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Message from the Chair

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Dear Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Community Partners,

It is both an honor and a heartfelt pleasure to share a few words as Chair of the Occupational Therapy Department here at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Our department’s mission is deeply intertwined with UTRGV’s broader vision of transforming lives through accessible education, community engagement, and innovative research. For me, this mission is personal. I grew up right here in the Rio Grande Valley and earned my bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from what was then the University of Texas-Pan American. My entire professional journey has been rooted in serving this vibrant community, and it is my distinct privilege and honor to lead a program that continues to shape the lives of so many.

To our students, know that your faculty, staff, and I are dedicated to supporting your journey into this profession every step of the way. We value being part of your path to becoming exceptional occupational therapy practitioners. We recognize that you are the future of our profession, and we are here to do everything we can to ensure that it is a bright one.

To our community partners, we see incredible opportunities to deepen our collaboration with our local hospitals, clinics, school districts, institutes, and practitioners. Our goal is not just to educate the next generation of therapists, but to be a lasting resource for those already in practice. We are ready and excited to collaborate and innovate together. Over the past 25 years, your support has been the cornerstone of our growth, and your continued partnership means more than words can express. Together, we can accomplish great things for the betterment of our community here in South Texas and beyond.  We look forward to the shared successes and new possibilities that lie ahead.

On behalf of the entire occupational therapy department, thank you for being part of our journey and for letting us be part of yours.


In Service and Collaboration


John S. Luna, OTR, OTD

Associate Professor & Chair,

Department of Occupational Therapy
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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Health Affairs Building West - EHABW 2.230
Phone: 956-665-2291
Email: cohpinfo@utrgv.edu

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Phone: 956-882-5000

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