July 1, 2025 marked the official beginning of service to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for Drake University Occupational Therapy Doctorate student Cole Brockman and Department Chair and Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Leslie Jackson. Brockman was elected as Assembly of Student Delegates Student Representative to the Commission on Practice, and Jackson was sworn in as Secretary of the AOTA Board of Directors.
AOTA is a professional organization representing occupational therapists across the country. Being elected to a position in this national organization is a distinguished honor for those in the OT profession, and it is a particularly special career milestone for occupational therapy students to serve.
Brockman, who is now in his third and final year of Drake’s OTD program within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS), knew he wanted to get involved in a national organization like AOTA but was unsure how to do so as a student. After Dr. Christine Urish, one of his professors, informed him of an open position, it immediately sparked his interest and seemed like a great fit.
“I ultimately want to have a positive impact on the clients we serve and help promote and grow the OT profession,” said Brockman.
The Assembly of Student Delegates (ASD) Student Representative to the Commission on Practice (COP) is responsible for voicing student perspectives and maintaining communication between the ASD and COP regarding practice-related initiatives. The COP develops and reviews standards for OTs and OTAs based on provider and consumer needs in order to better the quality of care provided.
After beginning the application process in October of 2024 and campaigning from December to February, Brockman received the news that he was elected to the position. He still remembers the day he got the news.
“I went to Dr. Jackson’s office because I knew she was also up for election for AOTA Board Secretary,” Brockman explained. “I learned at that moment that she was also elected for the position she was running for, which was a really memorable experience.”
Dr. Leslie Jackson decided to run for the Secretary position to, in her own words, give back to a profession that has been good to her for over 42 years
Having had numerous opportunities to support and facilitate the growth of occupational therapy and AOTA throughout her career, Dr. Jackson wanted to continue contributing to the strategic direction and governance of the Association. Being a member of the Board of Directors will allow her to do that in a hands-on manner.
In her official three-year term as Secretary, Dr. Jackson is tasked with maintaining AOTA records and documentation. She also serves as an officer, sharing responsibility for the overall governance and fiduciary performance of the association.
“We have a number of challenges facing the field,” Dr. Jackson said. “My hope is that I can leverage the breadth of my experience, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to the occupational therapy profession to advance the mission and vision of AOTA.”