91PORN

By Kate Hunger 

The Department of Occupational Therapy has announced the creation of The Karin J. Barnes Leadership Endowment, which will support occupational therapy students with a commitment to leadership. 

Karin J. Barnes, Ph.D., OTR, associate professor, is a founding faculty member of the Department of Occupational Therapy and served as chair of the department a decade before returning to teaching full-time this year. She was inducted as a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association this spring. 

Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, Ph.D., OTR, associate professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy noted Dr. Barnes' 35 years of service to the University and her integral role in the department's many achievements and growth over the years.  

"We felt it was a perfect opportunity and a perfect way to honor her ongoing commitment to the department," Dr. Piernik-Yoder said. 

Dr. Barnes said she was humbled and heartened by the award, which she said will also support students who show leadership potential. 

"Sometimes you see the leadership in them but they haven't had the opportunity to use it," she said. 

Once fully funded, the endowment will fund scholarships of at least $500 annually, said Amanda Allusp, director of development for the School of Health Professions. 

To learn more about how to donate to the endowment, please visit