Dr. Joseph Fugler (’07) currently serves as the Director of Therapy Services at Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He shares, “All my experiences and the education I received at ETBU set a strong foundation and have prepared me for the winding career path I have taken.”
After graduating from ETBU with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a minor in Business Administration, Joseph sought a different career path with physical therapy. He earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He achieved board certification as a Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy. Most recently, Dr. Joseph completed coursework at Texas A&M Corpus Christi toward an MBA with an emphasis in health care administration. Dr. Fugler says, “I consistently use the writing, analytical, and communication skills I honed at ETBU when donning the various hats I wear at work.”
“As a Marshall native, attending ETBU was a wonderful opportunity to receive a quality education while remaining in my hometown. I was drawn to the small class sizes and proximity to home.”
Dr. Fulger has this to share when reflecting on the positive impact of faculty and staff. “Dr. Rester’s introductory speech course was one of the reasons I decided to pursue Mass Communications as a major. I really enjoyed the coursework and decided to take more classes in the communications department. Dr. Robertson provided me with some incredibly wise career advice at a time when I was unsure of which direction to go in. I had cold feet as graduation approached and was unsure if I’d made the right decision to continue with my degree in Mass Communication. He assured me that one isn’t defined by the degree but by what you do with it. I remember the humorous stickers of encouragement from Dr. Roe on all my writing assignments. His approach to teaching helped make learning enjoyable.”
“ETBU provided me with an environment where I could explore my interests, fail safely, and grow as a young adult. The student-to-teacher ratio was optimal for my learning style. As an introvert, I was put into situations that enabled me to grow out of my shell a little bit at a time. The smaller class sizes allowed me to engage and interact with my professors and classmates without getting lost in the crowds.”
Joseph and his wife, Sooyun (Kim) (’09), live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.