Kelly Hawkins, DPT, NCS, received the 2019-2020 Frederick Family Scholarship Award, which is awarded to a Rehabilitation Science student who treats others with positive regard, dignity and respect; shows dedication and service to the profession; displays evidence of exceptional dependability, and is self-reliant and dedicated to the pursuit of the doctoral degree.
Throughout the program, Kelly has shown that she truly embodies the meaning of this award. As a physical therapist who is Board Certified as a specialist in neurologic physical therapy and in her final year of her doctoral studies, she has demonstrated her commitment to advancing clinical practice and service to the profession.
Within the many roles that Kelly has filled – a teaching assistant in the Department of Physical Therapy, a volunteer PT for the PT Equal Access Clinic, and currently an assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Wingate University – she continues to be a mentor, instructor and upcoming leader in the profession.
Shakeel Ahmed, PT, PhD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, had the opportunity to work with Kelly as a peer teaching assistant in the PT department when he was then a doctoral student and echoed Dr. Fox’s sentiments.
In his nomination letter, Dr. Ahmed said, “Her attributes of humility, the willingness to help her colleagues, and her passion and commitment in all her endeavors as a graduate student are truly admirable.”
Congratulations on this well-deserving award, Kelly!