Dr. Ron Meade

Dynamic and results-driven academic leader with a proven record of transformative leadership in higher education. Successfully revitalized a struggling physical therapist assistant program, elevating it to a nationally recognized model of excellence through strategic program development, student-centered outcomes, and innovative assessment practices. As Dean of Health Sciences, served as a catalyst for institutional change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and academic excellence. Currently serving as Interim Provost, with a vision of creating a regional and national model of excellence in secondary education through student and faculty engagement and community outreach. Professional strengths include: strategic planning and academic leadership; program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement; student engagement through mentoring and modeling professional values; marketing, recruitment, and retention strategy development; faculty development and team building; advocacy for professional standards and ethical practice; commitment to integrity, and excellence in education. Promotes core values of the American Physical Therapy Association and the vision and mission of KCTCS, instilling professional duty, integrity, work ethic and humility in students. Consistently provides opportunities that demand increased responsibility and allow for capitalization of work ethic, creativity and problem solving. Recognized at national, state, and local levels for contributions to physical therapy education and academic leadership and takes ownership of own personal and professional development as well as those supervised. Dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth in both students and faculty, consistently creating opportunities that challenge, inspire, and empower.

Licensed Physical Therapist in Commonwealth of Kentucky

Shenandoah University, School of Health Professions

Winchester, Virginia

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

• Master of Science, Physical Therapy
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: Marketing
• Honors: Dean's List, Numerous Academic Scholarships, Named "Most Studious PT Student" by classmates

Somerset Community College

Somerset, Kentucky

• Associate of Science Degree
• Honors: Dean's List, Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary; Numerous Honorary Groups and Scholarships

Interim Provost

Somerset Community College
July 2025-present

• Responsible for:
  • Overseeing and supporting all aspects of teaching, learning and student achievement, including academic divisions and deans, student services, and enrollment management;
  • Collaborating with senior leadership in developing, recommending, implementing and evaluating academic and student affairs policies;
  • Managing day-to-day operations of the office and the campus, including discussions related to organizational structure and restructuring;
  • Assisting with monitoring the college's budget and ensuring responsible stewardship in academic and student affairs;
  • Ensuring compliance with regional and program-specific accreditation standards for academic, technical, and health sciences programs;
  • Monitoring outcomes including enrollment, completion, credentials awarded, and transfer rates and developing strategies to improve these to meet performance-based funding requirements;
  • Overseeing hiring, performance reviews, promotion, tenure, workloads, and other personnel matters;
  • Supporting and monitoring the implementation of the college's Strategic Enrollment Plan and Academic Master Plan;
  • Serving as a leader, in collaboration with other college administrators, in the president's absence;
  • Representing the college at system-level meetings and external events, fostering relationships with community stakeholders and aligning college initiatives with KCTCS goals; and
  • Collaborating with students and student groups, support services, and campus leadership to cultivate enriching student experiences that enhance recruitment, retention, completion, and employment outcomes; and
  • Assuming other duties as assigned.

