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Getting to Know Winnie Dunn
The School of Health Professions (SHP) was proud to present the 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award to Winnie Dunn, PhD. Dunn currently serves as chair of the University of Kansas School of Allied Health Occupational Therapy Department, but her roots lie here at MU. Former SHP Occupational Therapy Chair Diana Baldwin refers to Dunn as MU’s greatest OT. Dunn is internationally recognized for her research and her expertise in sensory processing. In 2007 she published the hugely popular book Living Sensationally.
- How would you describe your college experience at MU?
“I believe that I had the quintessential college experience. Like others, I learned how to navigate on a big campus and find groups of people with similar interests. I was involved in campus housing, and engaged in leadership activities, social events and experienced collegiate life just like my peers.” - How has the education you received at MU prepared you for your current career?
“As I said at the Awards Luncheon, it isn't just our curricula that prepare us for our careers. MU's OT program certainly prepared me for becoming an OT; that was the obvious outcome. However, the courage, tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit of the faculty to propose and create this new program, and the administration's leadership to make this program a reality at MU also prepared me. I haven't been afraid to start new programs, or create innovative ways to solve problems. I have had a 'can do' spirit because of the role models that mentored me at MU.” - What does the outstanding alumni award mean to you?
“It is one of my proudest honors. MU holds my roots; my beginnings, so to have MU review my career, and deem my contributions worthy of notice means so very much. Serving a rival school in my current work shines a light on MU's benevolence and graciousness as well!” - What do you like the most about MU SHP?
“I love how this school has evolved to become a mature member of the academic community at MU.” - What do you like most about being an occupational therapist?
“What could be better than having a profession whose central theme is supporting others to live what they consider to be a successful and satisfying life?” - How do you manage being both a Tiger and a Jayhawk? Do you get trouble from people about that?
“Perhaps you have touched on the most challenging aspect of my career! My family of origin are all Tigers, so I am never far from the rivalry. I am very loyal to the BIG 12, so I can always be found rooting for any BIG 12 team. Although when the Jayhawks are playing, I am rooting for KU. I hope that MU takes pride in having taught me to be gracious and loyal in all my endeavors, and so would understand that standing behind the school I represent in my work reflects well on how I was taught at MU.”
Page last updated on: August 25, 2009
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