The prestigious award honors non-physical therapists who go above and beyond their roles to support excellence and innovation in academic physical therapy.

BY YASMINE GRIMBLE MCG ’16

WHEN JANET STEVENSON JOINED the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy in 2011, she was a one-woman team, dedicated to improving the student experience. More than a decade later, her tireless advocacy has not only transformed the role of student affairs, but also built a thriving team of six, earning her nearly half a dozen promotions along the way.

“I started out by asking the students questions and then listening to their stories,” Stevenson says.  

“From there I would try to come up with creative ideas or solutions, whether referring to university resources, helping problem solve or advocating for their needs so that they can focus and be successful in their program.”

One of Stevenson’s proudest achievements is implementing the clinical education grant program, which offers need-based grants to help students cover added costs for clinical education rotations, when students are placed outside their residential area.

“For many years, students expressed difficulty covering these expenses, and the clinical education grant helps offset some of the costs and allows them to focus on learning and gaining new experiences,” Stevenson says.

Stevenson’s team also serves as the primary liaison between students and faculty to ensure student needs are understood and met. 

“Our role is to ensure the student experience is well understood and provide strategic insights on how we can all best support them.”

Going beyond the job title

Stevenson will receive the 2024 Friend of PT Award at the ACAPT Education Leadership Conference this upcoming weekend in Oakland, where outside of work she serves as one of few non-physical therapist members on the Programmatic Strategies for Ensuring Student Success task force and a co-author of research abstracts to share with physical therapy educators.

Emily Moon DPT ’22, who wrote a nomination letter in support of her ACAPT award, reflected on Stevenson’s mentorship and friendship during her time as a student leader of her class.

“Janet and I met regularly, and she helped guide me through difficult conversations and situations as a class representative during the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moon says. 

“Not only was she a valuable resource, but she also served as a primary source of support for me and many of my classmates who were facing significant challenges, both professionally and personally, during that time.”

Work-life inspiration

In the beginning, Stevenson drew purpose and inspiration from students sharing their stories and experiences with her. These days, as a wife and mother of two — Taylor, 9, and Haylie, 5 — she finds inspiration from her own experiences. 

“My family is the most important part of my life,” says Stevenson, who still manages to find time to regularly volunteer at her kids’ schools and for their softball teams.

“It’s my time with my own children that gets me thinking of new ways to connect with our students in meaningful ways. I truly care about each student as if they were my own children and want to help them find their way in our program and ultimately the profession.”