Timothy “Tim” Eckard, PhD, joins the Division of Physical Therapy, one of the eight divisions within UNC’s Department of Health Sciences, following his time as associate professor with tenure in the Department of Physical Therapy at Western Carolina University (WCU), where he has been a faculty member since 2018.
Eckard is making a return to Chapel Hill, as he received his PhD in Human Movement Science from UNC, a program housed within the Division of Physical Therapy. During his time in the program he researched injury prevention measures for NCAA athletes and military service members. He previously earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Baylor University and a B.S. in Kinesiology from James Madison University.
During his time at WCU, Eckard rose to engage in various leadership activities including committee roles within the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Dean’s Advisory Committee, and the WCU Faculty Senate.
Additionally, Eckard demonstrates a strong background in providing clinical and teaching services thanks to his several years of service as an Army physical therapist, where he practiced in acute care and orthopedic outpatient clinical settings in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.
“We are extremely excited to have Dr. Eckard join us in this important leadership role in the Department,” said Dr. Stephen Hooper, Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Health Sciences. “Following a national search, Dr. Eckard brings an array of leadership skills to the Division, particularly in the clinical and teaching missions, and we eagerly look forward to his joining our faculty ranks in July.”
Eckard’s research interests are interprofessional in nature, addressing various aspects of human movement science and clinical reasoning.
Eckard will assume his leadership position on July 8, 2024.
The Division of Physical Therapy and Department of Health Sciences are grateful for the leadership and initiative demonstrated by Dr. Laurie Ray during her time as Interim Division Director throughout the past year.