Steven Wheeler, an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience in brain injury-related teaching, research and clinical work, has been named head of the Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy.

The department was created last year when the College of Education and Health Professions combined its communication sciences and disorders and occupational therapy programs. Fran Hagstrom, who served as its founding department head, retired at the end of June. Wheeler started on July 1.

"Dr. Wheeler has a well-rounded record of excellence in research, teaching, leadership and service," said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. "His extensive scholarship has received national recognition, and he is known for being a collaborative leader, developing new programs, leading accreditation efforts and mentoring faculty. He also brings with him a wealth of experience and thorough knowledge of research and clinical activities in both occupational therapy and speech-language pathology fields, which make him an ideal choice for this department. I am excited to welcome Dr. Wheeler to our leadership team and look forward to working with him."

Wheeler's research expertise focuses on traumatic brain injury and neurorehabilitation strategies, and he's a highly sought-after scholar by researchers and clinicians. He said the new role as department head is an opportunity to grow professionally and expand his leadership in areas of clinical practice that he's passionate about.

"As an occupational therapist specializing in neurorehabilitation, I've worked very closely with speech-language pathology and audiology throughout my career," Wheeler said. "Each profession makes distinct contributions to the patient care process, but optimal outcomes involve interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. The opportunity to lead and support the career progression of faculty and students across our CDOT professions in the classroom, in research activities and in service pursuits is a unique privilege."

Wheeler also noted that the student-centered and "WE CARE" philosophies in the College of Education and Health Professions align with his approach to higher education and community outreach. "I'm very excited to support our culture, research and service initiatives in my new role," he said. 

Wheeler previously served as chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at West Virginia University, where he was an occupational therapy professor. Before that, he was a tenured professor and founding director of the occupational therapy program at the University of Cincinnati. He has received numerous awards, including the Elizabeth Devereaux Service Award by the West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy, the Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award by the West Virginia University Injury Control Research Center, and the Outstanding Mentor Award by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Wheeler is a member of the Roster of Fellows of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an honor given to therapists who demonstrate a significant contribution to the field of occupational therapy.

While in West Virginia, Wheeler was the principal investigator for a project that provided extensive interprofessional resources, education and support to people with TBI and their families. In collaboration with the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities, his team secured over $3 million in external funding to support the West Virginia TBI Program. He has given numerous presentations about TBI nationally and internationally and has published many articles and book chapters on the topic. Wheeler recently co-authored the American Occupational Therapy Association's "Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury."  

Wheeler received his undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, his master's degree in applied developmental psychology from the University of Toronto, and his doctorate in Health-Related Sciences with a concentration in occupational therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University.  

As an undergraduate, Wheeler was looking at career options that would allow him to assist individuals with mental health conditions. "While researching possible next steps, I was introduced to occupational therapy for the first time," he said. "Occupational therapy uses a client-centered approach to facilitate functional independence for persons across the lifespan. As an occupational therapist, I've been able to apply my interests in mental health and cognition to support the recovery of persons and families following traumatic brain injury and numerous other conditions."

The move to Northwest Arkansas has proved positive. "My wife and I love the outdoors, and NWA is obviously perfect for that. It is great being part of such a vibrant, growing community. We're both excited and grateful to be here."

Wheeler and his wife, Jyneen, have three adult children ages 25, 27, and 30. Nathaniel is a pharmacy student at the University of Charleston, Cale works in marketing and promotion in Los Angeles, and Katelyn is a special education teacher in Cincinnati.

Sports have always been central to Wheeler family activities, especially track and field, golf, ice hockey and college sports. "We look forward to becoming Razorback fans," he said.

Wheeler is enjoying his new department head role and is learning from the college's leadership, faculty, staff, students and community how he can best use his skills and experience to make an impact in the Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy.

"We have exceptional, dedicated people in CDOT," he said. "Their thoughts, opinions and goals will be central to accomplishing our shared vision. I've been very fortunate to have had mentors and collaborators throughout my career that have been instrumental to my success. The opportunity to Integrate and apply those experiences to support others is something I'm very much looking forward to."

The Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy has approximately 20 faculty members and more than 400 students. The communication sciences and disorders program offers bachelor's and master's degrees in the field. The occupational therapy doctoral program is offered jointly with the College of Health Professions of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. The department also includes the University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic, which provides comprehensive speech, language, and hearing services to people of all ages.