Kate Huber, EdD, OTD, OTR

Education: 

Certifications:

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

Academic and Professional Overview:

Dr. Kate Huber serves as Associate Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Occupational Therapy at Marian University, holding the rank of Associate Professor. Her expertise focuses on occupational therapy education, professional behavior development, evidence-based practice, educational leadership, and curriculum development. 

With nearly two decades of higher education leadership experience, Dr. Huber previously served as Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Chair of the School of Occupational Therapy at the University of Indianapolis (2007–2024), where she achieved tenure. She began her academic career at Idaho State University. She also served on the NBCOT Board of Directors (2008–2023), contributing to national occupational therapy credentialing standards, and participated in the Independent Colleges of Indiana Leadership Academy.

Dr. Huber maintains is a licensed occupational therapist, secures grant funding, authors peer-reviewed publications, and consults with universities on curriculum development. Her scholarship emphasizes professional behavior, evidence-based practice, and educational innovation in health sciences.

Teaching:

Dr. Huber has extensive experience teaching across occupational therapy curricula, including:

• Foundational courses: occupational behavior, therapeutic skills, professional development
• Research application, clinical reasoning, and occupational therapy process
• Specialized areas: pediatrics, sensory integration, and doctoral-level capstone projects

• Leadership and professional development courses

She mentors thesis and doctoral research projects and emphasizes situational leadership, collaborative learning, and inclusive education. Her philosophy integrates individualized learning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.

Research and Scholarship:

Dr. Huber’s research focuses on:

• Professional behavior attributes in occupational therapy education
• Evidence-based practice implementation

• Educational innovation in health sciences

She examines student confidence, knowledge development, fieldwork education, and emerging OT practice areas. She has mentored faculty and students as an advisor for numerous doctoral capstones, master’s theses, and dissertation committees.

Selected Publications:

• Qi, Y., Greiner, B., Patterson, A., Mu, K., Javaherian-Dysinger, H., & DeCleene Huber, K. (2022). Attitudes toward evidence-based practice among U.S. and Chinese OT/PT students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 20(3).
• Gurley, T. A., DeCleene Huber, K. E., Chen, A., et al. (2022). Professional behavior attributes: A survey of OT faculty perspectives. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6(1).

• DeCleene Huber, K.E., Nichols, A., Bowman, K., et al. (2015). Correlation between confidence and knowledge of evidence-based practice among OT students. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(1), Article 5.

Awards and Honors:

• Independent Colleges of Indiana Leadership Academy (2023–2024)
• Mount Mary University Tower Award (2016)
• Tenure, University of Indianapolis (2015)
• Faculty Achievement Award, University of Indianapolis (2011–2012)
• Service Commendation, American Occupational Therapy Association (2010–2012)

• Fellowship in Leadership Development for OT Program Directors, AOTA (2009)

Professional Service & Affiliations:

Dr. Huber has served in leadership roles including:

• NBCOT Board of Directors (2008–2023)
• Peer Corps Reviewer, Higher Learning Commission (since 2018)

• ACOTE, Educational Standards Review Committee (2010–2012, 2016–2018)

Memberships & Editorial Roles:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA)
• World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
• Indiana Catholic Business Exchange

• Editorial Board Member, Occupational Therapy in Health Care (2009–2013)

Conference & Institutional Service:

• Local Conference Committee Chair, 2012 AOTA National Conference & Expo, Indianapolis

• Multiple university service roles

Personal Life:

Dr. Huber resides in central Indiana with her husband, two children, two dogs, and two bunnies. A Northern Indiana native, she has lived in Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys family travel, community engagement, and volunteers as a USA Swimming Official, supporting youth athletic development.

Her geographic and professional experiences enrich her perspective on education and leadership, enabling her to connect with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds while maintaining strong Indiana roots.