LMU Honors Bullen With Houston Award

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) awarded Dr. Colleen Bullen the esteemed Houston Award at the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony held on May 4. A distinguished faculty member in the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, Bullen was recognized for her outstanding contributions to teaching and her commitment to academic excellence.

The Houston Award highlights Bullen's dedication to fostering an exceptional learning environment at LMU. Her innovative approach to curriculum design, particularly in the Occupational Therapy Level 1 fieldwork course, has garnered praise from students, faculty, and staff alike.

Bullen's efforts to reshape courses such as Client Care Management I and II have provided students with holistic simulated experiences, preparing them for advanced coursework and real-world challenges in the field of occupational therapy. Furthermore, her collaboration with fellow LMU faculty members has fostered intradisciplinary and community partnerships, exemplifying LMU's commitment to enriching the lives of people and communities in the Appalachian region.

One of Bullen's notable accomplishments includes spearheading a departmental project that involved sending LMU OTD students to a local school to conduct evaluations and provide interventions to children in need. This initiative not only benefited the community but also embodied LMU's mission to promote positive community-based education.

Bullen received her bachelor's degree in 2004 in Exercise Science and doctoral degree in 2007 in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toledo. She joined LMU in January 2021 as the academic fieldwork coordinator and assistant professor. Prior to joining the LMU team, Bullen practiced mostly in pediatrics and has experience in neurology, orthopedics, and acute care. Bullen spends her free time attending her children’s sporting events with her husband. She also loves to try new recipes, spend time outdoors, and travel to visit her extended family.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.