Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Jeananne Elkins is the Founding Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. The Department of Physical Therapy will offer a unique approach to physical therapy education – a 7 semester Doctor of Physical Therapy degree plan in a hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous online coursework and immersive on-campus labs. As the Founding Chair she is responsible for the development of the Department of Physical Therapy.
Prior to returning to Texas A&M University to complete both the MPH and PhD, Dr. Jeananne Elkins practiced as a physical therapist in multiple settings. After completing her PhD in Health Services Research, Dr. Elkins was appointed as an Advanced Fellow in Aging at the Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center in Atlanta GA. In addition, she was an Assistant Professor at Emory University in the School of Medicine General Medicine and Geriatrics and Department of Rehab Medicine School of Physical Therapy. After the fellowship she accepted a faculty position as Associate Professor at Brenau University where she was the Research Coordinator.
Dr. Jeananne Elkins received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University in 2014. She previously received a PhD in Health Services Research from Texas A&M University in 2013 after having received a Master of Public Health degree in 2009. She hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University in Biology with a certification in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Jeananne Elkins teaching focuses on the use of active learning strategies, self-reflection and purposeful inclusion and belonging. Her specialty is in geriatrics and evidence-based practice. Recently she taught a geriatrics class where students rated the class in all areas as excellent. Last year her 3rd year DPT students completed a data analytics project on stroke in underserved populations and presented their results as a TED talk. Students rated this project as the most meaningful project in their 3 year DPT education.
Dr. Jeananne Elkins has focused primarily on caregiver research with a specialty in frailty in caregivers; however, she is moving her research into the understanding of how self-reflection is taught to allied health students. In addition, she works with other DPT’s in evidence-based practice research for physical therapy.
