TNOTA Hall Of Fame – Past Award Recipients
2025
The occupational therapy community and TNOTA celebrate the life and contributions of Susan S. McDonald, a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate. Susan is TNOTA’s first Hall of Fame inductee in recognition of her influence on the profession, her commitment to service, and her passion for advancing occupational therapy.
Susan served as the Chair of the TNOTA Legislative Committee, a role that underscored her lifelong dedication to advocating for occupational therapy professionals and their clients. Before retiring in 2023, she was an Associate Professor and the Founding Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where she shaped the careers of countless students, occupational therapists, and others and set high standards for academic excellence. Her educational journey included a doctorate from UTC and both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Throughout her career, Susan held numerous leadership roles in state OT associations, including President, President-Elect, and District Chairperson, and served as both a member and Chairperson of the State Regulatory Board. Known for her commitment to ethics and jurisprudence in the profession, she provided training to hundreds of occupational therapy practitioners and students across the state, ensuring a high standard of professionalism within the field. Additionally, her service extended to several boards focused on supporting children and families, further reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Susan’s contributions to occupational therapy will be remembered for their depth, compassion, and vision. Her work has enriched the field, inspired her peers, and left a legacy that will continue to shape future generations of occupational therapists. We are grateful for her contributions and celebrate her life, her work, and her unwavering dedication to our profession.