Remembering Dr. Toni Oakes

With an infectious smile and a deep commitment to helping children develop the skills needed for daily living, Toni Smith Oakes, Ed. D., inspired and encouraged nearly three decades of students seeking a career in occupational therapy. When she passed away near the end of March 2025, her absence was felt throughout campus and in the surrounding community – the sense of loss best reflected by her office door, covered in messages from students and colleagues.

Oakes earned her undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College, followed by a master’s degree in OT from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Doctor of Education from Liberty University. Before her career in higher education, she worked in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and school systems across Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. By joining the faculty at Lenoir-Rhyne in 1996 and sharing her knowledge and experience to prepare new generations of occupational therapists, Oakes expanded her impact to include the well-being of every patient her students have served. Her passion and commitment to her profession made measurable improvements on countless lives.

Kerry Thompson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences, recalled Oakes not only as a colleague, but as a cherished friend. “Dr. Toni Oakes was a true professional in the field of occupational therapy, bringing her contagious personality, smile and laughter to every interaction with colleagues and students. As the program director at LR, her passion for advancing OT was unmatched. She was an inspiring leader, always mentoring the next generation of therapists with the integrity and dedication she exemplified every day.”

For many former students, Oakes made a lasting impact. Daniel Smith ’14, now a practicing occupational therapist, fondly remembered her optimistic spirit. “Dr. Oakes possessed the perfect optimist spirit. It was contagious among her peers and students alike. She always made herself available and had a knack for calming students. Her passion for OT was obvious by the energy she brought to classes every day. She embodied the values of faith-driven leadership and compassion throughout the program.”

Her presence was equally beloved by LR students outside of the OT program. At the 2025 Greek Life Awards in April, Oakes was posthumously awarded “Greek Advisor of the Decade.”

Devin Osborne ’24, clinical coordinator for the College of Health Science, worked with Oakes during his tenure as president of Theta Xi Fraternity. He said, “Toni, or 'Mama Oakes' as we knew her in Theta Xi, was the chapter faculty advisor for nearly 16 years. However, she was much more than an advisor; she was a guiding light and an example of the type of person all brothers strove to be. Mama Oakes was a ball of joy who would do anything for the brothers. Her contributions will continue to be honored and shared among brothers for generations to come, living on through her son, a fellow Theta Xi.”

In the wake of her passing, the first-year OT students of the Class of 2026 came together to share their memories of Oakes' warmth and mentorship with a group statement.

“Dr. Oakes was truly one of a kind and touched many of our lives more than she knew. A few students expressed that she took an hour out of her time during tours to really discuss the program and connect on a personal level which in turn primarily influenced their decisions to join the LR OT program. She was a light and there wasn’t a morning she didn’t infect us with her unique laugh. We were honored to have learned from her years of experience and expertise in the pediatric field. Many of us once said that we would never go into pediatrics, but after Dr. Oakes shared her passion with us, our minds were changed. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for us, and she made sure to not just hear us out but follow through on our concerns. She showed such pride in us students and the LR OT program. Many of us are so thankful for the small conversations we were able to have with her and how she always made time to stop to check in and talk to us when she would pass us in the hall. We will miss her deeply and will carry her legacy with us no matter what field of OT we choose to go into.”

Students in the Class of 2025 plan to honor Oakes during their pinning ceremony later this spring. They plan to place an empty chair on the dais to represent Oakes’ memory, and they will place an empty vase on that chair. After each student receives their pin and white coat in the ceremony, they will place a rose in the vase to honor her love and commitment to her students. Many of those 2025 graduates shared their memories of Oakes anonymously, recalling her unique approach to teaching.

“My favorite memory of Dr. Oakes was when she came into class one day and was totally overjoyed to share the news that she would be a 'yaya' [grandmother] soon!”

“Dr. Oakes truly embodied what it meant to impact all of those around her. As one of her students, she provided mentorship to me in learning about the neonatal intensive care unit setting. Working with babies and their mothers is something I am truly interested in, and she took the time to guide me to resources on how to get that certification. She had a smile that would light up an entire room and a laugh that was completely contagious. Every moment spent with her was a blessing.”

“Her laugh, her smile, her demeanor were contagious in the best way possible! I wish I could always be as happy as Dr. Oakes was. I remember her what seemed silly ways to get info to stick into our brains. Whether that be laying on the ground for demonstrations or having us climb on the tables and act out scenes. She also strived to adapt her teaching methods to best suit her current students. She was truly the best.”

“True passion for her profession and the students. With so many years of experience, she was still humble and open and learning.”

“I remember the last interaction I had with Dr. Oakes. We were in the bathroom at the sinks at the same time and I complimented her pretty sweater. She made a joke that it was one of the many she had meant to get rid of but just couldn’t let go. She made everything feel lighthearted and joyful! Dr. Oakes was a true inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of learning from her. She brought a light and warmth to every room she entered, always radiating positivity and making it a point to check in on each and every one of us. Her presence made us feel seen, supported, and valued—not only just as students, but as people.”

“Her passion for the field of occupational therapy was evident. She was incredibly driven and constantly sought out creative ways to teach, making sure that no one was left behind. Her dedication to our learning and growth went beyond the classroom, and it’s something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our careers.”

“She will be forever missed and deeply loved by all of her students.”