Heather Ross

Dr. Heather Ross is an Assistant Professor and active faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Brenau University, where she serves as Assistant Dean of the Ivester College of Health Sciences. She joined Brenau's DPT faculty in 2015, became Program Director and Chair in 2018, and was promoted to Assistant Dean in 2022. She previously served as a full-time faculty member and K12 scholar at the University of Florida.

Dr. Ross holds a Ph.D. in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida.

Her research centers on neural stem cell biology and its applications to neurological recovery, repair, and rehabilitation. She has extensive clinical experience in acute, subacute, and outpatient settings, primarily treating patients with neurological conditions. Her work bridges foundational neuroscience with clinical rehabilitation strategies.

Dr. Ross is a 2019 graduate of the APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership and has played key roles in academic governance and professional advocacy. She is the founding chair of the Brenau University Faculty Leadership Team and currently serves on the boards of the Georgia Physical Therapy Political Action Committee and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.

• K12 Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program Scholar (2009-2012)
• APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership (2019)

She has been instrumental in program development and academic leadership at Brenau. As Program Director and Chair, she led curriculum innovation and faculty development. Her leadership extends beyond the institution through national service and policy engagement in physical therapy education and practice. While specific grants are not listed, her K12 scholar status indicates prior competitive research funding.

Dr. Ross is actively involved in academic leadership and professional service. She founded the Brenau University Faculty Leadership Team, a shared governance body, and contributes to shaping policy through her board memberships. No specific lab or research team is mentioned, but her postdoctoral work was conducted within the McKnight Brain Institute, suggesting prior affiliation with a major neuroscience research center.