Six graduates of The Master’s University kinesiology program recently earned doctorates. Morgan Francis (Cal State Northridge), Rachel Karle (Cal State Northridge), Kimmie Newland (Elon University), Ian Saulog (University of St. Augustine), Andrew Fukuda (University of Washington), and Luke Bailey (Chapman University) are some of the latest TMU alumni to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, continuing the department’s rich history as a premier Christian university kinesiology program.
Since 2007, more than 30 alumni of the kinesiology program have gone on to earn doctorates. Alumni have been accepted to prestigious schools in the fields of physical therapy, osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy, and nursing, among others.
“It’s always bittersweet to watch them go as seniors,” says Prof. David Larsen, chair of TMU’s kinesiology department. “You see the fruit of their efforts: becoming professionals who proclaim Christ in all that they do, and it’s exciting — to say the least.”
For TMU, this is a success. The mission of the University is to turn out God-fearing students who are well-equipped to enter the world as lights in the careers God calls them to.
TMU’s kinesiology department understands the importance of producing graduates who have a thorough education in their area of study before entering the field. One mode most utilized by the department is in-depth internships that put students in front row seats to their prospective careers. Many of the internships, Larsen says, actually happen with TMU alumni.
“The first alumna to receive her doctorate after graduating from TMU, Dr. Leticia Fernandez, now works as a pediatric physical therapist here in Santa Clarita,” Larsen says. “She’s in the area and students can shadow her. It’s really fun to have alumni come back and contribute to the program by being able to pour their experiences into the lives of current students.”
Many alumni, Larsen adds, return to campus to show students what they can expect should they walk down a similar career path. Throughout the semester, TMU students listen to alumni talk about topics like what the first year of graduate school is like and other insider tips.
If you’re interested in learning more about TMU’s kinesiology program, click here.
