr. Rachel Donnelly at Rachel_donnelly@med.unc.edu with any questions.

Download Flyer

This meaningful event welcomed students into the profession of physical therapy, highlighting the division’s commitment to professionalism and the delivery of exceptional patient care. The ceremony also emphasized the importance of prioritizing their own well-being as future healthcare professionals, recognizing that the best care starts with self-care.  

Entirely organized and led by students, SPTA president Regan Kraft welcomed the incoming class and oversaw the coordination of the event. 

The program also featured remarks from Kraft, Tim Eckard, the Director of the Division of Physical Therapy, and Jennifer Cooke, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education (DCE). Each shared words of encouragement for the class of 2028 as they transition into their professional practice.  

Students then walked across the stage, where they were greeted by Eckard, who congratulated them and presented them with a scroll that had a copy of the Carolina Commitment, while shaking their hands. Eckard says, “[The scroll] is a set of professional guiding principles developed several decades ago by physical therapy students and faculty here at UNC. We invite our students to live up to and live into the Carolina Commitment during their time as student physical therapists with us and after graduation as practicing Doctors of Physical Therapy.”

The ceremony provided an opportunity for classmates, family, and friends to celebrate this exciting milestone both in person and virtually via Zoom. There were approximately 150 people in attendance in person and 45 people on Zoom.

The event concluded with a reception, during which students were presented with toolkits containing essential clinical items, symbolizing the tools they will carry into their future practice. Guests then enjoyed charcuterie boards, cake, and time to connect with peers, faculty, and loved ones; a fitting start to a promising professional journey.  

Congratulations to the UNC Division of Physical Therapy Class of 2028 as they begin this new chapter!

Those in attendance hope to connect with alumni, colleagues and friends throughout the week. Those attending the event in-person can view the full list of UNC faculty and student presentations at CSM 2025 listed below.

Thursday, February 13

RE-21727 The NIH Scientific Grant Review Process – Mock Study Section and Round Tables

• 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Jessica Cassidy PT, DPT, PhD
• Ballroom of the Americas B (Level Two, Hilton Americas)

PD-21636 – Developmental Foundations: Elevating Parent-Child Relationships in Pediatric Physical Therapy

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Dana McCarty, PT, DPT, PhD
• Room 361 (Level Three, GRB Convention Center)

RE-21459 – To Post-Doc or Not… That Is the Question!

• 3:00 – 5:00 PM
• Louise Thoma, PT, DPT, PhD
• Lanier Grand Ballroom A (Level Four, Hilton Americas)

Friday, February 14

The Effects of on-Line Interprofessional Clinical Preceptor Training on Preceptor Confidence and Capacity.

• 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Lisa Johnston, PT, DPT | Jennifer Cooke, PT, DPT
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

Taking the First Step: Practice Paradigms to Enhance Gait Initiation for People with Parkinson Disease

• Poster Session (1:00 – 3:00 PM)
• Mike Lewek PT, DPT
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

CP-21342 Mind the GAP: Can an Entry Level to Expert Competency Gap Analysis Drive Professional Development?

• 3:00 – 5:00 PM
• Sean Lowers, PT, DPT
• Lanier Grand Ballroom G-I (Level Four, Hilton Americas)

SP-21379 – Diversity; The Future of Sports Medicine

• 3:00pm – 5:00pm
• Deidra Charity, PT, DPT
• Texas Ballroom Salon E (Level Four, Marriott Marquis)

Saturday, February 15

Imus Do Not Identify Walking Differences between Limbs in People with Chronic Ankle Instability

• 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Mike Gross, PT, PhD, FAPTA | Louise Thoma, PT, DPT, PhD
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

Refining Prevail: A Model to Integrate Rehabilitation into Routine Rheumatology Care

• Poster Session (1:00 – 3:00 PM)
• Louise Thoma, PT, DPT, PhD | Joel Thompson, PT, DPT
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

Safety of Non-Exercise Rehabilitation Interventions for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

• 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Bria Dunn, PT, DPT | Louise Thoma, PT, DPT, PhD | Megna Mishra, PT, DPT
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

