Mulligan named chair of Physical Therapy

The West Virginia University School of Medicine Physical Therapy program has named Ivan Mulligan, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS as the new program chair, effective August 1, 2022.

Dr. Mulligan joins WVU from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania, where he has served in a variety of leadership roles since 2007, including the Department of Physical Therapy chair and the director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Mulligan also brings a depth of experience and insight through various clinical roles during his career. Most recently, he was a practicing outpatient physical therapist and a per diem athletic trainer for Saint Francis University. He also had the opportunity to work at the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he recognized, managed and treated injuries for athletes participating in the long-track speed skating event and in the Olympic Village.

“West Virginia University’s physical therapy program has a long history of preparing caring and competent physical therapists,” said Mulligan. “The faculty are regional and national leaders in their areas of expertise and research. This history of excellence drew me to join the Division of Physical Therapy. I am honored to begin working and collaborating with these incredible students and colleagues. I am also excited to work with the students, faculty and other programs in the School of Medicine to build on the Division’s past 50 years of success and advance health care in West Virginia and the nation.” 

Mulligan is a board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and a member to several national physical therapy and athletic training associations including the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  

“Dr. Mulligan was chosen as the next leader of the physical therapy program at West Virginia University because of his experience and significant contributions to the profession,” said Mary Beth Mandich, Ph.D., PT, vice-dean of professional and undergraduate programs. “The physical therapy education program at WVU has a 50-year legacy of preparing physical therapists, many of whom have gone on to serve in the state. We believe he is the right person to build on the program’s past success and lead it into the future.”

Mulligan received his Doctorate of Sports Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University in 2003. He earned his Master’s of Physical Therapy from Gannon University in 1995 and completed his undergraduate degree with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education with an Emphasis in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania in 1993.

To learn more about the physical therapy program at WVU, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pt.