Welcome Dr. Charlotte Royeen, New Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Charlotte Royeen joined the UTMB School of Health Professions on September 1, 2026, as Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy.
Dr. Royeen is an accomplished occupational therapist, educator, researcher, and academic leader with extensive experience in higher education and academic administration. Prior to joining UTMB, she served as Dean of the College of Health Sciences at RUSH University.
Her academic career reflects a longstanding record of leadership, innovation, and service. She has served in roles ranging from faculty member and department chair to associate dean for research and dean, building extensive experience in faculty mentorship and student success. Her work has also included advancing research initiatives, developing new academic programs, and fostering strong learning environments.
Among her many professional accomplishments, Dr. Royeen was recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as one of the 100 most influential occupational therapists, honoring the impact of her contributions to the profession.
Dr. Royeen’s depth of experience and longstanding commitment to occupational therapy will be instrumental in strengthening the department’s work in education, research, and clinical preparation, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of the Department of Occupational Therapy under her leadership.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Eddie Salazar for his service as Interim Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. His leadership and commitment to the department during this transition have been greatly appreciated.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Royeen to the School of Health Professions and to our leadership team.
Sincerely,
David L. Vines, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FCCP
Senior Vice President and Dean, School of Health Professions
Catherine L. Scholl, MD Distinguished Chair in Health Professions