Published on October 11, 2019 by Sara Roman  
Ford Marilyn Gossman Award

Matthew Ford, professor and department of physical therapy chair, has earned the Alabama Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association's 2019 Marilyn Gossman Award for Professionalism in Physical Therapy. He is the first Samford University faculty member to receive this honor.

The award recognizes those who have positively and substantially affected the shape, scope and quality of physical therapy practice in Alabama and who have significantly increased the ability of others to practice physical therapy. Honorees must have a minimum of 15 years of service within the profession and be an active Alabama Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association member.

“We are immensely proud to see Dr. Ford recognized with this distinct honor from the Alabama Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association,” said Alan Jung, School of Health Professions dean.

“Dr. Ford faithfully serves our students daily. Since the founding of our physical therapy department in 2013, he has aided nearly 165 students in identifying and fulfilling their calling as physical therapists. I cannot think of a better way to further the profession than by serving in this manner.”

During his tenure at Samford, Ford aided in the development of the department of physical therapy and lead the doctor of physical therapy program’s efforts in obtaining full accreditation in 2018. In addition to his service in physical therapy education, Dr. Ford serves on the Advisory Council at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Samford University’s School of Health Professions offers a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Fast-track Doctor of Physical Therapy. The fast-track program provides eligible students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.