Utilization of Rehabilitation Services in Patients with Common Rheumatic Conditions: A Systematic Review

• Poster Session (1:00 – 3:00 PM)
• Louise Thoma, PT, DPT, PhD | Joel Thompson, PT, DPT
• Exhibit Hall E (Level One, GRB Convention Center)

The foundation was founded in 2020 by Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC, who wanted to increase diversity in the physical therapy profession. Rizing Tide Foundation awards scholarships annually to DPT students from diverse backgrounds, specifically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds; and has pledged a total of $1.5 million to students to date. All of these scholarships are renewable until the recipient graduates if they maintain their academic performance. Recipients are also invited to participate in educational seminars, mentoring and an annual conference held in Phoenix, AZ in order to build connection and camaraderie and inspire passion for the profession.

Those selected for the scholarships were chosen by a group of healthcare professionals based on their potential to enact lasting change, academic excellence, personal integrity, leadership qualities, and attributes befitting a healthcare professional.

Sentman was named one of the ten Crest Scholarship recipients and awarded $14,000 to cover tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other essential expenses for the upcoming academic year. For why he wanted to go into PT, he states, “I am motivated to give back to all those who have come before me and really just elevate those around me to make us all better, whether it comes to my fellow cohort, other students or patients.”

After graduation from Carolina, Sentman plans to go into a residency and fellowship in PT.  His long-term goal is to go into collegiate sports, specifically a Division I football team, or in the National Football League where he intends to use the skills he is gaining in the program to contribute to the wellness of athletes and the team’s success.

Thanks to the new partnership, which is a part of the UNC and Novant Health affiliation, the UNC physical therapist residency program has expanded to include sites in New Hanover County in the state’s southeastern region. The goal of this collaborative expansion is to advance and expand the physical therapist workforce across the state.

“Novant Health is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with UNC-CH and extending the outstanding Physical Therapy Residency program to Southeastern North Carolina,” said Dr. Becky McGhee, Regional Manager of Outpatient Rehab, Novant Health Rehabilitation Coastal Market. “We are truly better together.”

The first resident in orthopedics to practice through the partnership, Paige Shriver, PT, DPT, began her residency in Wilmington in September 2024. A neurologic physical therapist resident will join the program in fall 2025, and the programs eventually aim to offer two residency positions in each specialized area.

“While working in two locations might make one feel isolated, the amount of energy going into this collaboration has put more support in my corner than ever, helping me become the best clinician I can be,” said Shriver. “This collaboration benefits not only me but also Novant Health, UNC’s Physical Therapy Residency Program, and my patients.”

The 55-week orthopedic physical therapist residency program involves residents working 30 hours each week independently in a clinical setting and engaging in weekly learning activities in a mixed format, including reading, research, discussion and mentorship. Though the residency program is now offered outside of Chapel Hill, all aspects of the program – including its high-quality mentorship and clinical opportunities – remain the same at each site.

“In order to better serve the people of North Carolina, a central tenant of UNC’s mission and vision, UNC-CH and UNC Health is expanding our Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program and we are excited to act on the vision through a collaboration with Novant Health Coastal Market,” said Dr. Jeff O’Laughlin, Program Director. “Starting in 2024 Novant Health will now have an UNC Orthopedic Physical Therapy Resident, and we look forward to seeing what future opportunities between Novant Health and UNC-CH will occur.”

Offering physical therapist residencies in this new area of the state offers the Division of Physical Therapy and UNC Health opportunities to expand patient care in line with their missions to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians, particularly in more rural and underserved populations. Many residents choose to remain in the geographic area in which they work during their time in a residency program, allowing opportunities to build lasting patient relationships and offer ongoing care in regions that may otherwise face provider shortages.

“We are excited to partner with our colleagues at Novant and UNC-CH on our PT Residencies to fulfill our mission of providing instruction and access to our programs,” said Mark Prochazka, Administrative Director of Rehabilitation Services for UNC Health. “It has been a great opportunity to collaborate and learn how to leverage resources across the state, making North Carolina a unique place for physical therapists to professionally develop, learn, and work. This collaboration benefits the people of North Carolina by providing specialty care providers in their communities.”

