Valparaiso University is dedicated to expanding access to higher education and helping non-traditional students achieve their academic and professional goals. For Jeanine Patrick ’26, a student in the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CoNHP) Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, that commitment made it possible to continue her education after more than thirty years in clinical practice.
“I decided to get my degree because it’s getting harder to do the physical aspects of occupational therapy,” Patrick said. “Ideally I’d like to teach it, or explore research, so I needed to go back to school.”
After graduating with her master’s in OT in 1989, Patrick pursued a career in various psychiatric units before moving both location and careers to work in pediatrics at Schwab Rehabilitation in Chicago. What started as a home care side job to help pay for her wedding quickly became something more — a passion that reshaped her career path. Today, Patrick is preparing for yet another meaningful transition in her professional journey.
Patrick began searching for a post-professional degree, initially considering 130 schools. She then narrowed her list by comparing tuition costs and the balance of online and in-person learning options. Finally, she reached out to program directors to find the university that best aligned with her goals.
Valparaiso University prides itself on not just its programs, but its people, and it was a conversation with Sara Story, Ed.D., OTD, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS, program director and associate professor of OT, that sealed the deal for Patrick.
“I knew (Professor Story) was a perfect fit for me,” Patrick said. “She was fantastic at explaining everything, she understood where I was coming from, and it was exactly what I was looking for.”
Although Patrick would like to transition into an educator role, she isn’t waiting to change careers to make a difference. For her capstone project, she is developing a proposal to transform part of the 180-acre former Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a garden center for dementia patients, allowing them to be included in community activities. Her commitment to serving others reflects a core value of both the College of Nursing and Health Professions and Valparaiso University as a whole.
“It has been such a joy working with Jeanine, who chose to return to school after an already successful career, bringing incredible professionalism, perspective, and passion to the program” Professor Story said. “Her capstone project truly exemplifies her dedication—making a meaningful impact in the Chicagoland area by advancing access and awareness of occupational therapy services. She has seamlessly combined her experience with new knowledge, shining as both a learner and a leader in our field.”
Patrick is one of many students who have benefited from Valparaiso University’s award-winning transfer student services program. The program has been recognized on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Transfer Honor Roll multiple years in a row for its exceptional support of transfer students.
“Valpo caters to people like me, trying to go back to school,” Patrick said. “I could not be happier with a program than what I got with Valpo. The education, the quality of teachers, what the program covered, it’s just been an exciting thrill for me. I’ve learned so much.”
For more on occupational therapy at Valparaiso University click here. To find out more about transferring to Valpo, click here.
