Annual Newsletter
A Message from the Chair
Dear Friends,
This year has been one of momentum and possibility. We earned eight years of full reaccreditation, launched advanced clinical services, expanded simulation-based learning, and deepened our commitment to equity, access, and community engagement. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our faculty and students and the strong foundation built by alumni and community partners.
Our students learn to lead with compassion, clinical excellence, and cultural humility — values that define the Maverick spirit. Your continued connection makes this work possible.
With sincere appreciation, Dr. Sheen Chiou, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Professor and Chair
Landmark Achievements
Program Highlights and Milestones
Full Reaccreditation Through 2034
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology affirmed MSU–Mankato CSD’s excellence in clinical education, innovation, and student outcomes with eight years of full reaccreditation.
Clinical Innovation & Community Impact
- FEES Services Launched: Advanced swallowing assessment is now available at our Center through newly launched FEES services, bringing high-level clinical training to students and expanded diagnostic access for patients.
- Camp Hearo: Camp Hearo provided a welcoming space where children with hearing loss built confidence, connection, and pride in their communication devices.
- Interprofessional Simulation: Graduate students tackled complex traumatic brain injury cases through high-fidelity simulation at the Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center and interprofessional tabletop simulations alongside peers from across the College of Allied Health & Nursing.
- Vine Adult Community Center and Health for Heroes: Our Center provides free hearing screenings, an aural rehabilitation group, consultations, and wellness resources to local community members and veterans.
- Children’s House: Graduate student clinicians received real-world practice gaining clinical hours in an inclusive preschool environment. Students participated in evaluations in close collaboration with parents in early childhood educators to develop and implement intervention plans.
Expanding Community Reach
- Madelia Elementary Partnership: Our department partnered with Madelia Public Schools to provide speech-language services and training support, extending our clinical reach to rural communities and giving students real-world experience in school-based practice.
- SHRS Speaker Forum: We welcomed audiologists, audiology assistants, SLPs, and SLPAs who shared their career journeys with students, building professional identity and inspiration across our programs.
- Memory Care Program: Students and faculty developed and led an innovative memory care program serving community members living with dementia and their caregivers, offering meaningful engagement activities and communication support while building specialized clinical skills.
- Advocacy at the Capitals: Faculty traveled to the U.S. Capitol and Minnesota State Capitol to advocate on behalf of audiology and speech-language pathology services, amplifying our profession’s voice in policy discussions.
American Sign Language Certificate Program
The ASL Certificate Program hosted a successful Fall ASL Panel, welcoming 300 students to learn from Deaf professionals who shared powerful insights about their careers, lived experiences, and resilience. Students also participated in the Spring ASL Amazing Race, an interactive event that fostered collaboration and immersive learning beyond the classroom.
Scholarship and Outreach
Faculty and Student Achievements
Publications
- Sheen Chiou published a book chapter on “Bridging lived experiences and cultural responsiveness for Asian speech-language pathologists in the U.S.”
- Kristi Oeding and Dr. Sonika Masih published an article on “Leading with Joy and Purpose” in the Journal of Advancing Education Practice.
Conference Presentations
- 2025 ASHA Convention: Bruce Poburka and Grace Miller presented on “Utility of Electroglottography for Assessment of Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction.” Dr. Sheen Chiou co-presented on “A Blueprint for Inclusive Practice: Lessons from AAPI Professionals.”
- 2025 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language: Professor Sween presented Cultivating Cultural Competency in ASL Education.
- 2026 Conference on Research Innovations in Early Intervention: Larson presented a poster with colleagues describing an approach they used to link siloed data from multiple state data systems – providing the foundation for next steps that will help illuminate disparities in Early Intervention systems for families with marginalized identities.
- 2026 MNSHA Spring Convention: Larson, Dr. Lauderbaugh, and Center Director Berndt presented on clinical education, culturally responsive practice, and interdisciplinary approaches to behavior and communication. Drs. Chiou, Oeding, and Butcher served on the convention committee, shaping this year’s statewide professional program.
- 2026 Health Summit: Faculty and students addressed rural health and wellness through simulation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- 2026 American Academy of Audiology convention: Dr. Oeding and Adreya Connor had a poster accepted on “Perceptions of Counseling and Relationship Building in Hearing Healthcare.”
- 2026 LILLY Conferences on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning: Dr. Oeding and Center Director Berndt presented a talk on “Confidence and emotions in learning clinical skills as undergraduates.”
