Professor Named APTA Centennial Scholar

News Date
L. woods

By Hazel Scott/ASU

The Alabama Physical Therapy Association of Alabama (APTA Alabama) selected an Alabama State University assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy to be a part of the American Physical Therapy Centennial Scholars Program (APTA).  

Dr. LaDarius Woods, PT, DPT, CSCS, is one of 100 scholars nationally who received the prestigious honor.

“I am extremely honored to be selected by APTA Alabama as their Centennial Scholar. This is a unique opportunity to not only represent APTA Alabama but create a meaningful project that will impact all of our medically underserved communities within the state of Alabama.” 

As part of this program, Woods will participate in leadership training and complete a capstone project of his choosing to benefit his sponsor organization, APTA Alabama, at the conclusion of the program. 

“I will complete a capstone project focused on leadership and will submit portions of it at three major PT related conferences in 2022. Also, based on the project I may expand my submissions beyond physical therapy, but this is still to be announced,” Woods said.  

Centennial scholars also will receive a year-long, one-on-one mentoring from an APTA-assigned mentor an​d​ attend three key APTA Centennial events. 

“I look forward to seeing how I can give back a small portion of what I have been given and lay the groundwork to encourage participation for all those to come,” he added. 

Officials in ASU’s Department of Physical Therapy said they congratulate Woods on being selected “to represent the University, the Alabama chapter and the physical therapy profession as a Centennial Scholar.”  

Woods has been a full-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy since 2017.  He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2014 from ASU and his Ph.D. from Auburn University. Woods is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Disability Sports Specialist, Aerobics and Personal Trainer, Alabama High School Athletic Association Track & Field Official, and the USA Track & Field Level 1 Track & Field Coach.  

About APTA

The APTA Centennial Scholars Program is designed to build a cadre of future association leaders at both the component and national levels. Demonstrating APTA’s investment in the sustainability of the association as it begins its next 100 years, the program will support its collective quest for a diverse and prepared leadership pool. Only 100 scholars will be selected.