WTAMU Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Spencer and Dr. Traci Banister Fredman on an excellent article!

https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1b.31052026.aud-slp-dementia-types-diagnosis.40/full/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR_4EVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe1NrNRzoOMBBdYKU1HfnnenurKMB9ICc9sC_jXkEr3hswgouNirWPZnGAFZc_aem_USav5seZtro7fbY94vyjaA

What to Know About Types of Dementia Understanding common etiologies and clinical presentations of dementia helps shed light on patients’ behavioral changes—and how best to help them.

✨ Meet Our Outstanding Grad 2: Marlee Hicks! ✨

The WTAMU Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences is proud to recognize Marlee Hicks as our Outstanding Grad 2 student! 🎓💙

Marlee has distinguished herself through her dedication to clinical excellence, compassion for others, and commitment to serving individuals and families through speech-language pathology. Her leadership, professionalism, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on both her peers and faculty.

Marlee has served as a Student Ambassador for the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences since her junior year as an undergraduate student. During that time, she has introduced countless students to the impact speech-language pathologists and audiologists have on the world around us.

She has accepted a job at Turn Center, a nonprofit pediatric therapy center in Amarillo, where she looks forward to changing the lives of the families she serves through speech-language pathology.

Marlee, you have been an outstanding student, clinician, ambassador, and person since day one. Thank you for your dedication and service!

Please join us in congratulating Marlee on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🦬

As finals week begins, we want you to know how proud we are of the work, resilience, and dedication you’ve shown throughout the semester.

This is a challenging time, but you are more prepared than you realize. Take things one step at a time, embrace the opportunity, and remember that your worth is not defined by a single exam.

We believe in your ability to finish strong, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. You’ve got this!! 👏💪🦬

WOW!! 🤩 In just a few days, you came through in support of the future generation of SLPs! 🤯

Because of your generosity, our Dress the Future Campaign has already met its goal, making an impact on the next generation of speech-language pathologists at WTAMU.

Your gifts helped alleviate the cost of clinical uniforms for incoming graduate clinicians as they begin their journey serving families across the Texas Panhandle and beyond.

Your support does more than provide clinic uniforms. It helps students walk into the clinic feeling confident, prepared, and proud to represent the profession from day one.

We are incredibly grateful for every donor, every share, and every word of encouragement! Thank you for investing in our students and the future of speech-language pathology!

THANK YOU, Buff community 💛🦬

Continuing our recognition of outstanding students—congratulations to Elisa Atkinson on being named Outstanding Grad 1 for the 2025–2026 academic year! 🎉👏

Elisa completed her undergraduate studies at WT, where she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. She has continued to be a steady, positive force among her peers in graduate school—someone who not only excels personally, but elevates everyone around her.

What truly sets Elisa apart is the way she brings together compassion and clinical excellence. As a clinician-in-training, she approaches each patient with empathy, attentiveness, and respect, while maintaining a strong foundation of knowledge and professionalism.

Elisa, we are so proud of the way you lead by example, handle challenges with grace, and consistently go above and beyond expectations.

Most of all, we are proud of who you are. 👏👏👏

We’re proud to recognize Sidney Perkins as our Outstanding Senior for the 2025–2026 academic year! 🎉

Sidney began by shadowing Dr. Brenda Cross as a Senior PRO student from Randall High School. Throughout her senior year, her passion for audiology and love for clinical service grew.

Her passion led Sidney to serve as the WT Speech and Hearing Clinic’s secretary for two years before becoming a Senior Clinician in Audiology.

Sidney has exceeded expectations in her coursework and clinicals, and she is excited to attend graduate school at Texas Tech to study audiology.

Congratulations, Sidney! We are all so proud of you and wish you the best in your future studies! 👏🥳

‼️Attention all Buff Supporters—We need YOUR Help ‼️

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 💬
Before our graduate clinicians change lives, they need the tools and the confidence to begin.

This summer, we’re raising $1,000 to provide clinic uniforms for our incoming graduate students.

A uniform isn’t just clothing—it represents professionalism, belonging, and readiness to serve.

Join our community by giving back to the future of our profession.

💵 $50 = outfits one future clinician

Join the giving at any level!!
• $10 = Buff Supporter
• $25 = Buff Partner
• $50 = Future Builder
• $50 = Communication Champion

Help us Dress the Future of Communication 🦬
Give today and make an immediate impact.
Please select the “Excellence” account to distinguish the gift for this cause.

Give here: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/WestTexasAMUniversity/wt-speech-and-hearing-sciences

WT Speech and Hearing Sciences Join me and make a gift to WT Speech and Hearing Sciences

We’re proud to recognize Ella Scantlin as our Outstanding Junior for the 2025–2026 academic year! 🎉

Ella earned this distinction through her exceptional performance across her courses, consistently demonstrating dedication, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Beyond her academic success, she has made a meaningful impact on her peers—serving as a positive influence within her cohort and helping to foster a supportive, engaged learning environment.

Congratulations, Ella, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🥳

🎓 Level up your CEUs—right here in the Panhandle!

The Panhandle Regional Speech & Hearing Association (PRSHA) is hosting a can’t-miss CEU opportunity. 🙌

✨ Bonus brag: All THREE presenters are either alumni or faculty of the WTAMU Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences—bringing their real-world expertise, evidence-based practice, and buff roots to the table.

📅 Don’t miss this chance to earn CEUs, support our regional association, and learn from distinguished Buffs!

Panhandle SLPs—we heard you loud and clear!

Come be part of an awesome learning experience led by our own local SLPs. Don’t miss it—we hope to see you there!

Sign up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevAt-wqD5MQxegVk9Glb9jdlBEr9MnGgfBag531Ea6tZiXJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108178432549501960830