OTD Program to Launch January 2026

Dr. Brandy Brown Leads OBU’s New Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program with Faith-Integrated Vision

OBU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is charging forward under the experienced leadership of Dr. Brandy Brown, who joined OBU in February 2024 as the program’s founding director. Brown brings a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and academic leadership, positioning OBU’s program to become a leading force in training healthcare professionals. 

The OTD program, which will be housed in Shawnee Hall, is one of four planned graduate healthcare programs at OBU, all designed to meet growing demands in healthcare while providing students with a faith-centered education. Along with the OTD program, OBU is developing accelerated hybrid programs for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), and Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MS-PAS). 

A Strategic Vision for Healthcare Education 

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is slated to welcome its first cohort in January 2026, with applications opening earlier this year in January 2025. The MS-SLP program is scheduled to launch in fall 2026, followed by the MS-PAS program in early 2027 and the DPT program in fall 2027. These programs are part of OBU’s broader commitment to addressing critical shortages in healthcare professionals, both regionally and nationally. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow by 12% from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the average for all occupations. This equates to approximately 9,600 annual openings for occupational therapists.  

“OBU is uniquely positioned to contribute to this growing demand,” said Dr. Heath A. Thomas, OBU president. “Our graduate healthcare programs will equip students to serve communities with excellence and compassion while also addressing severe workforce shortages in Oklahoma and across the nation.” 

Leadership Rooted in Experience and Faith 

Brown brings more than a decade of experience in occupational therapy and education to her role as director. Prior to joining OBU, she served as program director for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Chatham University and a Ph.D. in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences from West Virginia University. 

Her clinical expertise spans rehabilitation, community reintegration, and supporting individuals returning to work, providing a well-rounded foundation for her leadership at OBU. On a personal level, Brown’s youngest son has special healthcare needs, giving her unique insights into the challenges faced by caregivers. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the director of the Occupational Therapy program at OBU,” Brown said. “This program will not only prepare students to succeed in their careers but also challenge them to integrate faith into practice, expand their perspectives, and ultimately help others improve their lives.” 

Innovative Education for Tomorrow’s Leaders 

OBU’s graduate healthcare programs are designed with accessibility and innovation in mind. The accelerated hybrid model allows students to complete their degrees in less time while benefiting from a combination of online coursework and hands-on lab immersions on OBU’s campus. This format ensures that students are well-prepared for clinical practice through rigorous academic and practical training. 

Each program also includes clinical rotations and capstone projects, providing students with real-world experience before entering the workforce. The occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician associate programs will each span six semesters (two years), while the speech-language pathology program will cover four semesters (approximately 16 months). 

“The accelerated hybrid model is a game-changer for aspiring healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Larinee Dennis, OBU co-provost and dean of business, health, science and education. “It allows students to achieve their goals more quickly while maintaining the high standards of training necessary for clinical excellence.” 

Faith at the Core of Healthcare Training 

What sets OBU’s programs apart is their emphasis on faith integration. From day one, students in the OTD program will be encouraged to explore how their spiritual beliefs can shape their approach to patient care. Brown emphasizes that this focus on faith is essential for developing compassionate and well-rounded professionals. 

“OBU isn’t just another university,” she said. “There is a level of community, humility and faith here that sets it apart. Through the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, students will discover their spiritual gifts and learn how to combine faith with evidence-based practice to make a meaningful impact in their patients’ lives.” 

A Broader Vision for Healthcare 

While the OTD program remains the immediate focus, OBU’s planned graduate healthcare programs collectively represent a bold vision for the future. Together, these programs aim to address shortages in key healthcare fields, equip students for success in a rapidly changing industry, and reinforce the university’s commitment to faith-informed education. 

“We are thrilled to see Dr. Brown and our entire graduate healthcare team bringing these programs to life,” said Dr. Micah Meek, associate dean for online, nontraditional and graduate education. “Our goal is to produce healthcare professionals who are not only skilled in their fields but also grounded in their faith and committed to serving others with excellence.” 

Looking Ahead 

With the OTD program set to launch in January 2026, alumni and supporters of OBU have much to celebrate. The program represents not only an expansion of the university’s academic offerings but also an opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare in Oklahoma and beyond. 

For more information about OBU’s graduate healthcare programs, including the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, visit okbu.edu/programs/health-sciences.