Susan Klappa

Dr. Susan Klappa thrives on the pursuit of innovative practices in physical therapy. Klappa, department head and professor for UNG's Physical Therapy Department, knows it is not easy to work this way, but she said it's necessary.

"It has to be built on respect and understanding our roles. It's hard work," Klappa said. "But that's how we lead change. You can't be in front or behind. You have to be in the midst of it all."

Klappa, who won the Physical Therapy Learning Institute's Education Innovator Award in October 2020 for a pro bono stroke camp she organized while working at Briar Cliff University, is grateful to practice this form of leadership for a department of faculty from around the world. The Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty published a department-record 12 peer-reviewed articles in 2020. While Klappa brings her own ideas to the process, she said humility is necessary.

"Leadership is messy. It's not about you. It's about making your team better. I'm OK with taking a little more time to let people lead in their areas," Klappa said. "It's an ongoing learning experience. How can we make this program even better?"

Klappa believes strong leadership also allows others to shine.

"A leader looks at the gifts and talents of her team and empowers people to use them," Klappa said.

She also enjoys the collaborative process, both within individual projects and in the larger sense of interdisciplinary research.

"There's not just one way up the mountain. We can help find that path up the mountain together," Klappa said. "If we can help people have that good environment where they can feel open to share their ideas and when others authentically listen, that's good."