CHCS Perspectives Winter 2014

PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2014 – Page 27 Nova Southeastern University and the occupational therapy community lost a valuable and beloved leader on November 13, 2013, when Reba Law Anderson, Ph.D., passed away. Dr. Ander- son was a founding member of the Occupational Therapy Depart- ment in 1994 and the visionary behind the Ph.D. and Dr.OT programs. Her roles at NSU included serving as director of doc- toral programs, being appointed department chair in 1999, acting as associate dean for what was formerly known as the College of Allied Health and Nursing, and being named professor emeritus upon her retirement in 2001. Dr. Anderson was born June 11, 1938, in Lynchburg, Virginia. After graduating from Lane High School in 1957, she continued her education at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), graduating in 1959. She earned her master’s degree in 1970 before completing a Ph.D. in Anthropol- ogy at the University of Florida in 1984. During her career, Dr. Anderson served two years with the Spe- cial Forces in Verdun, France, and taught occupational therapy at a number of universities, including the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Col- orado, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Florida International University in Miami, Florida, Her academic career culminated at Nova Southeastern University, where she developed and implemented the master’s and doctoral programs in occupa- tional therapy. She made a tremendous impact on the world of occupational therapy through her vision, passion, and leadership. One such im- pact was the Great Southern Occupational Therapy Conference, which she founded and coordinated with her colleague Suze Dud- ley from 1983–2000. Her accomplishments were widely recognized and acknowledged by her coworkers, peers, and the occupational therapy community through her induction into the Roster of Fel- lows of the American Occupational Therapy Association in 1985 and being awarded the association’s Award of Merit in 2001. At NSU, Dr. Anderson was a highly respected leader and served as a mentor to many, including faculty members, administrators, and students. She was known to encourage individuals as they pro- gressed in their careers and provide opportunities to stimulate pro- fessional growth. Her inherent skills as a mentor and role model continued well after her retirement. She was an eight-year double- lung transplant survivor and used her mentorship and teaching skills as she worked with the doctors from the Mayo Clinic in Jack- sonville, Florida, to educate other potential transplant recipients on the benefits of improving life through lung transplants and organ donation. Dr. Anderson’s commitment to student learning was commem- orated shortly after her retirement when the Reba Anderson Scholarship Fund was created. The scholarships award, which provides up to $250 to supplement the cost of textbooks for stu- dents with financial need, allows students to benefit from the gen- erosity of others. Those interested in supporting Dr. Anderson’s commitment to learning can make contributions to the Reba An- derson Scholarship Fund and send them to Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences, Occupational Ther- apy Department, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328. Occupational Therapy Community Loses a Leader By Wendy Stav, Ph.D., OTR/L, SCDCM, FAOTA Chair and Professor, Occupational Therapy – Fort Lauderdale Dr. Anderson was a highly respected leader and mentor, with a strong commitment to education and a dedication to helping others.