MOUNT VERNON – For the fifth year in a row, graduates of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s speech-language pathology and audiology (communication sciences and disorders-CSD) degree have achieved 100% placement in graduate programs.
Six students applied and were accepted to pursue a graduate degree in speech language pathology, while one student will pursue a graduate degree in psychology. Two others have decided to take a gap year, while two more will pursue other vocations including teaching in an early childhood center and mentoring/coaching.
The students in this year’s class are Makayla Lynch, Jamie Peyton Broce, Alison Bals, Allison Hartman, Ellie Ruby, Brooke Harman, Rylie Partlow, Kayley Wiles, Keelie Williams, Emerson Hamsher and Sara Petron.
“I am so proud of our students. The Class of 2022 has diverse interests, personalities, strengths and gifts. I am encouraged by their boldness and courage to embrace it,” said Florence Hardjono, assistant professor and program director. “Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) from MVNU does not limit your calling to pursue a graduate degree in speech language pathology or audiology. In fact, it is just the opposite. A bachelor’s degree from MVNU in the field of CSD can also prepare you to pursue a graduate degree in other fields such as education, allied health, psychology and many others. The possibilities are endless.”
Seven members of CSD Class of 2022 have been accepted into schools, with many receiving scholarships and assistantships. A partial list of accepting programs includes Ball State University, Miami University, Marshall University, University of Cincinnati, University of Akron, Thiel College, Ohio University, Baldwin Wallace University and John Carroll University.
“I have been very well prepared here at MVNU for grad school. All the prerequisites needed we have had to take here,” said Ellie Ruby. “Also, all the clinical experience at MVNU is going to help tremendously for grad school because not many schools allow their undergraduates to have hands-on clinical experiences.”
“Coming from CSD will help me to work with a greater diversity of clients who may have complex issues,” said Alison Bals, who has chosen to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. “Many people with speech, language, and hearing disorders have comorbid mental health disorders. I think that having a grasp on typical versus abnormal human communication will help me to serve those clients and help me identify the root cause of certain issues.”
Brooke Harman will take a gap year before jumping into a graduate program but knows she will be able to practice learned skills during that time.
“During my year off, I will be working full time and continuing to serve in the buddy ministry at church,” said Harman. “The buddy ministry allows us to be available as a one-on-one mentor to a child whether they just need extra attention that day or have someone to help them participate in activities with the other children. The things I learned as a CSD major will help me as I serve in the ministry and while interacting with children in their families. The knowledge I have will help me understand the needs of a child and give me the ability to help them better.”
Prof. Hardjono said CSD alumni are excelling in their graduate programs. As a result, graduate programs are aware that MVNU students are well prepared and ready for graduate school.
“We are so proud of the exceptional graduate school acceptance rate for the 2022 speech-language pathology and audiology graduates again this year,” said Dr. Carol Dorough, dean of MVNU’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences. “For the fifth year in a row, 100% of the applicants have been accepted. The SLPA program here at MVNU is outstanding, and our students are well prepared to further their education and be strong contributors to their profession.”
MVNU is the only Nazarene university in the U.S., and the only member of the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities in the state of Ohio, to offer a degree program in communication sciences and disorders. MVNU operates a speech therapy clinic in its downtown Mount Vernon Hunter Hall that allows undergraduate students to gain real clinical experience while also serving the community.
For more information on MVNU’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program, visit www.mvnu.edu/undergraduate/academics/csd.
cutline - Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program continues a five-year streak of 100% placement in graduate programs with the Class of 2022. Graduates are, front row, from left, Ellie Ruby, Rylie Partlow, Emerson Hamsher, Jamie P. Broce and Alison Bals; back row, from left, Allison Hartman, Sara Petron, Brooke Harman, Kayley Wiles and Keelie Williams. Not pictured is Makayla Lynch.
