Judith Stoecker, PT, PhD

Dr. Stoecker is Vice President for Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions. In her position as Vice Dean of the College of Health Professions and Associate Professor with Tenure in the Department of Physical Therapy, she worked with the Dean to promote faculty scholarship and excellence in programmatic accreditation. During that time, she also assisted in the development of new programs as well as transitioning the DePaul Nursing program to its RFUMS home. Taking a lead role in the interprofessional initiatives at RFUMS, she was a co-developer and director of the Interprofessional Healthcare Teams course. Interprofessional education has been a focus of her teaching and research with the clinical aspect of IP education having been a special interest. As Interim PhD Program Director and member of the faculty of the Interprofessional Healthcare Studies department, she focuses on fostering the growth of IP faculty and researchers. Dr. Stoecker also served the University as a faculty representative to the RFUMS Board of Trustees. 

She received her Certificate in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University, her MS in Health Science Education, and subsequently received her PhD in Higher Education Policy. Her clinical focus has been in the area of neurological dysfunction and she continues to teach in Evidence-Based Practice. She has attended numerous continuing education courses and has been a regular participant at State and National Association meetings. She has published numerous articles and advises post professional students in the publication process. She is a recognized leader in education as a two term Editor for the Journal of Physical Therapy Education (JOPTE). Her awards include the 2003 Lawrence Medoff Award for outstanding contribution to the University. She was awarded the very prestigious "Outstanding Physical Therapist" Award by the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional level of support and dedication to physical therapy for her support and roles in national and state associations.