Honoring our legacy

The evolution of the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy

Rooted in Chicago and shaped by innovation, the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy has advanced education, research and practice for more than 80 years.

The profession began taking shape at Hull-House in Chicago in 1915, where the therapeutic value of meaningful occupation was first recognized. Building on this foundation, a group of University of Illinois physicians and local occupational therapists identified the need for formal education and training. In 1943, Beatrice D. Wade was appointed to lead the development of the first occupational therapy program in Illinois—then one of only about 10 in the nation.

This tradition of innovation continues at the University of Illinois Chicago. Faculty bring active clinical and community-based experience into the classroom, ensuring that education remains grounded in real-world practice. This integrated approach reflects a longstanding commitment to connecting theory, research, practice and community engagement, and remains central to the department’s curriculum philosophy and its Scholarship of Practice model.

A legacy of leadership and impact

Since its founding in 1943, the department has been shaped by visionary leaders whose contributions have influenced both the program’s growth and the broader field of occupational therapy.

Today, the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy is recognized for:

  • Strong, nationally ranked degree programs
  • Influential scholarship guided by the Scholarship of Practice Model
  • The MOHO-IRM Clearinghouse
  • Leadership in disability studies
  • Commitment to community-based participatory research and practice
  • Emphasis on social justice and serving the local community

As part of a leading urban research university, the department continues to advance innovation, equity and excellence in occupational therapy education and practice.

Leadership history

UIC OT Over the Years

  1. A group of four women in a black and white photo standing in front of a table with flowers.
    Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the University of Illinois occupational therapy program in 1953. From L: unknown participant, Founder Beatrice Wade, Joy Andersen Ransdell (student), and Jean Prebis (student).
  2. A group of three women standing and smiling at the camera.
    The first three occupational therapy department leaders at the 40th anniversary of the department in 1983. From L to R: Barbara Loomis, Beatrice Wade, and Winifred Scott, ’57 BS OT.
  3. A group of 3 people, two women and one man, standing and smiling at the camera with name tags on. Black and white photo.
    The 50th anniversary celebration in the department in1993. Pictured L to R: Former department head Barbara Loomis, past president of AOTA and UIC alum Robert “Bob” Bing, ’51 BS OT, and Director of Research for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and UIC alum Nedra Gillette, ’54 BS OT.
  4. A group of women smiling at the camera.
    OT department head Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar and associate department head Gail Fisher greet alumni in 2018 while celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the OT program. From left: Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, Gail Fisher ’80 BS OT, Barbara Hoch ’53 BS OT, Joy Ransdell ’53 BS OT, and Anne Kiraly-Alvarez '07 MS OT, '08 OTD.
  5. A group of 5 women smiling at the camera
    Faculty, alumni, and students gathering in 2018 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the OT program. From left: OT clinical assistant professor Catherine Killian ’81 BS OT, ‘17 OTD, Supriya Sen ’13 OTD, Jacquline Kish ’22 PhD DS, OT associate professor Susan Magasi ’02 MS OT, ’06 PhD DS, and OT clinical professor Liz Peterson.
  6. Two women smiling at the camera.
    At the 75th anniversary celebration in 2018, UIC OT clinical professor and MS program director Liz Peterson (left) welcomes keynote speaker and former UIC faculty member Anne Fisher.
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