The Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program has announced the promotions of three faculty members, recognizing their contributions to teaching, scholarship, leadership, service and student success.
Dr. Emma Cummings, Dr. Jillian Pindar and Dr. Deborah Zeitlin were promoted from assistant professor to associate professor within the OTD program.
Cummings is a dedicated educator and mentor whose scholarly work focuses on assessment development in physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy education. She leads foundational coursework for first-year OTD students and is known for her commitment to helping students successfully transition to graduate education through the development of metacognitive skills and effective learning strategies.
In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Cummings has served in a variety of leadership positions within the program and currently serves as director of clinical and didactic education. Her work has contributed to the continued development of the curriculum and the preparation of future occupational therapy practitioners.
Pindar is recognized for her contributions across teaching, scholarship and community engagement. As doctoral capstone coordinator, she helped develop the program’s doctoral capstone curriculum during accreditation and continues to lead evidence-based enhancements designed to support student success.
Beyond her leadership of the doctoral capstone program, Pindar has contributed to the development and refinement of numerous courses throughout the OTD curriculum, creating engaging and evidence-based learning experiences. Her scholarship and community engagement efforts focus on advancing occupational therapy education, maternal health and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Through collaborative research, innovative doctoral capstone projects, community partnerships and leadership of the student-led Pro Bono Clinic, Pindar has expanded opportunities for student learning while increasing access to occupational therapy services across the region.
Zeitlin’s promotion recognizes her accomplishments in teaching, scholarship, service and student mentorship. Her growing body of scholarly work includes publications and presentations focused on school-based occupational therapy practice, mental health and resilience among health professions students, and occupational therapy education.
Over the past year, Zeitlin has demonstrated leadership through grant initiatives aimed at developing resilience-focused programming for occupational therapy students. She has
also advanced LMU’s mission through her work supporting children and families in rural communities through early intervention services, helping improve access to care and health outcomes for underserved populations.
The LMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program prepares future occupational therapy practitioners through evidence-based education, clinical experiences and service-focused learning opportunities. The program emphasizes leadership, scholarship and community engagement while preparing graduates to promote health, participation and quality of life through occupation-centered practice.
The LMU OTD Program is part of Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions, which prepares health care professionals and scientific leaders dedicated to serving the needs of the region and beyond through excellence in education, research and service.
