Teresa Cochran

Teresa Cochran serves as Associate Dean for the College of Allied Health Professions at the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex in Kearney. She joined the Physical Therapy Program as an associate professor in 2017 and became assistant dean in Kearney in 2018, where she fostered collaboration between UNMC College of Nursing and UNK while advocating for students' learning environments.

Dr. Cochran holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a master of arts in psychology/developmental psychobiology from the University of Nebraska graduate college, and a doctor of physical therapy degree from Creighton University. She is currently a PhD degree candidate in the MSIA Health Practice and Medical Education program at UNMC.

Her research focuses on interprofessional education (IPE), where she led faculty in developing a strategic plan for IPE including a longitudinal curriculum to help students acquire IPEC core competencies. She works at the forefront of healthcare innovation and geriatric physical therapy, recognized nationally for her contributions to interprofessional education and practice.

Dr. Cochran has received multiple honors including the CQuence Distinguished Professorship for Innovation in Health Care (2020), Emerita status as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist (2021), and recognition as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (2016).

• CQuence Distinguished Professorship for Innovation in Health Care (2020)
• Emerita status as American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Geriatric Clinical Specialist (2021)
• Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (2016)

As a leader in the expansion of the College in Kearney, Dr. Cochran has been instrumental in planning the design of new buildings and updating current facilities to serve growing college needs. Her collaborative leadership continues to be valuable as UNMC expands its presence in Kearney with additional colleges.