Dean, Health Sciences

Somerset Community College
June 2022-present

• Responsible for:
  • Overseeing the day-to-day workings of the Health Sciences Division, providing leadership and support to the overall division, creating a cohesive team that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and setting the overall tone for the division;
  • Ensuring adherence to accreditation standards and supporting various programs in compliance;
  • Working collaboratively with the office of the Senior Vice-President of Academic Affairs/CAO in the planning, development and implementation of instructional programming and activities including strategic planning, budget monitoring and project reports;
  • Overseeing the development of division reports as requested;
  • Coordinating financial, human resources, and employment matters in the academic division;
  • Providing oversight in matters of academic policy and procedure;
  • Serving as reviewer for appropriate division faculty/staff and the primary evaluator of program directors in the administration of the Planning, Performance & Evaluation (PPE) requirements;
  • Encouraging excellence in teaching;
  • Overseeing the professional development of faculty and staff and seeking funds for this professional development;
  • Establishing criteria and procedures to assure that the division and its members are fulfilling assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with accepted college policies through systematic processes;
  • Facilitating the evaluation and planning of the academic division, participating in the development of and approving departmental course schedules and collaborating on division and program budgets, related financial matters and contracts;
  • Participating in addressing and resolving student and faculty grievances and or appeals; Building mutually beneficial collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to, dual credit and transfer opportunities, to allow for division and college growth;
  • Overseeing grant activities, including grant management while serving as principal investigator, drafting and submitting reports, and contributing to grant selection;
  • Being visible and engaged in student engagement activities and encouraging Health Sciences Division participation and fostering a community of inclusion; and
  • Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Grant Activities:
  • Serve on local Carl D. Perkins Funding Grant Steering Team
  • Served as Principal Investigator for:
    • Mid-Appalachian Workforce Development / ARC Power Grant to develop two new nursing programs on satellite campuses and strengthen existing nursing programs and the EMS – Paramedic Program ($904,600)
    • Healthcare Workforce Collaborative to fund equipment and personnel for various healthcare programs ($280,000)
    • TRAINS Grant: Used to purchase Anatomage® tables for physical therapist assistant program ($158,850)
• System-Wide Initiatives
  • Serve on KCTCS Program-Sharing Committee, 2025.
  • Serve as SCC’s Coordinator for the Kentucky Graduate Profile Academy (responsible for developing plan to implement essential skills trainings into curriculum). Spring 2023 – present
• Dual Credit

Physical Therapist Assistant Educational Program Director, Tenured Professor

Somerset Community College
Somerset, Kentucky. July 2004-June 2023

• Responsible for developing and implementing the PTA program’s mission and assessing and revising, as necessary; communicating mission to internal and external communities and advocating for the profession and stakeholders; chairing program admissions and assessment committees and coordinating advisory board and multiple campus events; conveying and defining the roles and specific relationships between physical
  therapists and physical therapist assistants in the health care
  environment; development, assessment and revision of curriculum with participation on a system-wide curriculum committee; recruitment, evaluation, development, and assignments of faculty; procuring and managing program resources; teaching in selected topics; maintaining rigorous accreditation standards and publicly reporting outcomes; acting collaboratively with students to ensure optimal learning opportunities and college experiences.
• Courses Taught:
  • Introduction to Physical Therapy Practice
  • Neuroanatomy for the PTA
  • Medical & Surgical Conditions in Physical Therapy
  • Modalities & Procedures in Physical Therapy
  • Principles & Procedures in Physical Therapy
  • Neurological Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy
  • Seminar in Physical Therapy

Staff Physical Therapist, Independent Contractor

Applied Behavioral Advancements
Somerset, Kentucky. July 2019-January 2020

• Experience includes: Experience includes: assessment, treatment, and provision of skilled physical therapy services, as a member of an interdisciplinary team, to pediatric and adult clients with traumatic brain injury, autism, cerebral palsy, Trisomy 21, and other developmental delays.

Physical Therapist, Department Manager

Communities of Oakwood ICFMR
Somerset, Kentucky. October 1999-July 2005

• Experience includes: assessment, treatment, and provision of skilled physical therapy services, as a member of an interdisciplinary team, to adults with cognitive and physical impairments; perform twice annual screenings for the need for physical therapy intervention for all clients residing in the community; development and implementation of wellness, positioning, and aquatics programs; performing wheelchair assessments (both manual and power mobility) and coordination of weekly wheelchair clinics; orthotic assessments (FO, AFO, KAFO, TLSO, Cervical Orthosis) and coordination of bi-weekly orthotics clinics; Jobst stocking measurements; ambulation aids and other adaptive equipment prescription; pressure ulcer prevention through inservice training to direct care staff and provision of pressure relieving devices where appropriate; site inspections for individuals transitioning from ICF/MR to community settings, assessing for environmental hazards and client’s ability to function independently; development of inter-departmental and intradepartmental documentation forms and development of the physical therapy department’s annual performance improvement plan; serve as a member of a performance improvement committee to investigate reports of falls and fractures and take an active role in decreasing the incidence of falls and fractures on the facility through staff education and environmental modifications; serve as a member of the Clinical Services Team; serve as a member of the facility’s Continuing Education Committee; serve as a member of the facility’s Interdisciplinary Evaluation Tool Development Committee; Member of the facility’s Physical Nutritional Management Committee; member of the facility’s Mealtime Management Committee; developed a portion of the facility’s new employee orientation program and was responsible for conducting new employee orientation; supervision of support personnel including physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides in accordance with Kentucky state law.

