UC Program Director Receives National Excellence Award for Meaningful Impact
Charleston, WV- August 8, 2025 – Citing her “meaningful and impactful contributions across the clinical, academic, and policy spheres of the OT field,” the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) has awarded UC OTA Program Director Jackie Hurt the 2025 NBCOT Excellence Award.
As an occupational therapy assistant and university leader, she has advocated for nontraditional, underrepresented, and first-generation college students and is committed to bridging the gap between practice and education.
“Winning the award is a tremendous honor that reflects my dedication to the occupational therapy profession and my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” Hurt explained. “This recognition affirms the hard work, passion, and perseverance I’ve poured into my professional journey, and it inspires me to continue growing as a clinician and advocate for those I serve.”
The Excellence Award honors mid- to late-career occupational therapy (OT) professionals who have made consistent and exceptional contributions to occupational therapy through leadership, mentorship, scholarship, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or other efforts to assist groups, communities, and populations.
Hurt received recognition for her meaningful and impactful contributions across the clinical, academic, and policy areas of the OT field. In her role at UC, Jackie has introduced flexible learning options and leverages her clinical experience to prepare the next generation of OT professionals to meet the changing needs of diverse client populations. Her leadership has also inspired students to become future leaders and advocates.
The UC OTA program is a two-year associate degree offered in Beckley, West Virginia. It includes classroom instruction and clinical experience, giving students the skills necessary to start a career as an OTA.
“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of occupational therapy – innovators, changemakers, and everyday leaders who are making a lasting impact,” said Angela Macauley, Interim President and CEO of NBCOT. “I’m especially proud to introduce our Excellence Award, which honors those who have dedicated their careers to uplifting others and advancing OT practice. Their work is a testament to the power of OT to transform lives and strengthen communities.”
In her prior roles as president, vice president, and secretary of the West Virginia OT Association (WVOTA), Jackie helped successfully advocate for the state’s inclusion in the OT Licensure Compact. Her advocacy efforts have also led to expanded access to OT services in rural and underserved communities. Deeply committed to mentorship, Jackie has supported emerging OT leaders and educators across the country. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant on occupational health and safety, rural health access, and culturally responsive care. Her career reflects an unwavering devotion to advancing occupational therapy through collaborative leadership, sustained excellence, and a vision for more diverse and accessible OT services.
She has been honored with the WVOTA Elizabeth Devereaux Lectureship Award, the WVOTA Mary Hager Legislative Award, and the 2023 AOTA Roster of Honor Award. She was also recognized as the 2024 Woman of Empowerment by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.).