Bette Ann Harris, PT, DPT

Bette Ann Harris, PT, DPT ’02, MSPT ’83 already had her place in the University's history as the first person to receive a graduate degree when she earned a post-professional Master of Science of Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (now Mass General Brigham University) in 1983. After graduation, she continued to be involved with the University, teaching part-time and working as a clinical research associate that included several funded projects. Dr. Harris formally joined the University faculty in 1985, having served in clinical, research, and administrative positions at Massachusetts General Hospital Physical Therapy Services.

She was Program Director, Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy, from 1992–2002. From 2002–2007, she was the Special Assistant for New Initiatives in the Office of the President and was the Interim Associate Academic Dean for Academic Year 2007–2008. From 2008–2012, she was the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. In 2011, Dr. Harris became the Interim Director of the newly created Center for Interprofessional Studies and Innovation.

Dr. Harris retired in December 2012 and was accorded Professor Emerita status by the Board of Trustees. Other honors include: The Massachusetts Chapter APTA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research in 1988, The Nancy T. Watts Award for Teaching Excellence at the University in 2002, The Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 from the Simmons School of Health Studies and was the Pauline A. Cerasoli Lecturer, APTA Section on Education in 2006.

The University's Distinguished Alumni Award was renamed the Bette Ann Harris Distinguished Alumni Award in May 2006.