Jack Front

Jack Front was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1994 and named the CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 2004.

A 1956 graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in physical education, Front went on to earn his physical therapy certification from the University of Buffalo and an MBA from Michigan State University. He practiced physical therapy throughout the country in a variety of roles, including Chief Physical Therapist at WVU Hospitals, regional administrator for Associate Healthfocus in Florida, private practice owner in Michigan, and director of hospitals and clinics for a national rehabilitation corporation.

Front was widely recognized for his leadership in the profession, serving as president of both the West Virginia and Michigan Physical Therapy Associations and holding a seat on the Board of Directors of the American Physical Therapy Association from 1979-82. He also chaired the Michigan Physical Therapy Board of Licensing and contributed to numerous national committees. His honors include the Michigan Physical Therapy Outstanding Member Award.

In 1985, 1987, and 1989, Front served as head of physical therapists and athletic trainers for U.S. teams competing in the Maccabiah Games and Pan American Maccabi Games. 

He was later Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the College of West Virginia in Beckley from 1998-00 and was a longstanding member of the WVU School of Physical Education Visiting Committee, serving from its inception in 1981 until 2004.