In Memoriam: Mary Ellen Etherington, Ed.D., CSUN Physical Therapy Pioneer

With caring and sympathy, we are sharing that one of the founders of the CSUN Physical Therapy program, Mary Ellen Etherington, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences (B.S. 1953, M.S. 1955, Ed.D. 1960), has passed away. 

In the late 1960s, Etherington taught Physical Therapy (PT) courses for the Department of Health Sciences when CSUN was still San Fernando Valley State College. Etherington wanted to see a PT program develop, (at the time certification but not a degree was required) and so she collaborated with the University of California to make a PT program possible on our campus. Early certifications showed signatures from both Valley State and UCLA representatives. Today, the CSUN PT program is a Doctoral degree program at CSUN, beginning its 69th cohort, with much thanks to Etherington’s vision.

Department Chair Beth Phillips received word of Etherington’s passing from alums who were in the very first cohort to receive a certificate in physical therapy from Valley State (CSUN). The alums shared the following statement:

“Mary Ellen’s dream to bring more opportunities for physical therapy education to Southern California is responsible for the PT Program’s early existence which has been magnified by PT educators who followed in her footsteps. She was always proud of the program’s development and success with its thousands of physical therapists.”

Physical Therapy Alum Rick Katz (1979) added, “Mary Ellen was the face of our program and a strong advocate for us at CSUN and with our UCLA relationship.  I always thought of her as a ‘tough cookie’ with a soft center.  She interviewed me for the program and was a guiding light.  It is important to remember our pioneers and to elevate their accomplishments so that we never forget them.”

PT faculty Peggy Roller remembers Dr. Etherington as program chair when she was a student in the young CSUN PT program, “She was tough and particular about the learning experience and student success,” she said.

Information on services is not available at this time.

Photo not available.

Mary Ellen Etherington, (1965) Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences. B.S. 1953, M.S. 1955, Ed.D. 1960, University of California, Los Angeles; Licensed Physical Therapist, State of California.

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Jean O’Sullivan/HHD