Meet the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship Winners
Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship, awarded annually to exceptional graduate students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Honoring a legacy, supporting the future of physical therapy
This scholarship honors the enduring legacy of our co-founder, James B. McKillip, by supporting aspiring physical therapists who demonstrate outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
Created to foster growth in the field of physical therapy, the James B. McKillip Scholarship awards $2,500 each to three graduate students who exemplify the values Jim McKillip championed: compassionate patient care, forward-thinking innovation, and an unwavering passion for the PT profession.
Introducing our 2025 scholarship awardees
We are proud to recognize these three outstanding physical therapy students for their dedication to the profession and for embodying the values of James B. McKillip.
Phillip Woods – South College, Nashville, TN
Inspiring Change Through Community and Compassionate Care
Phillip Woods, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at South College in Nashville, TN, is the first-place recipient of the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship.
Motivated by his father’s career in nursing and personal experiences with injury and family illness, Phillip’s passion for physical therapy is deeply rooted in service and resilience. His commitment to healthcare extends beyond the classroom — he volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, leads local fitness classes, and actively engages with the NAACP in Middle Tennessee.
Focused on empowering others to live healthier, more active lives, Phillip is driven by the belief that educating and inspiring communities is a vital part of being a future healthcare leader.
Emmalia Frei – University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Empowering Communities Through Advocacy and Service
Emmalia Frei, a first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at the University of North Dakota, is the second-place recipient of the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship.
As highlighted in an article in UND Today, Emmalia was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in high school. Her personal journey has fueled her dedication to disability advocacy and inclusive healthcare. As co-director of The Big Event at UND and a leader in her academic community, she embodies the spirit of service and leadership.
Her dedication to improving accessibility and promoting inclusivity aligns with the scholarship’s emphasis on entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the profession.
Donovan Phillips – University of Utah, Washington, UT
Advocating for Health Equity in Underserved Communities
Donovan Phillips, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Utah, is the third-place recipient of the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship.
Donovan’s passion for physical therapy is fueled by a commitment to promoting health equity in rural and underserved communities. From volunteering as a high school coach to organizing healthcare fairs and presenting to students in the Navajo Nation, he works tirelessly to educate and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through his involvement with programs like Go Baby Go, which provides modified ride-on cars to children with disabilities, Donovan demonstrates how physical therapy can change lives and create opportunities for connection and mobility. His drive to reduce disparities and uplift communities through education and access exemplifies the legacy of leadership and service this scholarship celebrates.
About the James B. McKillip Scholarship for Physical Therapy
The James B. McKillip Scholarship honors the legacy of Therapeutic Associates’ co-founder, who pioneered private practice physical therapy in the Pacific Northwest and served as the company’s first CEO from 1952 to 1991. James B. McKillip was a visionary leader whose entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profession continue to inspire.
This annual scholarship supports Doctor of Physical Therapy students who embody the values he championed — leadership, innovation, ownership mindset, and a passion for progress in the field of physical therapy.
By recognizing students who are actively shaping the future of healthcare through advocacy, service, and education, the scholarship helps ensure that McKillip’s legacy lives on in every community these future clinicians will serve.
As we celebrate the 2025 James B. McKillip Scholarship recipients, we are reminded of the incredible impact that dedicated, passionate future physical therapists will have on the health and wellbeing of our communities. At Therapeutic Associates, we are proud to support and uplift the next generation of leaders in physical therapy.
If you’re an aspiring physical therapist looking to make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to explore the resources, opportunities, and mentorship available through our company and beyond. Together, we can continue the legacy of innovation, care, and progress in physical therapy.
Looking Ahead
Applications for the 2026 James B. McKillip Scholarship will open in January 2026, with a submission deadline of April 1, 2026. We encourage all eligible physical therapy graduate students who embody the spirit of innovation and leadership to apply. Visit bold.org to learn more.
Explore Career Opportunities in Physical Therapy at Therapeutic Associates
Are you passionate about physical therapy and making a difference in your community? At Therapeutic Associates, we offer a dynamic, supportive environment for physical therapists to grow, lead, and thrive. Discover how you can join a team committed to innovation, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
Explore our career opportunities today and take the next step toward making a meaningful impact in the field of physical therapy.
