Elizabeth June Yerxa EdD, LHD (Hon.), DSc (Hon.), DMed (Hon.), OTR, FAOTA
Professor Emeritus of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Highly regarded for her contributions to the philosophical base and values of occupational therapy, for her research on life satisfaction of people living with severe disabilities and the nature and management of time, as well as for her work initiating and advocating occupational science research. In 1966, Dr. Yerxa was awarded occupational therapy’s highest academic honor, the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Award, and delivered her Slagle Lecture entitled “Authentic Occupational Therapy.” She was named an AOTA Fellow in 1973, and received the AOTA Award of Merit, the highest award from the association, in 1987. Since 2003 she has been a Professor Emeritus at USC.
Education
Doctorate of Education (EdD)
in Educational Psychology
1971 | Boston University
Master of Education (MEd)
in Educational Psychology
1968 | Boston University
Master of Arts (MA)
in Occupational Therapy
1953 | University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science (BS)
in Occupational Therapy
1952 | University of Southern California
Selected Publications
1990
Yerxa, E., Clark, F. A., Frank, G., Jackson, J. M., Parham, D., Pierce, D., Stein, C., & Zemke, R. (1990). An introduction to occupational science: A foundation for occupational therapy in the 21st century. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 6(4), 1-17. Full text Show abstract
Occupational science is an emerging basic science which supports the practice of occupational therapy. Its roots in the rich traditions of occupational therapy are explored and its current configuration is introduced. Specifications which the science needs to meet as it is further developed and refined are presented. Compatible disciplines and research approaches are identified. Examples of basic science research questions and their potential contributions to occupational therapy practice are suggested.
In Chan News
2019
Bodison to receive AOTF Ayres Award >
Stefanie Bodison Assistant Professor of Research Stefanie Bodison ’92, MA ’93, OTD ’10 has been named the 2019 recipient of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation's A. Jean Ayres Award. The Ayres award recognizes commitment to research-related development or testing of occupational…
January 1, 2019
2016
23 Trojans on AOTA centennial list of 100 most influential people >
By Mike McNulty Twenty-three USC alumni and faculty members are among the 100 most influential people who have shaped the occupational therapy profession throughout its century-long history, according to a new list compiled by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In preparation for…
December 6, 2016
Remembering Florence Cromwell >
By John Hobbs MA ’14 Florence Cromwell 1922-2016. Photo undated. Occupational therapy visionary, two-time AOTA president, and former faculty member Florence S. Cromwell MA ’52 died Nov. 5, 2016. She was 94. The former faculty member was a USC alumna, an interim chair for two years before…
December 1, 2016
Clark visits Toronto to deliver 2016 Cardwell Lecture >
By Mike McNulty Florence Clark, associate dean, chair and Mrs. T.H. Chan Professor of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, delivered the 2016 Thelma Cardwell Lecture at the University of Toronto on June 22. Her lecture, entitled “Occupational Therapy as Life Design: Fortifying Health and…
June 23, 2016
2012
2012 Homecoming In Review >
By Mike McNulty During the Division's 2012 Homecoming Weekend on November 9 and 10, alumni, students and friends gathered to open new clinical learning laboratories, celebrate a milestone anniversary, hear the latest from faculty, and celebrate together as the Trojan Family. At the USC Center for…
November 13, 2012
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