Move marks growth for Physical Therapy Department
By Page W. H. Brousseau IV
TIMES STAFF WRITER
The smell of "newness" still hangs in the air as one walks the unscratched halls of the University of Michigan-Flint's (UM-Flint) newest building. The departments have completed their moves, and students have adjusted to new carpet and new room numbers. The Department of Physical Therapy (PT) sees its move to the William S. White Building as a sign of growth not just for the university but for the department itself.
Prior to the move, the PT Dept. was spread over three separate buildings including the offsite Lapeer Street Annex. With the move to the new building, Paulette Cebulski, the Director of the PT Dept., added that the increase in lab space and classrooms work as major assets in attracting new students to the university and program.
Not alone in her assessment of the new building, 32 year veteran Dr. Richard Darnell stated that the move, "enhanced the teaching and clinical space," he further pointed out that the move, "Represents the bringing together of the entire UM-Flint under one campus."
For the first time the Physical Therapy Dept. will be within walking distance of faculty meetings and other on campus events. Members of the Physical Therapy Dept. look forward to "rejoining" their fellow faculty members in other programs.
Being stuck in the archaic Lapeer Street Annex left many to feel dissociated from the campus at large. Darnell said the move "helps the department to fulfill its capacity to serve the University and community."
The lack of nearby parking is quickly forgotten by the faculty and students when they set foot in the White Building. Currently the PT Dept. has 36 full time, and two part time students. UM-Flint's first doctoral graduates will receive their diplomas from the Physical Therapy Dept. in October and November.
© The Michigan Times 2002
