Speech-Language-Hearing Awards and Honors
Department Rankings
SPLH Graduate Program ranked in #6 in Speech Language Pathology M.A. graduate programs by US News & World Report.
SPLH Graduate Program ranked #3 among public universities.
SPLH Audiology Au.D. ranked #10 and #10 among public Universities.
30% undergraduates complete a research experience.
3 of 12 KU undergraduate research award winners in 2018.
50% undergraduates complete a clinical experience
84% continue education upon graduation in audiology or speech pathology.
96% MA Speech-language pathology graduates employed immediately post graduation.
100% AuD audiology graduates are employed immediately post-graduation.
Celebrating Student Excellence
Congratulations to Sofie Young, a senior in Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences & Disorders, for being named a finalist for the Spring 2025 Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence. Her project, “An Analysis of Social Communication Components and Its Related Hierarchy in Autistic Children,” mentored by Dr. Meghan Davidson, demonstrates outstanding scholarship and impact in the field.
Congratulations to Ghina Fares, a third-year Doctor of Audiology (AuD) student at the University of Kansas Medical Center, for being awarded the 2024 ASHFoundation Graduate Scholarship for International Students. This prestigious $5,000 scholarship, supported by the Kala Singh Memorial Fund, is granted to only three international graduate students annually in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Congratulations to Olivia Boorom, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas, for being awarded the 2024 New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation. This prestigious $10,000 scholarship recognizes doctoral candidates committed to pursuing teacher-investigator careers in communication sciences and disorders.
2025- 2026 Self Memorial Scholars
The University of Kansas has announced the selection of 20 students as the 2025–2026 Madison and Lila Self Memorial Scholars. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to exceptional KU seniors transitioning into their first year of a master's or doctoral program at KU in fall 2025. Recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership, scholarship, and the ability to achieve ambitious goals.
Each scholar receives a $10,000 scholarship, a $1,000 professional development award, and participates in the Scholar Development Program. This program offers leadership and career development training and fosters an interdisciplinary cohort of graduate students. The Self Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 to honor Madison and Lila Self's commitment to developing and investing in young leaders.
- Jenna Ghannam of Louisburg: bachelor’s degree in speech-language-hearing from KU; incoming master’s student in speech-language pathology.
- Archisa Ghimire of Olathe: bachelor’s in speech-language-hearing from KU; incoming master’s student in speech-language pathology.
- Maddie Peterson of Edmond, Oklahoma: bachelor’s degree in speech-language-hearing from KU; incoming master’s student in speech-language pathology.
- Daisy Torres of Kansas City, Kansas: bachelor’s degree in speech-language-hearing from KU; incoming master’s student in speech-language pathology.
- Megan Tucker of Plano, Texas: bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology from KU; incoming master’s student in speech-language pathology.
Experiencing Education Beyond Borders
A KU team, led by faculty Krysta Green and Kate DeJarnette, made waves in Dominica by launching the island’s first community-based audiology and speech-language clinic—bringing free screenings, assessments, and support to local residents in need during spring break 2025!
In 2024, KU speech-language-hearing scholars traveled to Belize to provide critical screenings and evaluations for underserved communities. They offered free hearing and speech-language services, helping improve access to care for children and adults. This impactful work reflects KU’s commitment to global health and communication sciences.
Department Highlights and Achievements
Congratulations to Dr. Panying Rong and Dr. Hashim Raza, whose innovative research projects have been selected for funding through KU’s 2024 Research Grant Opportunity program. Dr. Rong's project aims to develop a precision medicine approach to improve the assessment and management of progressive motor speech disorders in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Raza's study focuses on a family-based genetic investigation of specific language impairment. These projects exemplify KU's commitment to advancing research in communication sciences and disorders.
Susan Koerner received the 2024 ASHFoundation State Clinical Achievement Award for the state of Kansas. This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional contributions to clinical service in speech-language pathology. Dr. Koerner, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas, has been instrumental in advancing clinical education and serving individuals with communication disorders. Her dedication to excellence in clinical practice and education exemplifies the highest standards of the profession.
Sarah Domingos, office manager in the Schiefelbusch Clinic, received the 2023 Employee of the Year award for her outstanding contributions to the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing. Since joining in 2020, Sarah has transformed clinic operations—boosting revenue, streamlining billing, and improving the overall patient and student experience. Her initiative, adaptability, and genuine care for others have made her an indispensable member of the SPLH community.
Dr. Steve Warren approved for Emeritus status. After 23 years of exemplary service to the University of Kansas, Dr. Warren will be Distinguished Emeritus Professor beginning August 18, 2022.
Service Anniversaries
We proudly celebrate the dedication and service of our outstanding faculty and staff in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing at the University of Kansas:
- Mabel Rice - 45 years
- Nancy C. Brady – 35 years
- Kris Pedersen – 25 years
- Krysta Green – 10 years
- Cynthia Hunter - 5 years
- Meghan Davidson - 5 years
Thank you for your lasting impact, commitment to excellence, and years of service to our students, colleagues, and community!
Dean's Excellence Award Recipient 2024
In 2024, Dr. Mabel L. Rice, Fred & Virginia Merrill Distinguished Professor of Advanced Studies at the University of Kansas, was honored with the Dean's Excellence Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship in the field of speech-language-hearing sciences.
Dr. Rice's extensive work encompasses language acquisition, language impairments, and the genetics of language, with a particular focus on children affected by conditions such as autism and HIV. She directs the Child Language Doctoral Program and the Merrill Advanced Studies Center, and leads the NIDCD-funded Center for Biobehavioral Neurosciences of Communication Disorders. Her dedication to advancing the field and fostering the next generation of scholars underscores the significance of this award.
