Driven by service and intention, Amelia Black, ’24, DPT ’26, is preparing for a career in physical therapy.
Amelia Black’s journey at Concordia University Ann Arbor is marked by intention, commitment and a steady willingness to serve others. From her first days as an undergraduate student to her current role as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) candidate, Black has made a meaningful impact on the CUAA community, both inside and outside the classroom.
As a native of Michigan’s Port Huron area, Black graduated from high school in 2021 and enrolled at CUAA that fall. She arrived on campus with a strong academic foundation, having completed 10 college courses through Michigan’s dual enrollment program while still in high school. That momentum allowed her to complete her undergraduate degree in three years and transition directly into CUAA’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in fall 2024. She is on track to graduate in December 2026.
From campus leadership to clinical calling
Fun fact: Black is the youngest student in her physical therapy cohort, a result of her accelerated academic path.
More notable than her age, however, is the purpose she brings to her work. She approaches her studies with focus and professionalism, meeting the demands of the DPT program with confidence and composure beyond her years.
From undergraduate to graduate study, Black has balanced rigorous academics with an active presence on campus. As a student-athlete, she competed in both golf and tennis while also serving as an Admissions tour guide, welcoming prospective students and families to CUAA and sharing her Concordia experience.
Those roles strengthened her communication skills and helped her build meaningful relationships across campus. They also influenced her decision to remain at Concordia for graduate school.
Rather than looking elsewhere, Black chose to continue her education at CUAA, following a growing interest in physical therapy. Rooted in a lifelong appreciation for movement and athletics and influenced by watching her mother work as a nurse practitioner, she gravitated toward a hands-on healthcare career that, as she put it, “did not involve blood.”
Her academic and clinical interests have since focused on pediatrics and women’s health, particularly pelvic floor therapy. In the DPT program, she has embraced a wide range of learning experiences and values the breadth of training and the way it continues to strengthen her clinical reasoning and adaptability.
Serving beyond the classroom
Outside of her academic responsibilities, Black has become a trusted presence in campus operations through her role as a graduate assistant. Since entering graduate school, she has worked closely with Erin Laverick, associate vice president of campus operations and student success.
In this role, she supports a variety of initiatives, including student programming, administrative projects and campus space transitions. The work requires flexibility, organization and initiative.
“Amelia is a gem,” Laverick said. “She is always ready to jump in and help. I love her enthusiasm and work ethic.”
Laverick also highlighted Black’s proactive mindset and collaborative approach. “Her commitment to CUAA is evident in her collaborative spirit and optimism,” she said. “She anticipates needs before they arise and handles complex problems with a smile.”
That reliability has left a lasting impression. “She has been a huge blessing to me and our entire community,” Laverick added.
Choosing to stay at CUAA
Black’s story reflects a strong sense of loyalty to CUAA. She chose to remain at Concordia for both her undergraduate and doctoral studies, even during times of institutional transition, because of the relationships she built with faculty, staff and coaches. Her experience has been shaped by mentorship, hands-on learning and opportunities to serve others in meaningful ways.
That commitment has also been evident in the classroom.
“Amelia Black is the kind of student every educator hopes to teach,” said Dr. Melissa Kieffer, assistant professor of physical therapy. “She is always willing to help her classmates, professors and the university as a whole. A high performer with high personal standards, Amelia models what it means to thoughtfully integrate faith into her work with patients and peers. It has been an honor to teach someone so genuinely committed to becoming a well-rounded physical therapist.”
Looking ahead
As Amelia Black looks toward graduation and licensure, she remains open to where her career may take her, with long-term goals in women’s health or pediatric physical therapy. Wherever she goes next, the qualities that have defined her time at CUAA — initiative, professionalism and a genuine commitment to community — will continue to guide her work.
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Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
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