Inspired to help others
Alumnus Michael Ukoha's own sports injury inspired him to dedicate his career to helping others
By Sheariah Yousefi and Megan Bradshaw on July 31, 2018
Towson University alumnus Michael Ukoha suffered a sports injury in eighth grade, and his surgeon told him he wouldn't be able to play basketball at a high level again.
“That was devastating for me at the time; it made me shift my focus from just basketball to doing more for other people,” said Ukoha '14.
The drive to help others was only cemented while earning a bachelor's degree in biology and participating in the Honors College at TU. He connected with mentors throughout his academic career, and that experience made him want to become a mentor to others.
“The experience I had at Towson gave me opportunities I never would have thought I have. When I was going through the process of getting to where I am, there were so many people along the way that supported me and gave me direction," he said.
“In the position I am in now, it is only right for me to do the same for students that come behind me.”
A member of the Honors Alumni Council, Ukoha also participates as an adviser in the College of Health Professions Mentor Night and Pre-Physical Therapy and Exercise Science clubs.
He received his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2017, and his service efforts continued there. He co-founded the Student Special Interest Group for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) chapter in Maryland and received the APTA of Maryland 2016 Rising Star Student Leadership and 2017 Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program awards. Ukoha also served as a Maryland APTA alternate student delegate and participated in the APTA of Maryland Student Advocacy Days in Annapolis.
After receiving his doctorate, he took a position at FOX Rehabilitation, providing services to the geriatric community. Serving a population that can sometimes be ignored was a natural progression for Ukoha, whose “...drive in P.T. is pushing the boundaries people have in their endeavors, no matter their age.”