Kathleen Oertle

Kathleen Oertle is an Associate Professor and Director of the Transition Institute at Utah State University, focusing on Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. Her work bridges equity, access, and collaboration in transitioning youth with disabilities to adulthood, particularly through partnerships with institutions like San Diego State University, Cornell University, and organizations such as CSAVR and NTACT-C.

Her research emphasizes interagency collaboration, transition services, and career development for individuals with disabilities. Funded by NIDILRR Grant #90IFDV0011-01-00, her projects like Collaborate for Change (C2) aim to define collaborative roles and measurement models for transition efficacy.

Oertle’s publications from 2014–2023 highlight interdisciplinary transition education, guardianship alternatives, and supported employment. Her 28 peer-reviewed articles address gaps in vocational rehabilitation, college accessibility, and family caregiver perspectives.

• University Fellowship, 2009
• W. E. Albin & C. C. Young Scholarship, 2009
• William Chandler Bagley Scholar Doctoral Fellowship, 2009
• Connections Award of Distinction, 2001