Dr. Merryman had been serving as interim chairperson since January.
Towson University’s College of Health Profession has appointed Dr. Beth Merryman as the new chairperson of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science.
Merryman began her career at Towson University as a part-time lecturer and achieved the rank of professor in 2012. She had been serving as interim chairperson since January, while serving as the director of the Doctoral Program in Occupational Science.
She has presented, published and received external and internal funding to explore supports and barriers to participation in daily life because of social factors, mental illness and health challenges.
“Dr. Merryman’s expertise and leadership within the Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science makes her a natural fit for the role of Chairperson,” said Lisa Plowfield, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Her professional expertise, pedagogical success and scholarly expertise will provide an authentic and balanced approach to academic leadership and governance.”
Merryman earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Ohio State University. She then received her master’s in Health Science from Towson University, and followed with her doctorate in policy sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Along with her work in academics, Merryman is serving as a co-investigator of a study examining “State Utilization and Impacts of Medicaid HCBS Waiver Services for Families and Children with Autism.”