Recognition
Awards and Honors
CAPCSD Excellence in Diversity Award
Dr. Sheen Chiou received national recognition from the Council for Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders reflecting her deep commitment to equity, culturally responsive care, and leadership.
MSU–Mankato Research Innovation Award
The College of Allied Health and Nursing recognized Dr. Bruce Poburka’s outstanding scholarship and his contribution to the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Student Spotlight
Students Making a Difference
Our students are the heart of everything we do. This year, they delivered clinical services in schools, memory care facilities, and veterans’ programs — all while presenting research at national conferences and leading community events.
Spotlight: Grace Miller
Grace co-presented with Dr. Bruce Poburka at the 2025 ASHA National Convention in Boston, sharing research on electroglottography for the assessment of inducible laryngeal obstruction — a remarkable achievement representing our program’s commitment to student scholarship.
Congratulations to Our Outstanding Students!
National Convention Presenters
Grace Miller, Brenna Sommers, Johrdan Oppegaard, Adreya Connor
State Convention and University Presenters
Grace Miller, Johrdan Oppegaard, Taylor Schneider, Brenna Sommers, Faith Olson, Ava Koens, Emily Curtis, Quintin Devlaeminck, Macey Setter, Sidney Scheel, Danielle Steckler
MSU Mav Coin Award
Congratulations to Carly Brundies for receiving a University Mav Coin in recognition of her outstanding community work. This honor reflects the compassion and dedication she brings to everything she does.
Commencement 2026
Representing Our College at Graduation
We were proud and honored that two graduates from our undergraduate program were selected to represent the College of Allied Health and Nursing as commencement speakers — a remarkable distinction that reflects the character, dedication, and achievement of our students.
Kya Krzmarzick
Fall Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Isabelle Johnson
Spring Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Having two voices from SHRS represent the entire college at commencement is a meaningful testament to the quality and impact of our students. Congratulations!
Alumni Spotlight
Our Alumni Lead with Impact
Our alumni are mentoring the next generation, directing clinical teams, and serving communities nationwide. We are proud of every path they forge.
Nikki Neisen
Clinical Educator — MSU–Mankato
Alissa Allison
Clinical Educator — Metropolitan State University of Denver
Kayti Helm
Clinical Director — Care Options for Kids, Denver
Lexi Fronk
Group Facilitator — Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now
Stay connected with our incredible alumni community on LinkedIn: Communication Sciences & Disorders at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Growing Our Team
Welcome New Faculty & Staff
Dr. Anne Larson, PhD, CCC-SLP | Assistant Professor
Bilingual (Spanish–English) researcher specializing in equitable early communication services, caregiver coaching, and the intersection of language, disability, and immigration status.
Dr. Angie Lauderbaugh, EdD, CCC-SLP | Assistant Professor
Licensed SLP and special education administrator with expertise in school-age communication disorders, culturally responsive practice, and evidence-based assessment and intervention.
Candace Hottinger, Administrative Assistant
Candace brings extensive administrative experience at the college and university level. Her warmth, expertise, and dedication are already making a meaningful difference. Welcome!
In Loving Memory
Dr. Reneé Shellum
Associate Professor, Audiologist, Advocate, and Friend
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Dr. Reneé Shellum, a beloved colleague who dedicated over two decades to MSU–Mankato. A cornerstone of our department, she helped establish the undergraduate audiology track, championed hearing health in the community, and mentored countless students with extraordinary warmth and generosity. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched. She will be deeply missed.
Honoring A Legacy
Celebrating Dr. Bruce Poburka
31 Years of Exceptional Service
After 31 years at MSU–Mankato, Dr. Poburka retires having shaped the careers of countless speech, language, and hearing professionals. His mentorship, scholarship, and generous spirit are woven into the fabric of this department. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and wish him a joyful and well-earned retirement.
Support Our Work
Give Back
Your investment in SHRS is an investment in the next generation of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and rehabilitation professionals — and in the southern Minnesota communities they will serve. Every gift, large or small, makes a direct difference.
Support the Department
Your gift to the SHRS department fund supports student programming, clinical innovation, community outreach, and the experiences that set our graduates apart.
Ways your gift helps:
- Hearing health outreach
- Advanced clinical equipment/training
Fund a Scholarship
Scholarships open doors for talented students who might otherwise be unable to pursue a career in communication sciences and disorders. Your gift changes lives.
Scholarship support:
- Reduces financial barriers to undergrad and graduate study
- Attracts diverse, high-achieving students
Thank You to Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to Sertoma, Russell Miller, SPG, the Hargrove family, and all generous donors whose contributions make our mission possible year after year.
