Todd Sander, PT, PhD, AT-Ret
Dean, School of Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Todd Sander joined the UIW as the Dean, School of Rehabilitation Sciences in August 2025. He received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 1988 from Central Michigan University, his Master of Physical Therapy in 1992 from Baylor University, and his Ph.D. in Education in 2003 from the University of Virginia. His experience during his 30 years as a Navy phyiscal therapist includes clinical, teaching, and five years as the Navy Physical Therapy Specialty Leader to the Navy Surgeon General.
In 2020, Dr. Sander served as the Chair of the Physical Therapy & Athletic Training department and the Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Grand Valley State University until arriving at UIW. His teaching includes musculoskeletal examination, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal small group seminar, and his scholarship is focused on musculoskeletal injury prevention, graduate student success, and the impact of social determinants of health.
Recent peer-reviewed publications:
Stickler LG, Chesser B, Sander TC, Bonhaus K. Implementation of Social Determinants of Health Screening in a Student Run Physical Therapy Clinic. Journal of Student Run Clinics. 11(1). https://doi.org/10.59586/jsrc.v11i1.538.
Fraser JJ, Pommier R, MacGregor AJ, Silder A, Sander TC. Does policy that provides choice in athletic footwear affect musculoskeletal injury risk in US Coast Guard recruits? BMJ Mil Health Published Online First: September 29, 2022.
Recent peer-reviewed presentations:
Chesser BT, Fagan ME, Lebeda JD, Washington KD, Metcalf ER, Sander TC. Strategies to Increase Underrepresented Minorities in U.S. Rehabilitation Education Programs. American Physical Therapy Association – Michigan Fall Conference, Southfield, MI. October 2024.
Sander TC, Stickler L, Degener D, Ferguson M, Montgomery A, Pommier R, Fraser JJ. Qualitative Analysis of US Coast Guard Recruit Preferences for Berry Amendment Compliant and Athletic Footwear of Choice. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Boston, MA. February 2024.
Stickler L, Chesser B, Sander TC. Identifying and Considering the Social Determinants of Health in the Physical Therapy Setting. APTA Michigan Fall Conference 2021. Detroit, MI. October 2021
Lee Y, Romph E, Deitz M, Van Dyke H, Sander TC. The feasibility of internet-based Tai Chi Easy program on gait-related parameters, quality of life, and fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 11th International Symposium on Gait and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis, 2021