SLU Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department Hires New Chairperson

The Saint Louis University (SLU) Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT) department recently hired Wendy Stav, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, as its new department chairperson. Dr. Stav comes to SLU from Nova Southeastern University, where she has experience as a department chair and a professor. Dr. Stav began working at SLU on Sept. 1.

In 2009, Dr. Stav was named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, in part, due to her major contributions in the areas of driving and community mobility. More recently, Dr. Stav has focused her research on occupation-based treatments.

Dr. Stav was happy to learn that she would be joining SLU OSOT department as its next chairperson.

“I felt immense gratitude when I was offered the chair position because, throughout the interview process, the department felt like the right fit for me in terms of the people, the mission and the philosophical beliefs,” Dr. Stav said. “Everyone on the team had such passion and great energy, so the idea of joining this team was really exciting.”

Dr. Stav further explained how the department’s commitment to making the world a better place is a major part of what drew her to the position.

“I was attracted to SLU’s OSOT department because of the strong philosophical connection to occupation and commitment to social justice,” Dr. Stav said. “These values are consistent with my professional philosophies in health through occupation and personal beliefs to leave the world a better place than I found it.”

Going forward, Dr. Stav hopes to expand upon SLU’s tradition of producing therapists and work that impacts the world.

“My hope and vision for the department is to make substantial contributions to the occupational therapy profession and to society through graduates who are leaders and change agents, projects and collaborations that promote justice and occupational engagement, and a generation of scholarship that adds to the body of knowledge and advances the profession,” Dr. Stav said. 

Doisy College of Health Sciences (the college which houses the OSOT department) Interim Dean Tricia Austin, Ph.D., PT, ATC, Tricia Austin is excited to see where Dr. Stav can lead the OSOT department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Stav to the Doisy College of Health Sciences. Her leadership and professional experience are an asset to the department and college,” Dr. Austin said. “I look forward to working with Dr. Stav to advance the strategic directions of the department and college.”

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.