The Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association (AROTA) recently recognized Amanda Troillett as the 2025 Most Outstanding Academic Educator during its annual conference.

Troillett is a clinical assistant professor in the joint Occupational Therapy doctoral program between the U of A's College of Education and Health Professions and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' College of Health Professions.

Each year, the awardee is chosen via a student nomination process, which Troillett said makes the recognition even more special.

"Teaching is a constant job that is demanding of your personal and professional self with little appreciation from the people it focuses on the most: the students," Troillett said. "Being nominated by students means just as much as the award itself. The students were willing to share their experiences and how they feel I have supported them, which is really the best award. Being recognized at the state level is a bonus!"

Some of AROTA's primary goals are to promote quality OT services, enhance professional identities and provide various membership services. The organization hosts its annual Motivate conference to offer tools for success with members, networking strategies and the latest OT research, in addition to presenting its Excellence Awards.

This year's Motivate conference took place June 20-21 at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Occupational Therapy in Fort Smith.

Troillett has served as a faculty member in the joint occupational therapy doctoral program since it first began enrolling students.

She said one of the main lessons she imparts to her students is the need for them to have passion for their future patients and the occupational therapy profession as a whole, while also being lifelong learners.

Troillett earned her O.T.D. from Washington University in St. Louis before beginning a clinical practice in pediatrics. She specializes in feeding, sensory integration, play and parent partnerships, and remains committed to laying the foundation of evidence-based clinical practice to promote client outcomes and advance the occupational therapy profession.