Dr. Amy Nwora, an experienced higher education and child development professional, has been named dean of Niagara University’s College of Education, effective Feb. 17
Dr. Nwora comes to Niagara from D’Youville University, where she has served as a full-time professor in its occupational therapy and health professions education departments since 2004. She was elected department chair in 2008 and has since held chair/program director positions. During her tenure, she developed several new programs, including the doctoral program in health professions education and the post-professional and entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs.
A clinically trained occupational therapist, Dr. Nwora has extensive experience within schools, where she has focused her efforts on school-based treatment for preschool and school-aged children diagnosed with emotional disturbance, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, as well as a variety of physical disabilities. She is also dedicated to expanding education opportunities for disadvantaged students through her family’s not-for-profit organization, the Jordan Nwora Foundation. The foundation was created by Dr. Nwora’s son, Jordan, a professional basketball player who spent four years in the NBA and now plays for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
“Dr. Nwora’s unique background that bridges the P-12 school setting and higher education brings a holistic understanding of both the developmental needs of students and the pedagogical strategies that support learning at all levels,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “Under her leadership, our College of Education will continue to prepare education professionals who can meaningfully and effectively meet the diverse needs of today’s students.”
Dr. Nwora is active in scholarship, as well. Her recent research emphasis includes program and curriculum development in the health professions. She has published and presented internationally and nationally on topics including cultural aspects of healthcare and pediatric occupational therapy, particularly assessments and interventions for autism spectrum disorders. She recently was a co-author of a $3.25 million HRSA Health Career Opportunity Program grant.
“I am excited to join Niagara University as the dean for the College of Education,” Dr. Nwora said. “The university’s Vincentian values align closely with my own commitment to serving others, and I look forward to collaborating with other colleges across campus as we continue to develop innovative initiatives that will increase diversity across programs.”
Dr. Nwora has a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy from D’Youville College.