Mary Lucas earned her bachelor of science degree in physical education at Winthrop
College in 1959. Immediately after graduating she was commissioned into the Army Medical
Specialist Corps and completed the US Army Physical Therapy Course. In 1967, Mary
completed her master's degree in physical therapy from Stanford University and then
served as a Physical Therapy Instructor at the Academy of Health Sciences.
She completed a PhD in anatomy at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. During this time she served in various capacities at the Academy of Health Sciences in San Antonio. Duties included serving as Director of the Baylor master's degree program in 1981 and also the Physical Therapy Staff Officer, Headquarters, Health Services Command. In 1984 she was selected to be the Chief of the Physical Therapist Section, Army Medical Specialist Corps. Mary was then sworn in as Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps on January 6, 1986.
Mary is a recipient of the Surgeon General's "A" Professional Designator, the Order of the Military Medical Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Her military education includes the AMEDD Officer Advanced Course and the US Army Command and General Staff College. She has been honored in both the civilian and military sectors for her many professional contributions.