Weise Named Angelo State's First Davidson Chair In Physical Therapy

SAN ANGELO, TX — Dr. Shelly Weise, chair of Angelo State University’s Department of Physical Therapy, has been named the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Chair in Physical Therapy in ASU’s Archer College of Health and Human Services.

The endowed chair for ASU’s only doctoral program was established through a $1 million grant from the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation in Midland. The grant was paid out over three years with the first installment coming in 2017. Endowed chairs are used to enhance a professor’s salary and to provide additional funds for research, teaching and service activities. To be the holder of an endowed chair is one of the most prestigious accolades a professor can attain.

“It is an honor to be named the Davidson Chair in Physical Therapy,” Weise said. “On behalf of myself and the entire Physical Therapy Department, we are grateful to the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation for its support as we strive for excellence in physical therapy education.”

Also a professor of physical therapy, Weise joined the ASU faculty in 2000 and has been chair of the Department of Physical Therapy since 2014. She previously served as department head and program director in 2004-07 when physical therapy was still a master’s degree program. She also directed the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program in 2011-13 and served as head of the Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2013-14 when the Nursing and Physical Therapy departments were combined.

“Dr. Weise is the personification of excellence in physical therapy education, and I believe she will serve admirably as the inaugural Davidson Endowed Chair,” said Dr. Leslie Mayrand, dean of the Archer College of Health and Human Services.

Weise is also a licensed physical therapist and has maintained a part-time practice at several San Angelo physical therapy clinics since 1997, including currently at Baptist Memorials and Gateway Home Health. Her other industry experience includes:

• Physical therapist, Shannon Medical Center, 2004-15 (part time)
• Staff physical therapist, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 1997-98
• Staff physical therapist, St. Joseph’s Hospital in College Station, 1994-97
• Exercise physiologist, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 1990-91

Specializing in cardiopulmonary therapy and exercise physiology, Weise has received multiple research grants and has presented her research through dozens of published abstracts and professional conference sessions. She has also reviewed manuscripts for several industry journals, including Journal of Women’s Health, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, and Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal.

Weise holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, master’s degree in kinesiology and Doctor of Education in physical education from Texas A&M University, as well as her Master of Science in physical therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University.

The endowed chair in physical therapy is the third at ASU funded by the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation and the second in the Archer College of Health and Human Services. The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Chair in Nursing Excellence was established by a $1 million grant in 2009 and is held by Dr. Wrennah Gabbert, professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing.

ASU’s James A. “Buddy” Davidson Chair in Agricultural Science and Leadership in the College of Science and Engineering was funded with a $1 million grant in 2010. That chair is held by Dr. James “Will” Dickison, associate professor of agriculture science.