Published June 29, 2026

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe has named Ashanti Jones, DPT, Ed.D., as the new Director of the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Jones has been with ULM since 2020 and has served in a number of roles, most recently as Associate Program Director and then Interim Program Director.  

“Becoming Director of the ULM Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Jones. “Physical therapy has been my passion for more than thirty years, and education has allowed me to multiply my impact beyond the patients I served directly. This appointment represents the culmination of many years of preparation, mentorship, leadership development, and service. It is also a reminder of the responsibility I have to our students, faculty, staff, community partners, and the profession.” 

A Louisiana native, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University, a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, and recently earned a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from ULM. 

Prior to entering academia, Jones practiced as a physical therapist in a variety of clinical settings and developed a passion for mentoring students and future clinicians. Since joining the ULM Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2020, she has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Clinical Education, Admissions Chair, Neuro Curriculum Coordinator, Associate Program Director, and Interim Program Director.  

Jones says that she has witnessed the growth of the ULM DPT program over the last six years, spurred by the dedication of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and clinical partners. She considers her function as director to be about stewarding a shared vision and continuing to build a program that will positively impact the Northeast Louisiana region for generations to come.  

“The College of Health Sciences is excited to welcome Dr. Jones into this important leadership role,” said Dr. Wendy Bailes, Dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences.  “Her dedication, professionalism, and collaborative approach have earned the respect of colleagues and students alike.” 

In addition to her work at ULM, Dr. Jones stays involved in her community, serving on the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation Board, the Junior League of Monroe Endowment Board, and the Louisiana Purchase Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and the Louisiana Delta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.  

Jones is also honored to serve on the American Physical Therapy Association’s National Membership and Belonging Committee and was the 2025 recipient of the Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award presented by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.  

Jones says she is blessed to share her life with her husband, 4th Judicial District Judge Frederick D. Jones, and their children Sydney, Sophie, and Frederick II.  

Looking to the future of the program, Jones says her hope is that ULM DPT will continue to be recognized as a model of excellence in physical therapy education, while producing graduates who help address the significant healthcare challenges in Northeast Louisiana. “Ultimately, I want our graduates to leave ULM not only prepared to practice physical therapy at the highest level but also equipped to become leaders, advocates, educators, and agents of positive change in their communities,” said Jones.  

Bailes believes that the future of the ULM DPT program is bright. “Dr. Jones is a visionary leader with a clear commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. I have full confidence in her ability to lead ULM's Doctor of Physical Therapy program to new levels of achievement and distinction. Under her leadership, I believe the program will continue to grow in quality, reputation, and impact, serving as a model of excellence for physical therapy education nationwide,” said Bailes.  

Jones says her leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and shared success. “I greatly appreciate the work of our faculty and staff and their unwavering dedication and commitment to our students and program. I am excited to continue working alongside Director of Clinical Education Dr. Victoria Hamby as we build upon the strong foundation and ongoing success of the program. This outstanding team is committed to excellence in education, service, scholarship, and community engagement,” said Jones. 

The ULM DPT program was recently granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and its charter cohort graduated on May 9, 2026. 

Read more: ULM Doctor of Physical Therapy Program receives full accreditation from CAPTE