Linda Hurst Podcast Interview

Linda Hurst received her undergraduate degree in social work from Temple University and then served in the military reserves. She however was unable to work as a social worker in the reserves because social workers did not work in the military at that time. It was then that she found out about occupational therapy as she was seeking a field that was similar to social work.  She trained in the military and received a certificate as a certified occupational therapy assistant. She later decided that she wanted more autonomy and applied to UNC Chapel Hill’s OT program in the 80s. Although she was not the first Black OT student to be admitted to the program, she was the first to graduate as the Black OT who was admitted before her ended up dropping out due to race related issues. Linda Hurst graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1990. We honor Linda as the 1st Black OT to graduate from UNC Chapel Hill, her contributions to the occupational therapy profession in mental health and her military service. The world is a better place because of Linda Hurst. 

 

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