First Occupational Therapy Alumni Association President: Zac Saunders, MSOT ‘17

When Zachary Saunders, MSOT ‘17, interviewed at Salus University, he felt connected and it was where he needed to be.

“It was cool, and I really enjoyed that feeling,” said Saunders. “The school was more welcoming than some other schools where I was accepted. Salus was like, ‘We want to be part of your educational journey,’ and I really appreciated that.”

Originally from Toms River, New Jersey, and now living in Ocean Township, New Jersey, Saunders was active on campus, serving as student council vice president and volunteering in Student Affairs. He received the Unsung Hero and Spirit of Salus Award and the Salus travel grant as a student to attend a program specific conference. He also received the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association scholarship.

He started his occupational therapy career at Kessler Rehabilitation Center after graduating magna cum laude in 2017. The following year, he joined the University’s Alumni Association board to stay connected and continue his involvement with his alma mater.

And, now he’s stepped up once again, taking over as Alumni Association board president, effective June 6, 2023, for a one-year term. He is believed to be the first Occupational Therapy (OT) alum to ascend to the position.

Saunders is approaching the board presidency as an opportunity, and he’s consulted with outgoing alumni board president Bob Owens, OD ‘80, FAAO, about the responsibilities of the role.

“I still am kind of new into my career, and it is somewhat overwhelming,” said Saunders, who earned his undergraduate degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. "I was a little nervous about balancing my career and being board president, but it seems pretty manageable.”

He said during his tenure he would like to increase participation in the Alumni Association from recent graduates.

“There is some buy-in by having skin in the game when you’re on the alumni board,” said Saunders. “As a student from a different major (OT) — even though what optometry graduates have done for the school is incredible — just having an alum from a different background and age range on the board is a good sign.”

Jacqueline Patterson, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations at Salus, is happy to have Saunders as alumni board president.

“Having Zach, an occupational therapist, as the incoming president is a refreshing departure from an OD or AuD alum,” she said. “He will bring forth a new wave of energy, attracting younger alums to the board who have the power to make a significant impact.”

Saunders still works as a senior OT at Kessler Rehabilitation Center and passed his certification exam in hand therapy last month. In fact, the same day he found out he passed the exam was the same day he was named president of the Alumni Association board.

“It was an exciting day,” he said.