Physical Therapist, PRN

Intrust Healthcare
Somerset, Kentucky. June 2005-2010

• Experience includes: assessment, treatment, and education of pediatric clients in inpatient and outpatient orthopedic settings; assessment and treatment of acute and chronic wounds; wheelchair prescription; performing spasticity assessments as a member of the Spasticity Management Team to assist with determination of appropriateness for botox injections vs. intrathecal baclofen vs. surgical intervention; observations of orthopedic and selective dorsal rhizotomy surgical
  procedures.

American Physical Therapy Association

F. A. Davis Award for Outstanding PTA Educator Recipient

• Presented annually to one physical therapy educator nationally, as chosen by APTA’s Board of Directors, based upon program outcomes, service to the community, and contributions to the physical therapy profession; award presented in Washington, DC.

APTA-Kentucky

David A. Pariser Exceptional Educator Award

• Presented annually to one physical therapy educator in Kentucky for their commitment to excellence in physical therapy education

Outstanding Physical Therapist Service Award

• Presented annually to one physical therapist in Kentucky for service to the chapter and to the profession

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

Academy of Advanced Item Writers

• Award presented based upon the quantity and quality of items written for the National Physical Therapy Examination. Inducted into the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s Academy of Advanced Item Writers. Award presented in Columbus, Ohio

Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

Innovation in Fundraising Award

• Presented nationally to one individual who “demonstrates leadership, creativity, and initiative to develop, coordinate, and execute an innovative fundraising activity to benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.” Award presented in San Diego, California.

Kentucky Community & Technical College System

New Horizons Award for Faculty Excellence

• Named the statewide recipient of the New Horizons Award for Faculty Excellence, presented to one faculty member annually and based upon outcomes and service and including a rigorous nomination process

Somerset Community College

SCC's Blue-Ribbon Faculty Award

• Presented to one faculty member annually based upon recommendations of peers and based upon job performance, student evaluations, service to the college and community, and other factors.

New Horizons Award for Faculty Excellence

• Peer-selected award presented locally to one faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching and leadership from each community college in Kentucky annually

Annual Diversity Award

• Presented annually to faculty members who make significant positive impacts upon the campus with regard to promoting diversity and cultural awareness

National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD)

NISOD Excellence Award

• National award presented to one member of the Somerset Community College faculty annually. Award presented in Austin, Texas.

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Kentucky Colonel

• Commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, based upon student recommendations

Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce

Teacher of the Year

• Presented to one college educator annually

Phi Theta Kappa

Pierson's One Professor Project

• Honored by a student member of Phi Theta Kappa for making a positive, meaningful impact upon their educational experience.

American Physical Therapy Association

• Active Member
• Appointed to serve on national Awards Committee, Subcommittee on Scholarships.
  • Completed APTA Volunteer Leadership Training (Modules: APTA President and CEO Introduction, Volunteering for an Association; Volunteering on APTA Board Committees; Volunteering on APTA House Committees; Volunteering on APTA Program Boards and Commissions; Anti-Harassment Training Videos; DEI Training Videos 1, 2 and 3; Attestation.
• Member: Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management
  • Member of the Biophysical Agents Special Interest Group
  • Member of the Wound Management Special Interest Group
• Member: Academy of Physical Therapy Education
  • Member of the Academic Faculty Special Interest Group
  • Member of the Anatomy Educators Special Interest Group
  • Member of the Clinical Education Special Interest Group
  • Member of the PTA Educators Special Interest Group
• Member: Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Served as Membership Committee Chairperson; developed guidelines and scoring rubric for section’s national Outstanding Student Award; Scored National Educational Brochure Design Competition; Coordinated membership activities at all major APTA conferences.
• Member: Health Policy & Administration Section
• Member: Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
• Member: Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy
• Member: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
• Member: Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Served on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee; developed application and scoring rubric for two national awards (“Distinguished Scholar for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” and “Emerging Leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”)

