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

OTD Program Director and Associate Professor

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’s in 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 Doctorate in 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. With a foundation of certifications as a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist
and Advanced Ergonomics Office Assessment Specialist, she is the owner and founder of
ErgoMax Solutions, PLLC established Fall 2022 to provide ergonomics consultations to
computer workers, home modifications, 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 grant writing and manuscripts,
committee board member for Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy, Roster of Accreditation
Evaluation for Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and consistent
volunteer for Meals on Wheels and other organizations within the community. She has advised
and mentored a myriad of graduate research groups, while also completing her own research
projects. Dr. Maxwell has co-written two books, working on several manuscripts, and has
presented many posters and platform presentations at both national and local professional
conferences and community events. She has collaborated on 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
13 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy and over eight years in higher
education with any more endeavors to accomplish.