In October, the program of Communication Sciences and Disorders had two faculty members recognized for their contributions to the field of speech-language pathology at the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA) Conference. ArkSHA connects audiologists, speech-language pathologists and future professionals through advocacy, education, mentoring and networking.
Assistant professor Chris Holyfield was recognized with the ArkSHA Research Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the research literature related to the professions of speech pathology or audiology. This is the second time in the history of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program that a faculty member has received this award. She was awarded this award for her continued intervention research focused on improving communication and language outcomes for individuals with developmental and multiple disabilities.
Her work has helped develop and evaluate novel instructional strategies and technological innovations to support individuals with developmental disabilities in communicating. She collaborates with researchers throughout the country toward that end. Holyfield has presented her work internationally and nationally and has published in a number of high-impact journals. Importantly, she has also collaborated with organizations in the state of Arkansas to support the translation of research to practice within the state.
Associate professor Fran Hagstrom was selected to receive the state association’s highest distinction, the Honors of the Association Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of audiology or speech pathology over the course of their career. Hagstrom established one of the longest running and most successful study abroad programs on campus, Health Teams Abroad–Sweden, has mentored over 50 undergraduate honors students, has presented and taught nationally and internationally, has served the campus and her profession in a variety of leadership positions – including being the former assistant dean of health professions for the College of Education and Health Professions – and has received millions in grant funding over her career. Recently, Hagstrom was awarded the Distinguished Teaching and Research Award from the Honors College and was the 2021 recipient of the COEHP Honors Faculty Award.
Holyfield and Hagstrom have demonstrated consistent impact in the field of speech-language pathology on the campus of the U of A and beyond. Their sustained work was recognized and celebrated by ArkSHA as well as the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program this year.
