LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Spalding Univeristy is getting support for its new School of Physical Therapy from Kosair Charities to the tune of $2 million.

Kosair announced the $2 million grant would be awarded to Spalding on Wednesday. According to a press release, the funds will go toward the ongoing project to transform a campus building into a state-of-the-art academic center set to house the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

A rendering of the new building. (Spalding University)

Spalding announced the new facility will be named Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy and Center for Interprofessional Education. Construction on the building is scheduled to be completed by late 2021, officials said.

The 21,500-square-foot building, located at 961 S. Third St., will house laboratory courses for Spalding’s DPT program, which is set to admit its first cohort in Fall 2022. The building will also feature spaces for student study and collaboration, the press release said.

The major grant continues a longstanding relationship between Kosair Charities and Spalding in support of academic programs and facilities – particularly in health care – that are designed to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

“Kosair Charities’ history and mission has long been interwoven into the fabric of Spalding University, with our first grant in 1996. We are thrilled to announce a grant totaling $2 million to support the newly named Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy and Center for Interprofessional Education at Spalding University,” said Keith Inman, President of Kosair Charities. “A portion of these funds will allow the creation of Kentucky’s first residency and fellowship programs in pediatric physical therapy. Kosair Charities is proud to be a part of this milestone moment for our state and community.”

Spalding’s School of Physical Therapy will feature programming and partnerships that emphasize a commitment to pediatric physical therapy while seeking to help fill a regional need for physical therapists. Among the highlights:

• Planned post-professional residency and fellowship in pediatric PT that are unique to Kentucky, led by faculty who are board-certified in pediatric physical therapy.
• Mentoring opportunities in teaching, provided by veteran faculty, for interested physical therapists, including ones in post-doctoral pediatric neurorecovery fellowships.
• Opportunities for physical therapy program graduates to become board-certified pediatric physical therapists.

“We are grateful and honored to receive this grant from Kosair Charities in support of the new School of Physical Therapy and the construction of a state-of-the-art building that will enhance teaching and learning while also supporting a campus-wide culture of interprofessional education and collaboration,” Spalding President Tori Murden McClure said. “The service-minded missions of Spalding and Kosair Charities align so well, and the long, strong relationship Spalding has had with Kosair Charities is so valuable to us. We are extremely proud to have another building on our campus bear the name of Kosair Charities, whose impact on our community and the lives of children cannot be overstated."