Story by Cheri Ghan, ghanc@health.missouri.edu

She might have been small in terms of physical stature, but Marilyn Sanford Hargrove was a giant in the Department of Physical Therapy and the Mizzou College of Health Sciences.

After graduating as part of the first class of Mizzou PT students in 1965, she was hired as a faculty member for the physical therapy program in 1972. She became director of the program in 1993 and continued teaching even after retiring in 2000. When she left the classroom for the last time as a regular instructor in 2018, she had logged 46 years as a professor — the second-longest tenure of any faculty member in the College of Health Sciences.

Sanford Hargrove died Wednesday, Jan. 22, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 81. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence in patient care and student education.

Teresa Briedwell, associate PT department chair and teaching professor, first met Sanford Hargrove when she interviewed to be admitted to the Mizzou PT program in 1979. The two developed a close connection, and Briedwell said she always appreciated how Sanford Hargrove encouraged students to connect with their patients.

“She emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship,” Briedwell said. “She tried to build our confidence, so that we could gain the trust of others. She modeled that connection in her relationship with her students. Through her long tenure, her inspiration and guidance has impacted the care of millions of patients across the world.”

College of Health Sciences Dean Kristofer Hagglund said Sanford Hargrove’s positive influence throughout her more than 60 years of affiliation with the college was nothing short of “transformational.”

“Mizzou was privileged to have Dr. Sanford Hargrove as a student (three degrees), faculty member, department chair, patient provider, mentor, donor, community leader and multiple award winner,” Hagglund said. “Her passing is a great loss to our college and all who knew and worked with her. We extend sincere condolences to her family.”

Kyle Gibson, PT department chair and teaching professor, said Sanford Hargrove played a pivotal role in shaping his career when she hired him 30 years ago.

“She took a chance on me, when what I brought to the table was an abundance of enthusiasm but a notable lack of preparation,” he said. “I owe my career in academia to her guidance and belief in my potential. As an exceptional teacher and chair, Marilyn set a standard I’ve strived to emulate throughout my own career. While she touched countless lives over the years, I can say with certainty that her impact on mine was both profound and deeply meaningful.”

Under her leadership, the Department of Physical Therapy transitioned from a bachelor’s to master’s level program. She was passionate about teaching and taking a personalized approach for each student; she helped implement problem-based learning into the program’s curriculum.

Evan Prost, an associate adjunct professor in the PT department, served as an early tutor under Sanford Hargrove. Prost said Sanford Hargrove led with grace, poise and clarity.

“I remember once attempting to express my deep gratitude for the decades of help she had given me by quoting Isaac Newton: ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,’ ” he said. “Marilyn quickly replied, ‘And haven’t we all!’  We all flourished under her steady and even-keeled guidance.”

Carmen Abbott, adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, worked alongside Sanford Hargrove in the PT clinic at University Hospital. Abbott joined the PT department faculty in 1992 — one year before Sanford Hargrove was named director.

“She was always concerned with the development of new faculty, encouraged and supported my growth in teaching, and mentored participation in campus affairs like the Four Winds Learning Community,” Abbott said. “Marilyn was recognized as an exemplary leader in our profession locally and at state level. She was truly loved and respected by all. There is an empty spot in our hearts and profession with her passing.”

Bev Denbigh, who has served as a student support specialist with the PT department since 1986, recalls her former boss as a friend to all.

“She was sincerely a woman of grace and etiquette, and she consistently showed genuine kindness to others,” Denbigh said. “Her MU PT legacy will be displaying one of the highest standards of respect from being a student in the first MU PT class, professor, director of the program and a friend to all.”

Beyond her work at Mizzou, Sanford Hargrove served the PT profession in numerous other roles. She was involved in research to advance the understanding of arthritis and effective strategies to manage and cope with the condition. She also held numerous offices in the Missouri Physical Therapy Association, including three years as its president.

Since retiring from Mizzou, Sanford Hargrove continued to give back by developing scholarships to support MU PT students. She was a principal donor behind the Marilyn Sanford Hargrove Physical Therapy Scholarship, the Gerald Browning Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy and the Raymond E. Hogue Physical Therapy Founders Scholarship. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Marilyn Sanford Hargrove Scholarship Fund.

Family obituary

Marilyn Sanford Hargrove, beloved mother, wife, teacher and friend, passed away on Jan. 22, 2025.

Marilyn was born in Ash Grove, Missouri in 1943 to Howard and Helen King and raised on their family farm. She graduated as salutatorian from Ash Grove High School and attended the University of Missouri on an academic scholarship. Marilyn was a member of the first physical therapy graduating class at Mizzou in 1965, where she later earned her master’s degree and PhD.

A faculty member of the MU Physical Therapy program since 1971, Marilyn was appointed program director in 1993 and department chairperson in 1997. A nationally recognized educator and leader, she was instrumental in the development of many facets of the MU Physical Therapy curriculum.

Marilyn was a recipient of numerous honors and awards and was a highly respected role model and mentor who touched the lives of nearly 1,000 MU physical therapy graduates.

Marilyn was a devoted mother to Mindy and Matt, and she took special joy in sharing with them her many hobbies which included gardening, sewing, travel and reading. She was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church and its choir, the Columbia Sportsmen’s Club, and a volunteer in support of 4H, the Boone County Historical Society, Presbyterian Manors, and the Templecrone Housing Cooperative at MU.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike Sanford who passed away in 1998 and second husband Charlie Hargrove who passed away in 2021. She is survived by sisters Judith [John] Sorrentino and Diana [Dale] Cates, daughter Mindy [Brad] Robbins, son Matt [Kathy] Sanford, grandchildren Darby and Aubrey Robbins and Jonah Sanford, stepsons Travis [Jessica] Hargrove and Jordon [Jennifer] Hargrove and their children Brooke, Christopher, and Jackson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, followed by a 2:45 p.m. celebration of Marilyn’s life at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marilyn Sanford Hargrove Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences can be shared with the family www.millardfamilychapels.com.