I received my entry-level BS in physical therapy from Ithaca College and completed a pediatric fellowship on my way to pediatric specialization in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis. My academic doctoral work is in child and youth studies from Nova Southeastern University, with a focus in exceptional education and special services. I also completed a post-professional doctorate in physical therapy through MGH Institute of Health Professions. These academic pursuits have contributed to my work as a pediatric physical therapist working in early intervention and school-based settings and have informed my research and teaching.
As a scholar, a professor, and a clinician, it is my philosophy that learning occurs within a rich environmental context, and that what we practice well and what we reflect on is learned and shaped in ways that result in permanent changes in our understanding and behavior. On my office door you will find this quote by Abigail Adams: "Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." I believe this for my own professional development as well as for the education and preparation of future physical therapists.
My scholarly interests are closely tied to my work and experiences as a pediatric physical therapist and an academician. Those pursuits have led to collaborations with others who are teaching pediatric content in physical therapy programs where we have explored questions related to critical thinking, curriculum, and knowledge translation. My other primary research collaboration is within the Institute for Physical Therapy Education at Widener, where we are studying a variety of elements related to civic engagement, service learning, and leadership connected to our curriculum and our student-led pro bono physical therapy clinic.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); Pennsylvania Chapter
When the Chester Community Clinic first opened in September 2009 its purpose was simple: serve the community and give students an exceptional learning experience. Years of dedication to quality care and strategic transformation have established the clinic as an anchor in the community and a celebrated national model for student-led pro bono care and education.
A graduate speech-language pathology program will prepare students for a meaningful career to prevent, diagnose, and treat speech and language disorders.
Widener collaborates with school in Athens to offer new degrees in international and independent schools leadership.
The School of Human Service Professions is expanding with the launch of the new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Beginning in June, the three-year doctoral program will include hands-on, experiential learning, clinical research, personal faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Members of the Delaware County Council and Delaware County Health Department visited the Widener Child Development Center as part of their Lead-free in 1-2-3 initiative to educate Delaware County residents on the dangers of lead poisoning. Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, is quoted.
See also: Delaware County Daily Times, Centre Daily Times
Dean of the College of Health and Human Services Robin Dole authored this article about Widener’s Health Career Explorers Summer Program, which aims to expose 9th and 10th grade students in the Chester area to the wide array of career options available in healthcare.
Robin Dole was elected as vice speaker of the House of Delegates and member of the board of directors for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The APTA Board provides strategic direction for the organization and advocates on behalf of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students of physical therapy, and patients nationwide to advance the profession of physical therapy and improve the health of society.
Dole joins fellow Widener physical therapy faculty member Colleen Chancler on the APTA board. Chancler, an assistant professor in the Institute for Physical Therapy Education, was elected to the board in 2023.
Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, was named the 2024 recipient of the Carlin-Michaels Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). One of the highest awards given by the Pennsylvania APTA, this recognition celebrates Dole's influence and impact in the physical therapy profession, physical therapy education, and the broader community. Dole is a celebrated educator and scholar who specializes pediatric physical therapy. As dean, Dole has led the College of Health and Human Services through strategic growth. Dole's leadership has guided significant changes such as the transformation of the college's on-campus learning and research facilities and the addition of new health science programs.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robin-dole-receives-distinguished-award-apta-pennsylvania
Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health & Human Services and professor of physical therapy, was presented with the 2022 Stanford Award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education. The award was created by Katherine Shepard, PT, PhD, FAPTA, in honor of her former faculty colleagues at Stanford University, to recognize the author(s) of a manuscript containing the most influential educational ideas published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education for the calendar year. Dean Dole, who also serves as the chief delegate for APTA PA, is recognized for her contributions as an author on the paper "Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Developing a Framework for Education."
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robin-dole-wins-stanford-award-apta-academy-education
Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health & Human Services, is a co-author on this paper published in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal discussing competency-based education (CBE). In this perspective article, Dole and the co-authors demonstrate support for utilizing the CBE philosophy and highlight four themes: the need for a shared language, an overview of CBE and the impetus for the change, how to shift toward CBE in physical therapy, and why the profession should adopt a mindset requiring purposeful practice across one’s career in order to safely and most efficiently practice in a given area.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robin-dole-co-authors-paper-competency-based-education-physical-therapy