Retirement celebration is Jan. 12 for Dr. Joe Norman

Joe Norman, PhD, has retired, capping 30 years of service to the physical therapy program in the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.

“His absence will be felt by each one of us,” said physical therapy program director Betsy Becker, PhD, in announcing his retirement, which was effective Dec. 31. “He has contributed to our division in many ways through his 30-year tenure.”

The campus community is invited to a Jan. 12 retirement celebration in his honor. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Wigton Heritage Center, with public remarks at 2:30 p.m.

A native of New York, Dr. Norman joined UNMC in 1992 as an assistant professor and eventually served as program director from 2013 to 2018, where he supervised the division’s growth to the Kearney campus, urged the revision of the DPT curriculum and had oversight of the expansion of the physical therapy profession to China. “Dr. Norman led the charge in achieving these feats with a great deal of hard work, kindness and many cups of coffee,” Dr. Becker said.

Dr. Norman’s research agenda focused on physical activity interventions and exercise adherence for individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, physical performance measures, quality of life and patient-reported outcomes. He has been on NIH-funded studies for more than 15 years and has more than 35 peer-reviewed articles. In 2016, he was recognized as a UNMC Distinguished Scientist by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

His many honors include: Certificates of Appreciation for Excellence in Teaching by the UNMC Student Senate (1999, 2007 and 2008); School (now College) of Allied Health Professions’ Teacher of the Year (2002); the Mary Ellen Sacksteder Award from the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association (2014); and, in 2019, the CAHP Outstanding Service Award for “extraordinary contributions … that result in the significant advancement of the College and the allied health professions.”

Dr. Norman contributed to the physical therapy profession through national, regional, state and local area community activities. He is a fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), APTA-Nebraska and a board-certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

“Dr. Norman is an innovative leader with an exceptional record of substantial contributions to the program, the profession and UNMC at the state, national and international levels,” said former program director Patricia Hageman, PhD. “Ever humble, Joe puts others before himself, elevating students, alums, faculty and practitioners through his listening, mentoring and genuine caring for their wellbeing. My wish for Joe is great joy as he transitions to having more time to pursue his many interests.”