Bills appointed to associate director

On May 1, 2020, faculty member Sara Bills, PT, DPT, GCS, began an appointment as an associate director in the Division of Physical Therapy Education.

“I’m pleased that Dr. Bills accepted this leadership appointment. She is a highly-regarded educator and forward-thinker,” notes Program Director Betsy J. Becker, PT, DPT, PhD, CLT-LANA.

Dr. Bills joined the UNMC faculty in 2014 in the Division of Physical Therapy Education, with teaching, clinical experience and research expertise in cardiopulmonary and integumentary physical therapy. In 2009, she obtained board certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a geriatric clinical specialist.

Sara serves as the division’s Admissions Director and chairs the CAHP Admissions committee. She is instrumental in leading the holistic admissions process. In 2019, Dr. Bills received both the CAHP Excellence in Teaching award and the UNMC Outstanding Teacher award. This spring, she has also had a large role in the transition to remote education in the areas of student support; logistical support in scheduling for students and faculty; facilitating faculty development; and brainstorming and problem-solving for curriculum delivery.

Sara’s new role includes collaborating with the Director and the division’s other Associate Director, Kathy Volkman, PT, MS, NCS, to meet the mission of the division to educate students, support research and serve the community.

Dr. Bills states, “I am honored to accept this appointment and serve our nationally ranked program. I am grateful to work with the collaborative faculty and staff who support our mission. I look forward to continuing the innovative work and excellence in research, education and service for which our program has been recognized.”