Franklin Pierce University Holds Ribbon Cutting for Goodyear Center Academic and Programmatic Expansion
Feb 28, 2022
Franklin Pierce University held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the expansion of its Goodyear Academic Center on Friday, February 25, where members of the University’s faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees were joined by business leaders and elected officials from Goodyear.
In 2008, the University’s Goodyear Academic Center became the first private postsecondary education institution in the city, and currently offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which will pivot to a hybrid delivery model and expand its cohort this fall. The ceremony and reception were the first events of the University’s yearlong celebration, Pierce@60.
“In commemoration of all we have accomplished as a young institution of higher education, we have launched a year-long series of Signature Events leading up to our official 60th anniversary in November. This ribbon cutting not only marks our first Pierce@60 signature event of the year; it represents Franklin Pierce’s commitment to preparing highly skilled allied health professionals in the West Valley for years to come,” said Dr. Kim Mooney ’83, president of Franklin Pierce University.
“As we look ahead to the expansion our Physical Therapy Program, and to welcoming our first Physician Assistant Studies and Nursing cohorts over the next year, we are truly meeting students where they are, enabling them to succeed academically, and preparing for rewarding careers in the healthcare landscape.”
Since April 2018, Franklin Pierce’s administration and physical therapy faculty have been exploring strategies to meet the needs of the significant population growth anticipated in the Phoenix West Valley and the increased demand for highly-skilled allied health graduates. With approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in December 2021, the current physical therapy program will pivot from traditional, full-time and face-to-face education to a hybrid model with intensive lab modality and expand its cohort size from 36 to 56 students this fall. This hybrid delivery model will allow the University to be on the cutting-edge of where education is headed, especially in the allied health professions.
“This change to the delivery model of our DPT program in Arizona is a critical component of our strategic plan as we continue to focus on innovation in teaching and learning,” shared Dr. Catherine M. Paden, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The programs that we offer must not only resonate with the demands of the broader marketplace, but also continue to establish Franklin Pierce as an institution that meets the needs of those who choose to enroll. Innovation is central to the way programs are developed and in the methods through which students are taught.”
The University also currently operates a DPT program at its Manchester, N.H. Academic Center. The New Hampshire program will not see a change to its face-to-face delivery model at this time.
When the City of Goodyear and Franklin Pierce University collaborate to ensure the Ravens of today become the leaders of tomorrow, in their communities and in their health care professions, our share aspirations and goals will continue to be realized.
To learn more about the University’s Pierce@60 signature events, visit the celebration page.
