PT Month Spotlight: Dejare Cumberbatch on Leadership, Service & Advocacy

Dejare Cumberbatch

Name: Dejare Cumberbatch

Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy

Undergraduate Institution: University of Mount Olive

I love physical therapy because not only do I get to help someone gain confidence back and improve their quality of life, but I also get the opportunity to meet the most amazing people while doing my job!

Tell us about your current position. How are you making a positive impact: My awesome cohort decided to make me the class president. My role as president of the DPT Student Government Association (SGA) is to preside over the monthly meetings, set agendas for the meetings, and submit the information to the secretary for copies and distribution. I also coordinate activities for our various committees and keep the membership informed of the committees. I am responsible for leadership and guidance of the SGA. I work with other program SGA presidents, faculty liaison, and student affairs coordinator to coordinate events.

I believe I am making a positive impact by listening to the suggestions of my classmates. Inclusion of everyone is very important, so what better way to include all than by asking the opinion of all. I also strive to ensure that the next group of SGA leaders have the tools they need to be successful in the future.

Why did you choose the Campbell College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) and what benefits do you believe you gained/are gaining from attending Campbell? Do you connect with the “Campbell family”? I choose CPHS because of the beliefs, values, and community. Grad-school is more than learning information to obtain a degree, CPHS teaches students how to care for patients beyond the surface, positively impacting treatment plans. I have gained amazing bonds with professors and relationships with other students that are irreplaceable. I have also found a new passion for physical therapy through advocacy which came from having amazing professors who truly want the best for us as students, our profession, and who are willing to help their students get there through every possible avenue.

Please summarize your personal, career, and academic journey: I graduated with my BS in Biology and a minor in Recreation & Leisure Studies from the University of Mount Olive. I remained on the Dean’s List throughout my undergraduate career while participating as a student athlete as well. Throughout my life, I have been put in various leadership roles. As I get older, I am beginning to understand that God has put me in these positions for a reason. During COVID, I spent time taking Truist Emerging Leaders classes which helped me become more confident as a leader. I have been the captain of various sports teams over the years, and I have mentored females at church and others I have met through various outreach events in the community like the Angel Tree Service Project. Being a part of events in rural and underserved communities has also brought a joy to my heart that is indescribable.

Campbell helps you become the best in your profession,
and the best version of yourself as well.

At Campbell we believe in purposeful lives and meaningful service. What legacy are you leaving? I want to leave a legacy of love, passion/determination, and kindness. I want to be remembered as an amazing student, but I really want people to remember me as a loving person who cared for people and made a positive impact in the lives of those I meet. My faith is very important, so I want to show God’s love to everyone. Acting as SGA president has been an honor. As part of my legacy, I want future SGAs and students to have a blueprint that allows them to create positive change in their own special ways. Having such dedicated individuals in the Class of 2026 and 2027 SGAs, who share a commitment to positive change in our department and profession, truly reflects the mission of Campbell University and Campbell DPT. So, the legacy I wish the leave is one full of love, passion, determination, kindness and hope.

Reasons why prospective students should choose Campbell over other graduate and professional schools: I remember the joy I felt when meeting admissions staff and faculty that first day. Since starting the DPT program, I have learned so much. I have the opportunity to test my skills with real patients during the first year. Not only do the incredible patients allow us to treat them while learning but the professors are always in our corner cheering us on. Our faculty have an open-door policy and truly love when we come to their offices and with questions. Having teachers that go above and beyond is very far and few between, but that’s not the case with our professors. The DPT department is truly incredible! Being a part of CPHS means getting to participate in interprofessional events with other departments to learn teamwork in caring for a patient’s overall well-being. Campbell helps you become the best in your profession, and the best version of yourself as well. The community, unity, fun, friends, and faculty are part of what makes Campbell unique.

Additional comments: My favorite memory at Campbell has to be the DPT Community BBQ along with our annual tug of war event.