University of Mary Graduate Student Elected National Chairman of APTA Student Council

BISMARCK, N.D. - Corbin Olson, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at the University of Mary and a Rapid City, SD, native, was recently elected as the 2025 national chairman of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Student Council. In his new role, Olson will represent over 30,000 student members of APTA to its Board of Directors and staff, a position he views with both pride and responsibility.

"I think this is a huge privilege and responsibility, as I will be responsible for leading the charge of representing all 30,000 student members, including my classmates here at Mary, to the APTA Board of Directors and staff," Olson said. "In the brief time since my election, I have already had the opportunity to be part of some really cool meetings, and I look forward to the many opportunities in the year ahead."

Olson's election marks a milestone for the University of Mary, as he is the first student from its health sciences programs to hold a national leadership position within a professional association. Dr. Mary Dockter, dean of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, noted, "Corbin's achievement reflects both his dedication to the field and the support he has received from our faculty and program."

After transferring to the University of Mary from another institution, Olson credits his success to the support and mentorship he found within the university's physical therapy faculty. He believes that this journey to Mary was divinely guided, stating, "The Lord led me on this wonderful journey to the University of Mary."

The University of Mary's DPT program, which admits 48 students each year, is extremely competitive, so applications are now being accepted for the fall 2025 semester. The DPT program has gained national recognition for its comprehensive approach, emphasizing evidenced-based practice, education, and scholarly activity. Students gain hands-on experience in physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation, as well as training in research, education, and preventive care to address modern healthcare challenges. The program also offers an Early Assurance initiative for high school seniors and undergraduates at Mary, as well as a Priority Admissions plan for undergraduates transferring to the doctoral program.

Clinical education for DPT students includes full-time placements at diverse sites across the U.S., along with international service-learning opportunities in Guatemala. Another unique component of the program is its pro-bono clinic, where students provide physical therapy services to the community under faculty supervision, refining their clinical skills while serving residents.

Olson's involvement with APTA extends beyond his national role; he is also active in the APTA of North Dakota and a is considering post-professional training in physical therapy after graduation. His election is not only a personal achievement but also a significant accomplishment for the University of Mary's DPT program and its commitment to developing future healthcare leaders.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at [email protected], or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.

About the University of Mary: True to its motto "lumen vitae"-The Light of Life-the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor's, 15 master's, and five doctoral programs-in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.