Dr. Stacie J. Fruth is the founding chair and professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Western Michigan University where she is also the director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Fruth received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan, her Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and her Doctor of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis. She also achieved Board Certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in 2011. Since transitioning from full-time clinician to academia in 2003, Dr. Fruth has been responsible for teaching physical therapy students the fundamental clinical skills required for both patient examination and intervention.

In 2009, Dr. Fruth received the Teacher of the Year award from the University of Indianapolis, where she served as a faculty in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy for 12 years. Clinically, she has focused her practice in the emergency department of a level-I trauma hospital as well as in a pro-bono clinic.