Jessica Maxwell, PhD, OTD, OTR, ACUE, CEAS

OTD Program Director

As a native of Alabama, Dr. Maxwell received her bachelor’s degree from Troy University in Human Services with a minor in Spanish. In 2012, she received her Master of Occupational Therapy from Alabama State University. After working in skilled nursing facilities for three years, she returned to school to pursue her post-professional doctorate. In 2017, Dr. Maxwell graduated with her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University at the top of her class and received her certification as an ergonomics assessment specialist. She obtained her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration: Educational Leadership from Liberty University in Spring 2023.

Dr. Maxwell began her higher education teaching career at her alma mater, Alabama State University, in the Department of Occupational Therapy as an assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator. She worked diligently in this position and then took on a simultaneous position as the program director after three short years in academia. Dr. Maxwell also has experience as the capstone coordinator and currently serves as the program director at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She is a Carfit technician, Carfit event coordinator, and a member of the Roster of Accreditation for ACOTE. She is also the owner and founder of ErgoMax Solutions PLLC, established Fall 2022 to provide ergonomics consultations to computer workers and expert witnessing as an occupational therapist.

Dr. Maxwell has served in many capacities outside of academia, including but not limited to appointment as a Langston University Research Fellow engaging in grant writing and manuscripts, committee board member for the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy, Roster of Accreditation Evaluation for Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and consistent volunteer for Meals on Wheels within the community. She has advised and mentored myriad graduate research groups, while also completing her own research projects. Dr. Maxwell has presented several posters both at national and local professional conferences. She has collaborated on NIDILLR research grant, Frost grant, & Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant. She is currently a co-investigator for a $5.2 million Mental Health Service Providers Demonstration grant for the University of the Incarnate Word’s OTD program. This grant provides scholarships for students, offers trauma-informed training, and a pathway program for high school students. Dr. Maxwell has experience in higher education curriculum and lab development. In addition to professional service, Dr. Maxwell has served on several university, college, community, professional tasks force and departmental committees as chair and/or committee member. 

Dr. Maxwell received an AOTA award for young scientists in 2018 for her research. She was also awarded a Distinguished Post-Professional OTD Alumni Award for Leadership Performance in Occupational Therapy by Eastern Kentucky University in 2021. She has gained 11 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy and over six years in higher education with many more endeavors to accomplish.