Sharon Swift, EdD, an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences, died on September 9. She served at the college for over two decades and was recognized for her commitment to advancing occupational therapy education and supporting students and colleagues.
Lester Pretlow, PhD, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, said, “I have had the privilege of being both a friend and colleague of Dr. Swift for over 20 years. In many ways, we grew up together as young faculty, learning the ropes of academic life at an academic medical center. Over the years, we collaborated on numerous committees, projects and initiatives. It would be difficult to find a more gracious and kind-hearted person than Dr. Swift. I will deeply miss her.”
Pamalyn Kearney, EdD, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy who began working with Swift in 2013, highlighted Swift’s caring nature: “So many people have a story about how she influenced their decision to pursue OT as a career or was the person they came to when they had a personal challenge that was impacting their ability to do what they needed to do as a student. She also loved the work she did with clients, from the work she did at Mustard Seed Communities to the elementary school children she worked with through the CLIMBE program, to wheelchair evaluations for members of the community, to participants at Lynndale Inc. and more. Her love for the communities she worked with came through in her teaching.”
Swift played a key role in developing programs such as CLIMBE—a multisensory literacy initiative for K-3 students at a local Title I school—and established partnerships like that with Mustard Seed Communities (MSC), which supports vulnerable populations globally. She led study abroad programs and participated in wheelchair distribution trips to Jamaica.
Kearney recalled Swift’s dedication: “Needless to say, this didn’t last too long. I think she ended up making 20 more trips to MSC over the past 12 years between trips with students for study abroad and Level I fieldwork and trips with the wheelchair team to assist with providing residents with properly fitted wheelchairs. So many of my most cherished memories of Sharon are at MSC; she loved the residents there, and they loved her back. It was such a joy to watch her introduce our OT students to the residents at MSC and see them fall in love with everyone there as well.”
In addition to her teaching roles—covering more than 17 courses including fieldwork—Swift advised student organizations such as AU Student Occupational Therapy Association and held certifications including assistive technology professional through RESNA.
She earned degrees from several institutions: University of South Florida, Eastern Kentucky University, Georgia Southern University, and Augusta State University (now part of Augusta University). Beginning her career at Medical College of Georgia in 2003 at its Columbus satellite campus, Swift contributed scholarly presentations and publications over ten years.
Kearney emphasized Swift’s influence on occupational therapy education: “One part of her legacy is the impact she has had on OT education at our institution and, through that, on the profession especially here in Georgia and the region.”
Alumni shared tributes online reflecting gratitude for Swift’s mentorship: “I’m so saddened to hear this news. Thankful to have known her and learned from her,” wrote one commenter; another added appreciation for witnessing her work in Jamaica; while another noted lasting gratitude for her contributions.
