Clarke University

Bill O'Dell

Degrees Held

MS, University of Indianapolis
MBA, University of Dubuque
DHS, University of Indianapolis

Bill's Professional Involvement:
I have been active in the Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA), having served on the Board of Directors from 2001-2005 and on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2005-2008. I currently serve as the Chair of the IPTA Communication Committee. I have organized and presented at numerous professional courses provided by Clarke University and have presented at IPTA State conferences. In addition, I have had several poster and platform presentations at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. I have made medical mission trips to Haiti, working with disabled orphans, as well as people who have suffered strokes and amputations.

Bill's Greatest Clarke Experience:
My greatest experience at Clarke is watching the students grow into young professionals. Watching students interact with clients at the Kehl Center in our pro-bono Health and Wellness Practicum is a true joy. Many of the clients come back year after year because of the professionalism of our students. This program allows our students to interact with clients on a weekly basis during their first year in the program. The Clarke University Physical Therapy program won a “Creative Program Award” from the Iowa Association for Lifelong Learning in 2005 for this practicum.

Why Bill Chose Clarke:
Other than the focus on quality instruction to students, the core values of Clarke University are a major factor. Community service is encouraged and this has allowed me to participate in many charitable activities:

• Wheels for the World -collecting wheelchairs to be refurbished and sent to third world countries
• Kids against hunger- raising money to purchase and package food to send to Haiti
• Into the Streets- an event where Clarke students and faculty help out at numerous local organizations, nursing homes and group homes.

Why Students should choose Clarke:
I think students choose Clarke's Physical Therapy program because of the personal interaction they have with our core faculty members.

Bill's Extracurricular Activities and Interests:
I have been active over the years in the Dubuque Senior High School Music Booster, raising money to support musical events. I am active at church, running the sound system during services, attending bible study and serving on church council in various capacities. My family and I enjoy going to a lake in Michigan in the summer to do some ATV’ing, fishing, relaxing and catching up with the extended family.