As more physical therapists become interested in working in specialized fields, the UNC PT residency programs provide higher education and experience for those looking to provide much-needed niche patient services.

“We are thrilled to expand our Orthopedic and Neurologic Physical Therapist Residency programs to the Wilmington area as part of a strategic initiative to increase our engagement in the southeastern portion of our state,” said Dr. Timothy Eckard, Director of the Division of Physical Therapy at UNC. “Partnering with Novant allows us to shape the next generation of professionals and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities in the region.” 

The UNC physical therapy residency programs are accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education as post-professional residency programs for physical therapists.

Becoming a Tar Heel

Mercer first came to UNC in 1985 to pursue a master’s degree in physical therapy. At the time, she was interested in pediatrics and received funding from a Maternal and Child Health grant. She enjoyed her time in the program and learned a great deal from the faculty, including Suzann Campbell, Irma Wilhelm, Darlene Sekerak, and Carol Giuliani. Although initially interested in pediatrics, Mercer’s research focus shifted toward neurologic and geriatric physical therapy under Giuliani’s mentorship.

While in Chapel Hill, Mercer also met her future husband, Rex, who grew up in eastern North Carolina, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, and was working in Cary at the time.

Mercer’s growing interest in research and a career in academia led her to pursue a PhD in Movement Science at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1993, after Mercer defended her dissertation, she got married and moved back to North Carolina. When a faculty position became available in the Division of Physical Therapy, Mercer was thrilled to get an interview and to be offered the position. “It felt like coming home,” she said.

Mercer’s primary clinical and research focus has been improving balance and preventing falls in older adults and individuals with neurologic disorders. She continues to work on a research project examining the effects of auditory inputs on standing balance in older adults with and without hearing loss.

Throughout her tenure, Mercer witnessed and contributed to several major milestones within the Division of Physical Therapy. These include the transition from the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and the initiation of the PhD program, which succeeded the MS program. Another big (and very welcome) milestone was the move from the old medical school wings to Bondurant Hall.

Service Beyond the Classroom

Mercer shares that one of her proudest accomplishments was the work she did in establishing a falls prevention program called the Community Health and Mobility Partnership (CHAMP) in 2009. Although CHAMP ended with the start of the pandemic, the materials can still be useful resources for falls prevention efforts. Additionally, Mercer is proud of the work she did each year over spring break with community partners in Tyrrell County in eastern NC. She was one of the co-leaders for the annual interdisciplinary service-learning trip that included students and faculty from physical therapy, social work, nursing, public health, audiology, and others in promoting the health of Tyrrell County residents. Finally, Mercer is pleased to look back on the accomplishments of all the students and neurologic physical therapy residents she has mentored.

Leaving a Legacy and Looking Ahead

“I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful career as a faculty member in the Division of Physical Therapy,” said Mercer when asked what she enjoyed the most about her career. “I’ve gotten to work with so many good, caring people – fantastic faculty colleagues who are experts in their specific areas of clinical practice and/or research, the best and brightest students, individuals with balance difficulties or neurologic diagnoses seeking physical therapy care at our clinic in Hillsborough, and dedicated community partners in service projects at various locations across the state. I especially enjoyed the one-on-one interactions with students and patients. It was so much fun to see them learning and making progress!”

Mercer hopes that future physical therapists coming through the division will find as much joy in the profession of physical therapy as she has. “I hope they will never lose the love of learning and the commitment to the profession that will make their career journey challenging, exciting, and incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Current and former faculty, students, colleagues, friends and family gathered at The Farm in Chapel Hill on September 21 to celebrate Mercer as she takes her next step into retirement.

Additionally, Mercer and her family have established the Mercer Fund for UNC Division of Physical Therapy Recognition. The fund will be used to provide awards for faculty or staff members, Human Movement Science Curriculum (HMSC PhD) students, or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students enrolled or working in the Division of Physical Therapy who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the educational, research, and/or service missions of the Division of Physical Therapy while facing challenging personal circumstances.

If you are interested in supporting the scholarship fund you may make a gift here.