Janice Burke, PhD spent a long and celebrated career with Thomas Jefferson University, serving as Dean of the College of Health Professions from 2006-2015. She joined the University in 1988 as an assistant professor and progressed into positions as professor, chair, and director of Graduate Programs. She also collaborated in establishing Jefferson Elder Care, an occupational therapy service for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, in 2006. As dean, Dr. Burke oversaw seven academic departments and guided the development of the Couples and Family Therapy and Physician Assistant programs.
Dr Burke is the co-author of "A Model of Human Occupation," a contemproary perspective in the field of occupational therapy, which has drive education, research, and practive more more than 35 years.
and earned the singular distinction of being named Professor Emerita. When Dr. Burke retired in 2015, the Department of Occupational Therapy launched the Janice P. Burke, PhD Scholarship as a way to honor her contributions to the field and especially the students she mentored.
The Janice P. Burke Scholarship supports OT students who are the first in their family to pursue a master's level degree. Additionally, the Scholarship seeks to help the College of Rehabilitation Sciences achieve a diverse student body, and therefore, students from underrepresented demographics are given preference.
The Janice P. Burke Scholarship will make its first award to a student in the 2021/2022 master's program.
