Dean Kristofer Hagglund has selected Teresa Pitts, PhD, CCC/SLP, to be the next chair of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. She will lead a department that is home to one of the nation’s oldest continually accredited programs in speech-language pathology and offers the only PhD program in speech-language pathology in Missouri.

“Dr. Pitts received overwhelming support as a candidate for department chair,” said Kristofer Hagglund, Dean of the School of Health Professions. “Her robust research program in the areas of swallowing and respiration, and her experience in teaching, mentoring and clinical practice make her an exceptional leader for the department.”

Dr. Pitts earned her PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida and completed her post-doctoral fellowship in the Departments of Neurology and Physiological Sciences at the same institution. She is an experienced speech-language pathologist and expert in swallowing and airway protection.

Dr. Pitts will be joined by Kimberly Iceman, PhD, who has accepted the position of assistant research professor in the Department of SLHS, and Clint Greene, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, who will have an appointment in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I am really looking forward to joining the School of Health Professions team and working with all the faculty, staff and students in the Department of SLHS,” Dr. Pitts said. “This department is a special place, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of success!”