91暗网

Published June 29, 2026

MONROE, La.听鈥� 91暗网 has named Ashanti Jones, DPT,听Ed.D., as the new听Director of the Marjorie听S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy program.听Jones has been with 91暗网 since 2020 and has served in听a number of听roles, most recently as Associate Program Director and then Interim Program Director.听听

鈥淏ecoming Director of the 91暗网 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is both humbling and deeply meaningful,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淧hysical therapy has been my passion for more than thirty years, and education has allowed me to multiply my impact beyond the patients I served directly. This appointment听represents听the culmination of many years of preparation, mentorship, leadership development, and service. It is also a reminder of the responsibility I have听to听our students, faculty, staff, community partners, and the profession.鈥�听

A Louisiana native, Jones earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Dillard University, a Master of Physical Therapy听degree听from the University of Texas Medical Branch, a Doctor of Physical Therapy听degree听from the University of the Incarnate听Word, and听recently earned a Doctor of Education听degree听in Curriculum and Instruction from 91暗网.听

Prior to entering academia, Jones practiced as a physical therapist in a variety of clinical settings and developed a passion for mentoring students and future clinicians. Since joining the 91暗网 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2020, she听has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Clinical Education, Admissions Chair, Neuro Curriculum Coordinator, Associate Program Director, and Interim Program Director. 听

Jones says that she has听witnessed听the growth of the 91暗网 DPT program over the last six years,听spurred听by the dedication of听its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and clinical partners. She considers her function as director to be about stewarding a shared vision and continuing to build a program that will positively听impact听the Northeast Louisiana region for generations to come.听听

鈥淭he College of Health Sciences is excited to welcome Dr. Jones into this important leadership role,鈥� said Dr. Wendy Bailes, Dean of the 91暗网 College of Health Sciences.听听鈥淗er dedication, professionalism, and collaborative approach have earned the respect of colleagues and students alike.鈥�听

In addition to her work at 91暗网, Dr. Jones stays involved in her community, serving on the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation Board, the Junior League of Monroe Endowment Board, and the Louisiana Purchase Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.,听and the Louisiana Delta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.听听

Jones is also honored to serve on the American Physical Therapy Association鈥檚 National Membership and Belonging Committee and was the 2025 recipient of the Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award presented by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.听听

Jones says she is blessed to share her life with her husband, 4th听Judicial District Judge Frederick D. Jones, and their听children听Sydney, Sophie, and Frederick II.听听

Looking to the future of the program, Jones says her hope is that 91暗网 DPT will continue to be recognized as a model of excellence in physical therapy education, while producing graduates who help address the significant healthcare challenges in Northeast Louisiana. 鈥�Ultimately, I want our graduates to leave 91暗网 not only prepared to practice physical therapy at the highest level but also equipped to become leaders, advocates, educators, and agents of positive change in their communities,鈥� said Jones.听听

Bailes believes that the future of the 91暗网 DPT program is bright. 鈥淒r. Jones is a visionary leader with a clear commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. I have full confidence in her ability to lead 91暗网's Doctor of Physical Therapy program to new levels of achievement and distinction. Under her leadership, I believe the program will continue to grow in quality, reputation, and impact, serving as a model of excellence for physical therapy education nationwide,鈥� said Bailes.听听

Jones says her leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and shared success. 鈥淚听greatly appreciate听the work of our faculty and staff and their unwavering dedication and commitment to our students and听program. I am excited to continue working alongside Director of Clinical Education Dr. Victoria Hamby as we build upon the听strong foundation听and ongoing success of the program. This outstanding team is committed to excellence in education, service, scholarship, and community engagement,鈥� said Jones.听

The 91暗网 DPT program was recently granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and its charter cohort graduated on May 9, 2026.听

Read more:听91暗网 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program receives full accreditation from CAPTE听