News

Undergraduate and graduate students in Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders(CSD) are gaining hands-on research experience while contributing to a large-scale initiative to improve early literacy outcomes in New Mexico. As part of the project, they focused on evaluating students’ language and reading abilities while also supporting their teachers in delivering structured language instruction. 

Communication Sciences and Disorders alumna Katherine A. Hutcheson, PhD, BCS-S, SLP-CCC, is a nationally known expert in head and neck cancer dysphagia. Through her current research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, she focuses on two core survivorship areas: communication abilities and eating abilities. 

In 2025, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences researchers published more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals and publications. View examples from across the College, as well as a selection of grant-funded projects. 

Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrates its 2025 Gold Standard recipients and Pure Gold award winners. These honors recognize faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions to the College through research achievement, teaching excellence, effective service, and/or contributions to building a positive culture.

The Deaf community in Waco is growing—and local advocates like Lewis Lummer, EdD, CT, CDI, CS, CM, CII, CASLPI/R/T, CSCPI/R/T, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University—are working to build a more inclusive environment for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

In Robbins College, faculty members and Baylor alumni Gabriel Benavidez, PhD, Kacie Dolezel, CCC-SLP, and Kimberly Smith, EdD, are enriching the Baylor experiences of the students they teach by drawing on their own impactful years as students of the University.

Graduate student Payton White was the inaugural Martin Scholar Award recipient, which granted her a full-ride scholarship to continue her education in speech-language pathology. Now, as she is on track to graduate in May 2026 with her Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she shares how the financial assistance helped her achieve her goals.

Taylor Field, a first‑semester Baylor University speech-language pathology graduate student, shares how her mother inspired her career path and why she chose Baylor’s supportive, accelerated program. She highlights hands-on clinical experience and strong faculty mentorship, and also encourages future students to follow their calling.

From groundbreaking academic launches to transformational research and outstanding student successes, 2025 was a remarkable year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. With its mission to enhance health, quality of life, and human flourishing, Robbins College made significant strides across education, research, outreach, and mission. Enjoy these 10 highlights from an exciting year.

Baylor University's American Sign Language (ASL) courses offer students more than language instruction—they foster deeper cultural understanding, empathy, and versatile communication skills. Students from a variety of majors and professions share that learning ASL enhances their critical thinking, storytelling, and professional readiness, while also connecting them meaningfully with the Deaf community.

Hear from researchers in Baylor's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences about the calling they have found at the intersection of faith and research. 

Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty have continued to shine as leaders in their field. In 2024-25, faculty advanced scholarship through publishing, presenting, and research.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointments of new faculty across its departments, effective August 2025. 

Students who have selected Baylor University’s Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences Disorders major are typically pursuing a career in speech-language pathology or audiology, and these highly service-oriented healthcare professions require more than a textbook and lecture education. Through the program, students are offered and pursue numerous opportunities to enhance their learning beyond the classroom—benefitting not just their own professional development, but also their fellow classmates, the Waco community, and those in need around the world.  

In an effort to better equip faculty with the skills necessary to foster mentor-mentee relationships, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has partnered with the Baylor Graduate School to design and facilitate a pilot mentor training workshop. 

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas B. Petersen, PhD, CCC-SL, BCS-CL, as the Vance Masteller Endowed Research Chair of Child Language Disorders in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, effective August 1, 2025.

As higher education costs continue to rise across the nation, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has announced the launch of a new scholarship initiative designed to support incoming students in the College’s online and hybrid graduate programs.

Ruthie Knight, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a trailblazer in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders—earning its first PhD in May 2025, following the program’s launch in 2021. Even as she faced and overcame the obstacles in her path, Knight used her personal connection to the field as someone with dyslexia to fuel her passion, perseverance, and research. 

Following the launch of Baylor University’s Strategic Plan, Baylor in Deeds, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences promptly began work on its own unit-level plan. Using its strategic Signature Research Initiatives as a foundation—along with input from College-wide surveys, departmental conversations, stakeholder discussions, and leadership deliberations— the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences 2024-2030 Strategic Plan was born.

