Jensen receives honorary degree from ATSU

Arizona school pays tribute to Jensen’s work with physical therapy, ethics, and Native American populations

MESA, Ariz. (Mar. 10, 2007) – A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Gail Jensen, Ph.D., P.T., FAPTA at its spring commencement. Dr. Jensen is dean of the Graduate School, associate vice president for faculty development, and professor of physical therapy at the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She is also serving a joint appointment as assistant professor/professor at Creighton’s Department of Occupational Therapy.

Dr. Jensen is a well known physical therapy educator and qualitative researcher. She serves as the chair of the Ethics Committee for the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association and is co-investigator for a federally funded interdisciplinary education grant, “Circles of Learning: Community and Clinic as Interdisciplinary Classroom.”

Craig Phelps, D.O., FAOASM, provost of ATSU’s Mesa campus, said recommendations for an honorary degree are reviewed based on a candidate’s contributions to healthcare and education. Jensen was nominated by Randy Danielsen, Ph.D., PA-C, dean of ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences.

“Dr. Jensen was an obvious choice because of her years of clinical experience, educational expertise, and research,” Dr. Phelps said. “She has constantly strived to improve the education and interrelated practice of physical therapists and occupational therapists, which fits right in with ATSU’s mission.”

ATSU President James McGovern will present Dr. Jensen with her honorary degree at the ASHS commencement ceremony on March 10. “ATSU has a proud history of serving the underserved, innovating in education, and teaching the teachers in healthcare,” Dr. McGovern said. “We are pleased to honor Dr. Jensen for sharing our vision and spending an impressive career working towards the same goals.”