Rachel Glade, a clinical associate professor in the College of Education and Health Professions, has been elected vice president of academic affairs of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) board.

Glade, program director of the college's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, will begin her three-year term in January 2025. She's only the third Arkansan to serve on the board in the last 50 years and the first in the U of A program's history.

"It was an honor to be nominated and an unexpected dream come true to be elected to the board," Glade said. "I am eager to work hard for ASHA as well as current and future speech-language pathologists and audiologists."

In her role as vice president for academic affairs in speech-language pathology, Glade will, among other various responsibilities, advance undergraduate and graduate education in speech-language pathology, actively seek sources for student financial support, be the board's liaison to the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, promote interprofessional learning experiences and serve on the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Board of Directors.

"This national appointment represents Rachel's tremendous contributions both within and outside the university," said Steven Wheeler, head of the college's Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy. "Her diverse knowledge, strong work ethic and commitment to professional service will be a tremendous asset to the board. In addition to her recognized expertise in various aspects of curriculum, teaching and student success across the university, her background as an expert clinician, professional advocate and community leader makes her well-positioned to be highly impactful in this new professional role with ASHA."

In the letter congratulating Glade, ASHA Fellow Donna Smiley commended her for a willingness to serve ASHA, its members and "the people that we work with who have communication, swallowing and balance issues." She added, "I have no doubt that you will bring an important perspective to the ASHA Board of Directors and that you will be a welcomed voice in the work. From our days of working together at Arkansas Children's Hospital to getting to work together at the national level, I have no doubt that this will be an amazing experience for you and that ASHA will be the benefactor of your brain power."

Current ASHA President Tena McNamara also shared a message with Glade, noting, "The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Association and actively champions its objectives, operating and implementing in accordance with the programs and policies established by the board and those in the bylaws. Congratulations on your election. The board values teamwork and is looking forward to benefiting from your knowledge and expertise!"

At the U of A, Glade teaches courses and provides clinical supervision for student clinicians. She's also the director of the College of Education and Health Professions' honors program. Her leadership roles on campus have included serving on numerous committees and as a faculty mentor for the U of A chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association.

Glade provides assessment, intervention and consultations for individuals with hearing loss in Arkansas and across the U.S. In addition to ASHA, she's a member of the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA), the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell), the Global Foundation for Hearing Loss, the National Council for Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) and Arkansas Hands and Voices. Glade is also a "State Champion" for the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. In 2018, she was named president-elect of ArkSHA and served in leadership positions for the association for three years.