Remembering PTA program director Jodi Pfeiffer
by Jordana Newman |
In June, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program director Jodi Pfeiffer passed away after bravely fighting breast cancer for almost a year. Her time at the University of Alaska Anchorage left a lasting impact on the college community and the PTA community through her dedication to serve her students and the profession.
“Jodi brought to UAA more than 25 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist assistant,” says Andre Rosay, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. “She cared deeply about our students and the PTA program. It was always a pleasure to see her in the PSB hallways, and I will miss her positive attitude and warm smile.”
Jodi was active in the physical therapy community in Alaska. She served the Alaska Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) through numerous leadership positions and volunteer roles, including PTA Caucus Delegate, APTA Alaska Treasurer, and a member of the Alaska Physical and Occupational Therapy Licensing Board. She was named APTA’s Outstanding PTA of the Year in 2018 and most recently, was featured in Alaska Business magazine’s cover story “Voices of Healthcare: Professional Perspectives.”
“Jodi was among the hardest working individuals I have ever met. Her passion and enthusiasm
for physical therapy and ensuring the success of future generations of Physical Therapist
Assistants and their patients was obvious to anyone who knew her,” says LeeAnne Carrothers,
Assistant Dean of Allied Health. “When she joined the PTA faculty in 2019, she reached
a goal for which she had been working since the program started in 2015. I am saddened
for many reasons by her loss, among which is the short time she got to spend doing
a job she loved so deeply.”
To honor Jodi’s life and contributions to UAA, a memorial in her name will be established
to benefit PTA students. To make an online contribution to this fund, please go to
engage.alaska.edu/uaa, select “College of Health” as the Designation, and include “in memory of Jodi L.
Pfeiffer” in the comments.
To read more about Jodi and her life accomplishments, please visit her obituary.
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