Dr. Sherry Muir is an Associate Professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at 黑料专区 of Health Professions. She brings more than three decades of experience as an occupational therapist, educator, researcher, and academic leader. Her work centers on advancing occupational therapy in primary care, mental health, neurorehabilitation, and community-based practice, with particular expertise in developing innovative models of integrated care and fostering interprofessional collaboration.
Dr. Muir earned her PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman鈥檚 University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Missouri鈥揅olumbia. She is a licensed and nationally certified occupational therapist with extensive clinical experience across home health, acute care, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and mental health settings.
Before joining 黑料专区, Dr. Muir held tenured and leadership roles at multiple institutions, including the University of Arkansas, where she served as Associate Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. She has also taught in OT programs at Concordia University-Ann Arbor, Saint Louis University, and Maryville University. Her academic career includes directing graduate programs, mentoring doctoral and master鈥檚 students, and developing innovative curricula grounded in evidence-based and occupation-focused practice.
An active scholar, Dr. Muir is widely recognized for her contributions to primary care occupational therapy. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and a co-edited reference text. Her scholarship focuses on expanding OT鈥檚 role in integrated primary healthcare, has also served as a co-investigator or consultant on several funded research projects. Most recently she is working with an interdisciplinary team on a grant funded project evaluating a specific sensory motor treatment program for severe stroke.
Dr. Muir鈥檚 has chaired and mentored numerous doctoral capstone projects exploring wellness, accessibility, student success in post-secondary education, mental health, and health equity. She remains engaged in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that promote meaningful participation and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Muir has been recognized with multiple awards, professional commendations, and honors. She is an active member of several professional organizations and honor societies.
In her personal time, Dr. Muir enjoys spending time with her young grandchildren, engaging in homesteading activities such as gardening, canning, crocheting, taking care of her chickens and two large dogs, and reading.