Congratulations to Kenda Fuller, Class of 1979, on being awarded the Alumni Achievement Award. Kenda was nominated by her classmates as well as Sarah Gallagher, Owner at South Valley Physical Therapy.

Kenda was among the first to take the first PATA neurologic clinical specialty (NCS) exam- there were no mentors, no financial gains, no notoriety, and she took the exam based on her own commitment. She co-authored Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, a text that is widely respected and the first pathology text designed specifically for therapists. Kenda has been a strong advocate for the profession, serving as the APTA Colorado Chapter President and recently, being a major contributor to the passing of Colorado legislation that includes physical therapists as provides now eligible to return youth to sport after concussion. Throughout her professional career, she remained close to the program, taking students for clinical rotations and teaching in the program for 30 years.

Gallagher noted that “the physical therapy profession is better for having had Kenda Fuller, and she has modeled and empowered future leaders to continue that progression.”

Throughout her four decade career, Kenda certainly impacted the profession, her colleagues and young professionals. However, her greatest impact has been on her patients as a full-time therapist and private practice owner. 

“I am filled with gratitude as I accept this honor from the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Alumni Association and stand before so many people who gave me so much,” said Fuller. “Let the respect for our profession that began in the 1950’s spill over into this moment of hope and gratitude. Hug your classmates a little longer, inhale this powerful energy and take it to work with you!”

Thank you for being a great representative of the CU Physical Therapy Program and the profession. On behalf of the Physical Therapy Alumni Association, congratulations Kenda!

Photo: Kenda Fuller (middle) is presented the Alumni Achievement Award by PTAA President Tim Loar, Class of 2016, and Vice President, Sarah Poinski-McCoy, Class of 2017.