Today, Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) honored the life and legacy of Alisha Cory, PTA, by dedicating the PTA/OTA hospital lab and classroom in her memory. The newly named Alisha Cory Therapy Lab will stand as a lasting tribute to her unwavering dedication to physical therapy education and patient care.
Alisha Cory was a 2007 graduate of BPCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program and later served as a faculty member from 2009 to 2020. For more than a decade, she played an instrumental role in shaping future PTAs, serving as both a Clinical Instructor and Lab Instructor. Alisha specialized in training students in therapy techniques for hospital acute and rehabilitation settings, with an exceptional ability to help them see beyond a diagnosis to recognize the humanity of each patient.
Alisha’s journey in physical therapy was deeply personal. At just 20 years old, while she was a college athlete at Northwestern State University (NSU), she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following surgery and extensive rehabilitation, Alisha developed a profound appreciation for physical therapy—not just as a science, but as a life-changing experience. This passion became the foundation of her career as a PTA.
During her tenure at BPCC, Alisha faced extraordinary personal challenges with her health, requiring additional surgeries and treatments. As her physical abilities declined, she adapted her role, continuing to educate and inspire students as a volunteer for labs and simulations.
“Alisha was more than an instructor — she was an inspiration,” said Laura Bryant, PTA Program Director. “Her passion for teaching and her ability to connect with students left an indelible mark on our program. She transformed the way our students approached patient care, instilling in them the critical thinking skills and compassion needed to excel in this field.”
Alisha held her students to the highest standards of clinical excellence and compassion. She instilled in them the importance of providing high-quality physical therapy while preserving patient dignity—values that will continue to guide future PTAs trained at BPCC.
Alisha passed away on January 19, 2021, at the age of 38. The Alisha Cory Therapy Lab, located in Building B, Room 325, will serve as a space where future generations of PTAs can carry forward her legacy of care, commitment, and excellence.
BPCC Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman, Jr. emphasized the profound impact of Alisha’s legacy.
“Alisha embodied resilience, dedication, and a true love for education,” Bateman said. “She inspired both students and faculty, demonstrating that the heart of patient care is compassion. The Alisha Cory Therapy Lab will stand as a lasting reminder of her extraordinary contributions and the values she instilled in our program.”
BPCC is proud to honor Alisha Cory’s contributions to the PTA profession and is grateful for the lasting imprint she has left on the college and its students. Visit bpcc.edu/PTA for more information on the PTA program.