The University of Arkansas student chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association has been awarded 2018 Bronze Chapter honors. It's the first time in its history that the registered student organization has earned the designation.

Efforts by the chapter cited in the award announcement helped the national organization:

• Increase awareness of communication sciences and disorders among state and federal legislators
• Provide scholarships to students in communication sciences and disorders programs by contributing to a donation of more than $10,000 to the ASHFoundation's NSSLHA Scholarship
• Raise more than $15,250 to the 2017-18 NSSLHA Loves campaign
• Support clients, students and organizations in local communities across the nation

"I could not be more proud of the efforts of our NSSLHA officers and members this year," said Rachel Glade, faculty chapter adviser and clinical assistant professor in the communication disorders program. "Their efforts led to a significant increase in membership this past year as well as service outreach in the community through volunteering for nonprofit organizations like 99Balloons, TEAMWorks, and Arkansas Hands & Voices."

National NSSLHA Chapter Honors are awarded to affiliated NSSLHA chapters that demonstrate an outstanding effort to support the national organization's mission to inspire, empower, and support students in communication sciences and disorders programs.

The U of a Chapter of NSSLHA assists in providing professional development for students and professionals associated with communication disorders, providing information about the profession to students and the community, and serves as a vehicle for positive growth toward the awareness of communication disorders. Membership is open to all students enrolled at the University of Arkansas. For additional information, check out the University of Arkansas NSSLHA Facebook or HOGSync page.

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Established in 1972, National NSSLHA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and supports more than 13,400 members and more than 300 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide.