University of Charleston introducing two new programs and constructing new Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center

The University of Charleston is expanding its healthcare education offerings with the introduction of two new graduate programs into its School of Health Sciences: Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy. To date, the school has raised more than $10 million to create the new programs and renovate the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center within Gorman Hall.

According to an article on the University of Charleston’s website, Marty Roth, the president of the university, noted, “As a private independent university, we fuel innovation through external funding. We are fortunate to have the support of area foundations and individuals who believe in the power of higher education. Their investment in UC is an investment in future jobs and quality of care.”

Much of the funding has come from foundations like Encova Foundation, HB Wehrle Foundation, and the Hearst Foundation, with some coming from families and individuals, as well. In addition, the school also received a Health Resources and Services Administration grant, which is also helping to fund the projects.

The dean of the School of Health Sciences, Mindy Smith, was quoted as saying of the new programs, “Forecasted jobs in occupational and physical therapy in the state and region far exceed the number of students graduating from existing state programs throughout this decade. Adding these two healthcare programs to our existing portfolio is consistent with our strategy to design and deliver new programs that lead to high-paying jobs in in-demand fields.”

The new Master of Occupational Therapy program is now enrolling, but the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is not expected to start until the Fall 2026 semester.

The new programs will reside within the yet-to-be-constructed Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center, which was named after J. Holmes Morrison, who was the longest-serving member of the Board of Trustees. He is also the namesake of the new J. Holmes Morrison Endowed Scholarship fund, which will help fund the education of undergraduate students who are planning to pursue careers in fields like occupational or physical therapy.

Of the scholarship, Roth said, “We are dedicated to making a great UC education accessible and affordable. UC students regularly graduate with less debt than those graduating from other West Virginia colleges and universities. The Morrison Scholarship will help us continue this tradition.”

For more information about the University of Charleston, visit the school’s website.