Dr. Terry Grindstaff

Belmont University School of Physical Therapy honored Dr. Terry Grindstaff (04) with its Distinguished Alumni Award at August graduation ceremonies for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2013.  Dr. Grindstaff addressed the graduates at the School’s annual hooding ceremony prior to commencement.

In his address, Dr. Grindstaff reminded the graduates that their accomplishments were not achieved alone, but through contributions of many others including family, friends, faculty and fellow students.  He encouraged them to continue to surround themselves with people that will provide guidance, boundaries, motivation and support in future endeavors.  He challenged the graduates to pursue their passion and approach each task with an optimism that reflects that passion, and to embrace the opportunity to make an impact on the world through the patients they treat.

Dr. Grindstaff earned his DPT from Belmont in 2004.  He had previously attained a Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Health and Physical Education.  Following his time at Belmont, he continued his education at the University of Virginia where he earned a PhD in Kinesiology.  While at Virginia, he worked as an athletic trainer and, upon graduation, as an Assistant Professor.

Currently Dr. Grindstaff serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.  He is a certified Sports Clinical Specialist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Golf Fitness Instructor (Level II).  He has published nearly 40 peer reviewed articles and has presented at many national professional conferences.  He received an award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists for best poster presentation in 2009. Dr. Grindstaff is involved with several research grants and serves as a grant reviewer for two professional organizations.  In 2008, he received the new Horizon Award from the Sports Physical Therapy Section of the APTA, and in 2007 was first runner up for the Kenneth L. Knight Award for Outstanding Research Manuscript from the Journal of Athletic Training.

Thirty-five students were awarded the DPT degree at the August graduation.   Faculty and clinical partners honored two of the graduates with presentations at the hooding ceremony.  Stacey Lindsley received the Academic Excellence Award and was recognized as recipient of the David G. Greathouse Scholarship sponsored by STAR Physical Therapy.  Kyle Mundhenke received the Results Physiotherapy Orthopedic Clinical Excellence Award.