Howell E Tapley

Howell E Tapley is a Professor and Program Director in the Department of Applied Medicine & Rehabilitation at Indiana State University's College of Health and Human Services. He holds a Ph.D. in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2007), an M.S. in Physical Therapy-Musculoskeletal (UAB, 1994), and a B.S. in Physical Therapy (University of South Alabama, 1991). With over 30 years of rehabilitation experience, his expertise spans orthopedic rehabilitation, health promotion, and interprofessional education.

His research focuses on:

• Innovative service-learning frameworks in physical therapy education
• Health promotion initiatives for underserved communities
• Interprofessional pain management strategies
• Community-based rehabilitation programs

Recent publications emphasize interprofessional collaboration, community engagement, and curriculum development in healthcare education.

Tapley has secured significant funding, including:

• A $1.5M HRSA grant (2021–2025) for experiential learning
• Community engagement grants from Subaru Foundation ($11,058) and ISU ($15,000)

He mentors students through ISU's Physical Therapy Student-Run Pro Bono Clinic and serves as State Clinical Director for Special Olympics Indiana.

Awards include:

• Community-Based Learning and Scholarship Award (2023)
• PTLE Influencer Award (2022)
• Faculty Community Engagement Award (2020)