Nicole Turner, a second-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the U of A, was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Lever Tuition Fellowship. The Benjamin Franklin Lever Tuition Fellowship celebrates graduate students who enrich the U of A's community through their diverse perspectives and experiences, as well as supporting their academic endeavors.

Turner completed her Bachelor of Science in communication disorders at the U of A and is now pursuing her Master of Science in communication disorders, expected to graduate in 2026.

"I chose to pursue communication sciences and disorders because I have always known I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people's lives," Turner said. "Communication is the foundation of connection. It's how we build relationships, share our ideas and express who we are. The ability to support others in developing or regaining these essential skills felt like the perfect fit for me."

Her passion for the medical side of speech-language pathology grew after taking a medical SLP course with Jessica Danley, clinical instructor, and completing clinical rotations in hospital and home health settings. "While I already knew I wanted to work with the adult population, being in a medical setting gave me a sense of fulfillment that confirmed and deepened my interest," Turner explained.

"Nicole has been a stand-out in our program," said Communication Sciences and Disorders Program Director Dr. Rachel Glade. "There is no question that Nicole is a future leader in our field. We are proud she chose the University of Arkansas to continue her education, and she is well deserving of this award."

"From her first day in the program, Nicole has stood out as a clinical leader," added Danley. "She is an engaged and thoughtful learner and has consistently impressed supervisors with her ability to connect coursework to patient care. It's been a privilege to watch her grow into a skilled and empathetic clinician."

Turner volunteered at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and was actively involved with NSSLHA during her undergraduate years. These experiences, she said, taught her the importance of flexibility, relationship-building and individualized support.

After graduation, Turner plans to pursue a career in medical speech-language pathology, working with the adult population in healthcare settings, while staying connected with her community and continuing to grow professionally in the field.