Retired OT faculty Ricky Joseph named Professor Emeritus

Ricky Joseph, PhD, OTR, was named Professor Emeritus in fall 2025. 

Joseph retired from the Department of Occupational Therapy in May 2024, following almost 47 years in the occupational therapy profession. He joined the department faculty in 2013, bringing almost two decades of experience as an OT in the U.S. Army. 

Among his contributions to the School of Health Professions and the program are his leadership and expertise in mental health occupational therapy and interprofessional education. Joseph continues to teach select coursework in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

“Dr. Joseph is an esteemed colleague and has been a key member of the department, school and university for since arriving in 2013,” said Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, associate dean for academic affairs and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy.

“His expertise and efforts have directly contributed to the teaching excellence of the department, mentoring of students, key initiatives of the university such as interprofessional education, and ongoing leadership in our profession. I am thrilled his sustained contributions and achievements were recognized in Fall 2025 through the designation of his Emeritus status.”

Read more about Joseph’s career.