Longtime West Virginia University School of Medicine Occupational Therapy faculty member Amanda Acord-Vira, EdD, OTR/L, CBIS, FAOTA, celebrated her newly earned professor emeritus status by announcing the establishment of a scholarship fund created in her name by her friend and colleague, Nichole Trump.
The Amanda Acord-Vira Occupational Therapy Scholarship will provide financial support to WVU Occupational Therapy students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Trump said she established the scholarship to honor Acord-Vira's dedication to students and patients, hoping to inspire and support future occupational therapists.
Acord-Vira joined the Occupational Therapy faculty in 2010 and served in the division for 16 years. During that time, she became known to students as "Dr. A," earning a reputation for challenging students to reach their full potential while providing the encouragement and mentorship they needed to succeed.
Acord-Vira was recently recognized during a ceremony celebrating her appointment as professor emeritus, one of the University's highest faculty honors for retired faculty members with distinguished careers in teaching, research and service. During the celebration, colleagues reflected on the ways she transformed the Division of Occupational Therapy and inspired students.
“I am honored to have this scholarship named after me,” Acord-Vira said. "My time at WVU has been time well spent, and I am proud of what I was able to accomplish alongside students and faculty.”
Diana Davis, current chair of the Division of Occupational Therapy, said she was emotional seeing Acord-Vira accept the honor, noting that her influence is seen throughout the curriculum and student experience.
“Many of the things we identify as a ‘WVU OT thing’ started with her,” Davis said. “Amanda championed the strong clinical orientation our program is now known for. With her example leading the way, the curriculum has been transformed from a typical lecture with a little lab to active learning with a high experiential and clinical focus.”
Beyond the classroom, Acord-Vira inspired students to become engaged leaders through the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Under her guidance, the organization expanded its community outreach and service initiatives while increasing student participation at the national occupational therapy conference.
Her influence extended to her colleagues as well. Acord-Vira mentored new faculty members, encouraging them to engage in research and publish their work, while generously sharing her experience and enthusiasm for the profession.
For numerous students,"Dr. A" was a mentor and advocate. Thanks to Trump's generosity, the Amanda Acord-Vira Occupational Therapy Scholarship will ensure future WVU students benefit from the same encouragement.
Nichole Trump’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.