APTA-Kentucky

• APTA-Kentucky Annual Conference Planning Team
• Elected to serve as Kentucky's Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association
• Membership Chairperson
  • Responsible for the formation of subcommittees including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee and the Mentorship and Leadership Development Subcommittee.
  • Responsible for the formation of the PTA and New Professional Special Interest Groups and the revitalization of the Student Special Interest Group.
• Chapter Student Liaison
  • Developed KPTA All-Academic Team Program: Program honors top program graduates from Kentucky’s DPT and PTA Program with recognition and scholarships; 38 students have been recognized
  • Developed Essay Competition for students to attended APTA Federal Advocacy Forum
  • Developed Essay Competition for students to attend National Student Conclave
  • Authored portion of Outstanding Chapter Awards
  • Presented to students about the value of membership in both DPT and PTA Programs.
  • Assist in coordinating KPTA Eastern District Meeting at satellite location

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

• Served as an item writer for the National Physical Therapy Examination
  • Named to FSBPT's Academy of Advanced Item Writers

Kentucky Academy of Science

• Member of the Health Sciences, Physiology and Cellular & Molecular Biology Sections

Under my leadership, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Somerset Community College consistently demonstrated excellence in student achievement, professional engagement, and national recognition. This is an abbreviated listing of these outcomes, with a more comprehensive listing available upon request.

Program-Level Achievements:

• 100% First-Attempt NPTE Pass Rate in 14 separate years
• Named "Outstanding PTA Program" by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research; raised over $50,000 for PT research.
• Recognized by APTA for highest student attendance at National Student Conclave
• Commendations from CAPTE for exemplary accreditation self-study reports
• Winner of KCTCS Best Practices Award for Marketing and Student Recruitment.

Individual Student Distinctions:

• Multiple recipients of APTA National Student of the Year, Mary McMillan Scholarship, and Minority Scholarship Awards.
• Students elected to APTA Student Assembly Board, awarded Outstanding Core Ambassador, and recognized by multiple APTA Academies.
• Numerous honorees on the KCTCS All-Academic Team, USA Today® All-Academic Team, and Coca-Cola New Century Scholars.
• Graduates have earned prestigious awards including the APTA Outstanding PTA Award, Richard V. McDougal Fledgling Award, and Kentucky's Centennial Scholar.

These outcomes reflect a sustained commitment to the core values of student engagement, academic excellence, and professional development.

Pedagogicon

• Poster Presentation: Leading Toward meaningful Change: Impacts on Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
• Graduate Profile Roundtable Moderated Discussion Panelist: Scaling, Transferring and Leading Essential Skills Initiatives

Using SOAP to Clean Up Your Program: A Rural Health Program's Approach to Program Assessment

Presented at:

• Somerset Community College as member of Office of Institutional Effectiveness / Institutional Research Steering Committee.
• National Network of Health Career Programs in Two-Year Colleges National Conference, Louisville, Kentucky.
• National Institute of Staff and Organizational Develop International Conference, Austin, Texas.
• New Horizons Teaching & Learning Conference, Louisville, Kentucky.
• Rural Community College Alliance National Conference, Mount Washington, New Hampshire.

A longstanding and active history of service at the national, state, and local levels, is present, reflecting a deep commitment to professional advocacy, the advancement of academic and clinical standards, and meaningful student engagement. These contributions span a wide range of committees and community boards that have afforded opportunities to consistently work to support institutional goals and promote excellence in healthcare and education.

A comprehensive list of past service activities is available at the request of the committee. Current service roles include:

• Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Board of Trustees;
• Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Board of Directors;
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) National Awards Committee
  • Overarching Awards Committee
  • Scholarship Awards Committee
• Kentucky Community and Technical College (KCTCS) Program Sharing Work Group
• Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) Graduate Profile Academy Team Lead

These service roles have directly supported institutional goals in student success, workforce development, and academic excellence.

Extensive professional development activities related to teaching content areas of expertise and educational leadership have been completed. A complete listing is available at the request of the committee.