Patricia Kluding

Professional Background

Patricia Kluding, Ph.D., PT, is a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training. A physical therapist since 1992, Kluding's clinical practice focus is in neurological rehabilitation.

She has been chair of the department since 2017, and was interim department chair 2015-2017. She completed the Education Leadership Institute Fellowship program through the American Physical Therapy Association (2019). Currently teaching neurologic rehabilitation courses in the physical therapy program, Kluding continues to be actively involved in the profession outside the university, including with the American Physical Therapy Association.

Kluding has received recognition for her skills as an educator, including the University of Kansas Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2021) and the Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award for the School of Health Professions (2010). She has also received research awards including the Jack Walker Award for Novel and Innovative Research from the American Physical Therapy Association (2018) and the Faculty Investigator Award from KU Medical Center (2013). She was recognized with the Honorary Alumni Award for the School of Health Professions (2014) for her accomplishments.
Kluding values diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in her leadership, teaching, research and service activities.

Academic Background
Kluding began her academic career by earning a bachelor's in biology from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She continued her education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Rutgers University in Camden, N.J., where she earned her master's in physical therapy.

After working for a number of years as a physical therapist, Kluding enrolled in the health doctoral program (movement science track) at Seton Hall University. After earning her doctorate in 2003, she joined the faculty at the University of Kansas.

• PhD, Health Science, Seton Hall University , South Orange, New Jersey
• MS, Physical Therapy , Rutgers University , Camden, New Jersey
• BS, Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa