Corbin, Kentucky – April 3, 2023 – University of the Cumberlands is naming their new Doctor of Physical Therapy program after Dr. Connie Hauser, the founder and CEO of PT Pros. The Connie D. Hauser Physical Therapy Program began in January 2022 in partnership with PT Pros. Dr. Hauser was vital in the creation of the program through her expertise and as a pioneer in outpatient physical therapy in Kentucky. The announcement was made at the Excellence in Leadership Series Event at University of the Cumberlands where Dr. Hauser was also awarded the 2023 Excellence in Leadership Award as a trailblazing physical therapist and entrepreneur.
Connie expressed her gratitude in the naming of the program: “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the University of the Cumberlands. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our state, and I am so pleased to see this legacy continue through the physical therapists who will enter the profession through their education from the Cumberlands. The naming of the program after me is a testament to the importance of putting patients and community first, and I hope it will inspire future physical therapists to strive for excellence in their own careers.”
Dr. Hauser pursued her undergraduate degree at East Tennessee State University, where she met and married her husband, Pat. They live in Barbourville and have two sons and two wonderful grandchildren. After graduating from ETSU, Dr. Hauser went on to earn a second bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky before earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in Arizona.
In 1980, Dr. Hauser founded PT Pros in Barbourville, Kentucky. Originally called Kentucky Physical Therapy, Connie’s practice rapidly grew as patients sought the excellent care she and her practice provided. By 2002, Connie opened several clinical sites throughout Kentucky and made the change to PT Pros. Today PT Pros has grown to include over 100 team members with 13 locations across Kentucky.
After Dr. Hauser’s years of service to the health and wellness of her community, as well as the patient-focused care that PT Pros provides, it was natural for University of the Cumberlands to pursue guidance from Dr. Hauser in the creation of their program. Dr. Hauser currently serves on Cumberlands Board of Trustees so that she can continue to be a voice to the college and community. Throughout her career, Dr. Hauser has been an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association, where she served as a board member and treasurer. She is also the former president of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association. Her revolutionary work as a physical therapist and business woman has also earned her the Robert Dicus Award from the Private Practice Section of APTA and the 2022 Charles M. Magistro Distinguished Service Award.
To learn more about the services provided at PT Pros, please visit https://www.ptpros.com.
For more information about the Connie. D. Hauser Physical Therapy Program, visit https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics. The program is accepting applications; visit https://www.ucumberlands.edu/apply to learn more.