Steve and Pam Eakin have become strong supporters of and advocates for Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences as a whole, yet their hearts belong to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Most recently, they decided to endow a new scholarship for the Department—creating a ripple of impact for those who serve and are served in the field of speech-language pathology. 

In Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, immersive trips offer chances to strengthen leadership skills, engage in research and clinical practices, and discover different cultures. These experiences would not be available without the Baylor University professors who develop curriculum, organize schedules, and juggle travel plans to ensure their courses make the greatest impact—both academically and beyond—for their students.

Faith is more than a guiding principle in Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)—it’s the foundation upon which it is built. Rooted in Christian values, the undergraduate and graduate programs both incorporate faith into the classroom as well as the Baylor Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, in turn equipping students to serve others through their God-given knowledge and compassion.

The Do No Harm event, an interprofessional educational initiative hosted by Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences’ Interprofessional Education Committee, was designed to prepare healthcare students for real-world challenges. Held in March 2025, the virtual event engaged students and professionals from across healthcare disciplines, allowing them a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate complex medical scenarios involving patient safety, compassion, and collaboration across fields. 

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences internal seed funding award recipients! In addition to the Robbins College Research Program, this year saw the introduction of two new internal funding programs: the Pedagogical Scholarship Award Program and the Dr. Mike and Mrs. Micki Maris Endowed Seed Fund for Student Research.

As part of Baylor University’s dedicated focus on civil discourse, 12 faculty members joined the inaugural cohort of Bridgebuilding Fellows in 2024. One member is Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences’ very own, Samantha Dvorak, SLPD, CCC-SLP, Associate Chair for Residential Academic Programs, Undergraduate Program Director, and Clinical Associate Professor, for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

In the coming weeks, we can expect around three in ten Americans to make a New Year’s resolution. It’s the time of year to make a commitment to making life improvements. But how many of these determined resolution-makers will actually keep the promises they’ve made? We’ve asked some of the experts in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences for their thoughts and advice around making and keeping a few popular New Year’s resolutions. 

With the New Year in sight, it is time to reflect back on the significant developments and exciting happenings from the past year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. In no particular order, check out these 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2024 year in review.

Guadalupe Aguilar has always had a close connection to Baylor University, but her journey to become a graduate student in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders had plenty of twists and turns. Learn more about how this first-generation Mexican-American student hopes to make an impact as a speech-language pathologist.

Hannover, Germany is home to one of the top research schools for implantable medical devices in the world—Hannover Medical School—and within the school resides Deutsches HörZentrum Hannover, the largest auditory research center in Europe. There, Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders researcher Yang-Soo Yoon, PhD, Associate Professor, had an opportunity to spend a semester abroad to expand upon his research in improving speech perception in noise. 

Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) celebrated a new first—a Baylor Missions trip designed specifically for students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. 

Recently, five CSD clinical faculty have chosen to pursue additional education by enrolling in doctoral programs. These clinical faculty are compelled by the impact a doctoral education can provide them. For example, their studies might allow them to elevate the learning experience of their Baylor CSD students or improve outcomes for the individuals they serve in the Clinic.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Chelsi Hansen, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina M. Wright, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Kim, PhD, as Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Monsisvais, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

As Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences celebrates its 10-year anniversary, take a look back at its programs' histories, learn more about modern growth, and hear about the future of one of Baylor University’s fastest growing academic unit.

Twenty years ago, Camp Success was just an idea that originated from research. It has since evolved into a “life-changing experience.” Launched in 2003 with support from the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Waco, this language and literacy intervention summer program has impacted the lives of 1,413 children to date. 

In 2023, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences researchers published more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and publications. Here we share examples of publications from across the College, as well as a selection of grant-funded projects from the last year—all supporting and strengthening the Robbins College Signature Research Initiatives. 

In his Fall 2022 semester kickoff address to College faculty and staff, Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, described his vision for developing a culture within the College that emphasizes valuing employees and encouraging collaboration. One of the ways these priorities took shape was through the launch of the Robbins College Pure Gold initiative.

The J. Harry and Anna Jeanes Academic Honors Week is hosted each spring semester by the Baylor University Honors College and includes a special Academic Honors Convocation ceremony. During Convocation, outstanding students from departments across the University are recognized, including undergraduate students from Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.

Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has announced two key leadership appointments related to transitions within the College. Effective June 1, 2024, Nadine Welch has been appointed Associate Dean for Undergraduate and International Studies and Leigh Greathouse, PhD, has been appointed Interim Chair of the Department of Public Health.

Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty are more than gifted teachers and speech-language pathologists—they are also talented researchers and scholars. In 2023, its faculty shared research in the following peer-reviewed journals and professional publications. 

With the New Year in sight, it is time to reflect back on the significant developments and exciting happenings from the past year for Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. Read more about 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2023 year in review.

Baylor University graduate Swinita Shah shares about her experience in the Online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, including her inspiration for becoming a speech language pathologist and the aspects of the program that helped her reach her goals.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, Baylor's Robbins College is highlighting a few of our outstanding Hispanic and Latino Americans Bears. Connie Mendoza is a student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders master's degree program and a member of the inaugural cohort of Trailblazer Scholars. Mendoza is pursuing a calling of service and using her gifts to make an impact in the speech-pathology profession.

Concussions, which are a mild traumatic brain injury, have become an epidemic in the United States. Jungjun Park, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is collaborating to develop a detecting tool that is intuitive to use and provides on-site test results.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Fuqua, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

On August 8, 2023, Jason R. Carter, PhD, celebrates his one-year anniversary as Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University. In this Q&A, Dean Carter shares his reflections on this past year along with his hopes and vision for the future.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Kacie Dolezel, CCC-SLP, as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

VocalOSO gives Communication Sciences and Disorders students firsthand experience evaluating voices and laryngeal examinations while allowing Theater and Music students to see their vocal mechanisms and identify possible concerns.

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program in Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is affirming accreditation with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). As part of the typical accreditation process, the CAA is seeking comments in advance of its scheduled May 2, 2023 site visit to Baylor University. As part of the site visit, a public meeting will be held Tuesday, May 2, from 3:15pm to 3:45pm in Room 101, Cashion Academic Center, 1401 S. 4th St, Waco, Texas 76706.

In this article from ASHA's Leader Live, Clinical Assistant Professor Kristle Soto makes print books interactive and engages the five senses to build clients’ literacy skills.

CSD students worked to improve child development in Rwanda, and HSS students worked to better health education in Costa Rica. These trips left students in both majors with a new perspective of their field as well as the world around them. 

Baylor University researcher Alison Prahl, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is exploring how the use of functional text (emails, text messages, etc.) can optimize literacy outcomes for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This December, the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences honored its first-ever Pure Gold Award recipients at a celebratory reception and dinner.

As 2022 comes to a close, we are grateful to be celebrating a year full of noteworthy and impactful developments for Baylor University's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. In no particular order, here are 10 highlights from Robbins College’s 2022 year in review.

Jenna York, a Communication Science and Disorder (CSD) student and reading assistant in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, speaks on her hearing disability which has formed her passion for Speech Pathology and the special needs community.

Senior Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Reagan Whitaker is the latest of three bears in the last six years to win Dr Pepper's Tuition Toss Giveaway. In this Q&A, she shares about her goals and the experience of competing at the SEC Championship Halftime Show.

Bethany Neubert, a Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) graduate student, shares about her experiences at Baylor University’s Camp Success, an intense language and literacy intervention program held each summer and made possible by a partnership between Baylor University and Waco Scottish Rite. Bethany has a unique relationship with Camp Success—she is now one of only a handful of people who have attended both as a camper and as a clinician.

Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has appointed Nicole McAninch, PhD, CFLE, as Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate and International Studies.

Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has announced a transition in leadership for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Effective January 1, 2023, Diane Loeb, PhD, will step down from her role as the Martin Family Endowed Chair and Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Michaela Ritter, EdD, will assume this critical leadership position.

After receiving early support from the Baylor University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, high school student Willow Alexander is now a champion for dyslexia awareness and resources.

From Kingdom building to sleeping horses to cheering on the Baylor Bears, get to know Jason R. Carter, PhD, new Dean of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University, in this Q&A.