Asbury University Students Receive Acceptance to Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

Over Christmas break, five students in the Shaw School of Sciences received acceptance to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs at the following institutions: Holynn Bruner ’26 (University of Kentucky), Emme Johnson ’26 (Duquesne University and Chatham University), Madelyn McCall ’26 (University of Kentucky), Naomi Thallman ’26 (University of Cincinnati and University of Kentucky), and Timothy Yashchenko ’26 (Bellarmine University).

"It is a blessing for me to have the opportunity to teach and lead such wonderful students in their preparation for DPT programs. Every year, I continue to be proud and amazed by our students at Asbury University. They undoubtedly will contribute to the health and wellness of many people in the future with their knowledge of science but also in their compassion and care for all of God's people."

Dr. Elise Kearns Associate Professor and Department Chair of Exercise Science

AU offers a tailored pre-physical therapy preparation program that allows undergraduate students to gain the academic and hands-on experience necessary to be eligible for admission to competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree programs.

“Dr. Kearns does a great job of sharing how classroom knowledge connects to real-life applications through sharing her personal clinical experiences and in class labs,” said Thallman (hometown: Wallingford, Pa.). “God has placed a call on my life to provide holistic care for underserved people groups, and physical therapy is a great way to do that while building encouraging patient-focused relationships. In the future, I want to pursue physical therapy internationally.”

“My professors at Asbury have helped prepare me for a future in physical therapy and have cultivated my interests and guided those toward my vocation,” said McCall (hometown: Nicholasville, Ky.).

In Fall 2025, AU launched the new Pre-Athletic Training concentration within the Exercise Science major, offering Asbury students the 3+2 Program option in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s (UK) Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training program. 

“We are excited at the opportunity for Asbury students in the Exercise Science department to now be able to complete a bachelor’s degree from Asbury and M.S. in Athletic Training from UK in as little as five years,” Kearns said. “Athletic trainers are needed members of the health care team, and we are pleased to partner with the University of Kentucky to increase the number of highly trained athletic trainers in Kentucky and beyond.”