Rory Suomi, PhD, LPTA

Professor

Office: 118B HEC
Phone: 346-2706
Email: rsuomi@uwsp.edu

Courses Taught

P ED 271 - Human Anatomy
P ED 310 - Kinesiology
WLNS 135 - Beginning Golf

Rory Suomi is a Professor of Physical education at UWSP with the main responsibility of teaching science courses to various majors within the University. He also serves as the advisor to the physical education major and is the Director of the Special Needs Aquatic Program. In addition to working for the university, Dr. Suomi is on staff as a physical therapist assistant for Greenfield Rehabilitation Associates.

Prior to coming to UWSP, Dr. Suomi received his Doctorate in the areas of adapted physical education and fitness from Indiana University in 1991 where he also worked for three years as a visiting lecturer in the motor control lab. Dr. Suomi received his BS and MS degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and Western Illinois University respectively, where he also coached cross-country and track and field as a graduate assistant. During his undergraduate career Dr. Suomi was active in cross-country and track and field and qualified for three Division II national cross country championships. In addition, he placed 9^th at the New York City Marathon in 1975.

Dr. Suomi’s areas of interest are in rehabilitation exercises and the elderly, aquatic therapy and balance assessment and training and has published 23 articles in medical research journals regarding these topics.  Dr. Suomi has received three awards for his research and community programs from the National Arthritis Foundation and was included in the Who’s Who of Medicine and Healthcare 2003 edition for his work with the Special Needs Aquatic Program.

Dr. Suomi resides in Stevens Point with his wife of 26 years, Joanne and his 11 year old daughter, Samara.