A COTA Championing Equity, Education, and Advocacy
Jackie Hurt, a COTA from West Virginia, has built a distinguished career defined by leadership, advocacy, and mentorship.
Jackie Hurt, MA, BS, COTA/L, ROH
Assistant Professor & Program Director, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, University of Charleston
Location: West Virginia
Certified in 2002
Bridging Practice and Education
Jackie Hurt’s career spans clinical practice, academia, and professional leadership. With a background in multiple practice settings, including long-term care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and pediatrics, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between practice and education. Using her clinical expertise, she prepares the next generation of OT practitioners to meet the evolving needs of diverse client populations.
As the program director of the University of Charleston’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, Jackie has championed access to OT education for nontraditional, underrepresented, and first-generation students by launching flexible learning options and programming focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion that foster belonging. Through her role as the faculty advisor of her school’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) chapter, she has helped students evolve into future OT leaders, guiding them in professional development, advocacy, and culturally responsive practice.
Leading Advocacy and Policy Change
Beyond education, Jackie has been a powerful voice for the OT profession at the state level. She has served as president, vice president, and secretary of the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (WVOTA). In those roles, she advocated for OT practitioners across West Virginia to have equitable access to resources, legislative support, and professional development. Jackie also championed for the state’s inclusion in the OT Licensure Compact. Her support for telehealth has led to expanded access to OT services in rural and underserved communities. Her legislative advocacy has ensured that communities have continued access to OT services and has led to policies that promote inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Jackie has made equity and access central to her work and has been actively engaged in community outreach initiatives, such as educating the public on OT, conducting workshops on invisible disabilities, advocating for disability inclusion in the workplace, and mentoring OT professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
In the academic realm, she successfully led the accreditation efforts for a new OTA program location and contributed to the development of a Master’s in Occupational Therapy program. Her leadership in these initiatives has expanded pathways for students from varied socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, promoting greater inclusion for the practice of OT.
“Over the years, I have seen Jackie contribute to numerous initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility of occupational therapy and ensuring it reaches the most underserved populations. Jackie has been a tireless advocate for making OT education and practice more inclusive, focusing on both cultural competency and the need for representation within the profession. … She has always used her platform to promote [diversity, civil rights, and the importance of inclusivity], ensuring students not only understand but are motivated to apply these principles in their professional careers. She is a role model for both students and colleagues, inspiring everyone to consider the greater societal impact of their work as occupational therapists.”
Jason Wilcox, MSSL, A.S.R.T. (R) (CT)
Former Program Director, A.S. Radiologic Technology, University of Charleston
Accolades Reflecting Excellence
Jackie’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing occupational therapy, expanding access to care and education, and fostering the next generation of practitioners. Over the years, she has been honored with the WVOTA Elizabeth Devereaux Lectureship Award, the WVOTA Mary Hager Legislative Award, and the AOTA Roster of Honor. Most recently, she was recognized as the 2024 Woman of Empowerment by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.). NBCOT is proud to honor Jackie Hurt with the 2025 Excellence Award, acknowledging her dedication to strengthening the profession and the community it serves.
