Tyler Groth, ’25, a Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, isn’t afraid of hard work or service. As he entered the final stretch at CUAA, he reflected on those who championed him along the way.
Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in exercise science, a Master of Science in leadership, and graduated in December with a doctorate in physical therapy — all from CUAA. He has also been an active part of campus safety and has worked there throughout his graduate program. In fall 2025, he was named one of Michigan’s Outstanding PT Students by APTA Michigan.
Leading by Example
With his instinct to lead passed down from his father, Tyler served as captain of the hockey team, a campus safety officer, and president of his class. From player to coach, to officer, to leader, to doctor — Tyler’s academic journey has no limits.
“It’s okay to get your hands dirty,” Tyler said. “At the end of the day, failure might come. But understand the reasons why you failed in order to make yourself better.”
With Him by His Side
Having attended CUAA since 2018, Tyler said his faith was born from his Concordia experiences. About three years ago, he took a leap of faith and was baptized in Hawaii. He lives each day with humility, putting others’ needs before his own.
This past summer was especially difficult for Tyler after the passing of his father. Though both of his parents have been incredibly supportive, there’s nothing quite like the pain of losing a parent. It’s a loss that shakes one’s sense of security and identity — the person who has been with you from the beginning is no longer there.
Through it all, Tyler has continued to show up for his professors, his family, and, most importantly, himself. He is striving to live each day with gratitude and gratefulness.
Gratitude and Gratefulness — similar words, different concepts
Gratitude for the simple things in life — like eating, drinking, and walking — can easily slip one’s mind. We often lose sight of our everyday functions; however, it’s a physical therapist’s job to help people rediscover what their bodies were built to do.
“We were meant to walk, not just sit there and dwindle,” Tyler said. With his patients grateful to regain their abilities, Tyler finds purpose in helping them restore hope. It’s why he does what he does.
During his hockey pursuit, Tyler blew out his knee, needed surgery, and had to learn to walk all over again. “I had to retrain my whole leg,” he said. “I couldn’t step over a hurdle; I couldn’t even walk.”
Undergoing physical therapy himself solidified his desire to be that person for someone else. “In PT school, you start to figure out your reason why and your purpose,” he said. “I like making people better and getting them back to doing what they want to do.”
Words of Wisdom
Associate Professors Melissa Kieffer, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, and Dr. Kristin Shuman-Donnelly, EdD, RSCC, CSCS, supported Tyler throughout his journey, taking him “under their wings.”
“From day one, Tyler stood out for his professionalism, positivity and genuine eagerness to learn,” Kieffer said. “He always came to class ready to engage, contribute and take on new challenges — all while balancing work and life with grace.”
Kieffer recalled Tyler’s willingness to help others and drive to continually improve. “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of his journey and to now call him a colleague,” she said.
Reflecting on time with his father remains pivotal. Fishing, hunting, or just simply doing what his dad loved to do became top priority in recent years. “I would delay doing schoolwork so I could do stuff with him, knowing I’d have a late night,” he explained. “My dad wanted me to finish school.”
“With my dad in hindsight, I pray to him before bed, asking, ‘What do you want me to do?'” Tyler shared. “I want to carry his legacy through me.”
At a Glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? Dr. Melissa Kieffer and Dr. Kristin Shuman-Donnelly
- What does graduation mean to you in one word or phrase? “About Time”
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” (Luke Bryan)
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Reese’s Shapes
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? Alaska
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? A fresh cup of coffee
In the News
- For a more in-depth piece on Tyler, read “Balancing roles and achieving excellence at CUAA.”
- Previous student of the month, “March students of the month are Smalls and Groth.”
- CUAA’s alpha DPT class receives white coats
- Concordia Hall of Fame
- WHAC 1st Team All-Conference in hockey in 2021 and 2022.
Editor’s note
This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
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