Bringing our impact into our communities
A Note from Carole K. Ivey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Chair
This spring, I’m reminded of the many ways our department continues to make a meaningful impact within our classrooms, across our profession and throughout the communities we serve. As you’ll see in this issue, our faculty are leading research that directly responds to the needs of our community, including efforts to expand access to sensory-friendly dental environments. This kind of work directly reflects our mission: a program grounded in innovation, but always driven by real-world impact.
We are also proud to celebrate the exceptional work of our faculty, including two colleagues who were recognized with College of Health Professions honors for their excellence in teaching and commitment to student learning. Lauren Andelin, OTD, and Jaime Smiley, MS, are both program alums and outstanding educators. Their work exemplifies the dedication and quality that define our program and shape the experiences of our students every day.
Equally important are the stories of our students, particularly those who have received scholarships and awards that make their education possible. As highlighted in this newsletter, these resources are not simply financial support; they are transformative. They allow students to fully engage in their learning, pursue meaningful opportunities, and prepare to meet the growing needs of our communities.
We’re also seeing a growing gap between student need and available scholarship support. For some of our peers, financial challenges can put their education at risk. Many of our scholarships exist because alumni once in your shoes chose to give back. If you’ve benefited from support or recognition – through awards such as the Gudger-Garris, Patti Maurer, Kathryn Lawrence Dragas, Kooiman and A.D. Williams – I encourage you to consider paying it forward. Even a small gift can help another student stay the course and move into the work our communities are counting on.
Thank you for your continued engagement with and support of our department. Through your collective commitment, we continue to grow, innovate and make a difference.
Carole Ivey, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Virginia Commonwealth University