The road to DPT School: How a kinesiology major and Human Movement Pathway Program paved the way

Growing up, Denzel Godwin was inspired by his mother’s nursing career. He appreciated her commitment and compassion to patients, helping him understand the value of healthcare. Seeing the impact she made inspired him to pursue a career in physical therapy where he could combine his passion for human movement, sustaining a healthy lifestyle, and helping others improve their quality of life. To put him on a path to physical therapy, Godwin received his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and completed the Human Movement Pathways Program (HMPP). Godwin is now a physical therapy (DPT) student at the University of Minnesota.

During his junior year of undergrad, Godwin discovered the HMPP through Dr. Briana Partee, a former faculty member in the University of Minnesota’s Physical Therapy Department and previous DEI Director. Dr. Partee was an instrumental mentor in Godwins journey toward physical therapy. Godwin states that, “Attending a predominantly white institution made it challenging to find relatable role models, but since connecting with Dr. Partee in 2021, I have felt more supported and confident in my aspirations.” In 2022, when Dr. Partee launched HMPP to recruit and support diverse students pursuing careers in physical therapy, Godwin was selected for the program’s inaugural cohort.

The decision to join HMPP was a no brainer for Godwin. HMPP’s mission aligns perfectly with his passion for healthcare and commitment to serving underrepresented populations. Godwin believes HMPP provides unique opportunities including:

• Greater depth of understanding of physical activity 
• Enhanced readiness for a doctoral physical therapy program 
• Skills to create meaningful change in underserved communities
• Mentorships 
• Shadowing experiences 
• Exposure to successful professionals who share aspirations

These benefits not only prepared Godwin for his career, but also kept him inspired and motivated.

During his time in the HMPP, Godwin also worked towards a kinesiology BS degree within the School of Kinesiology. Throughout Godwin’s undergraduate studies in kinesiology, he learned to develop a strong foundation in human movement, anatomy, and biomechanics. He gained diverse experiences in clinical, business, research, student leadership, and advocacy areas. Godwin’s experiences allowed him to build interprofessional skills and expand his intellectual capacity. He not only developed strong communication skills across different settings, but also recognized how abilities beyond physical therapy contribute to overall growth.

One of the most memorable kinesiology classes Godwin took was exercise physiology. This course deepened his appreciation for the body’s adaptability through exercise. Highlights of the course included using the DEXA scan, a cutting-edge tool for precise body composition analysis, and undergoing underwater body composition analysis.

“These experiences deepened my passion for pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and reinforced my belief in the importance of science and movement in enhancing human health.”

HMPP and his kinesiology major prepared Godwin for the DPT program as he consistently applied himself both inside and outside of the classroom. As a former board member of the Black Student Union, Godwin has been able to help pipeline students from underrepresented communities into higher education with the necessary support. His commitment to equity has continued in his graduate studies, where Godwin collaborates with the DPT program on administrative initiatives to support their mission of making education more equitable for all.

With the support of his kinesiology major, the HMPP, mentors like Dr. Partee, and his own hard work, Godwin has put himself in a position to excel in his physical therapy career. As he continues his education, Godwin continues to share and explore his passion for rehabilitation medicine and advocacy. Godwin hopes to set an example of how access to opportunity can empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to achieve their goals in physical therapy.  

“The HMPP program and my undergraduate studies holistically prepared me for the DPT program, as I consistently applied myself both inside and outside the classroom.”