College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Graduating senior Savannah Stevens chose WKU because of the rich tradition, community, and opportunity it offers students - opportunities that she made the most of during her time on the Hill. 

Stevens, a Communication Disorders student from Lexington, explains, “I truly got to see first-hand all the wonderful things this school has to offer students when it came to academics and preparation for life after college.”

The Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders prepares students to assess, diagnose, treat, and serve children and adults who present a range of communication challenges, disorders, differences, or delays. For a few years, Savannah has worked in the Communication Disorders clinic to practice techniques to serve in the field. 

“During my clinical experience, I am able to provide treatment to my client under the supervision of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. This gives me a hands-on approach to apply what I have learned in class in a real-life treatment session,” Stevens said. Her clinical experience allows her to gain experience and receive feedback from licensed professionals. “I feel well-prepared to start my clinical experience in graduate school because of the training I have received in my program here at WKU.”

“My clinical internship class has allowed me to improve the way I plan lessons, write goals, and execute the treatment in my session,” Stevens said. She specifically mentioned a course that most undergraduate students do not get to take called Augmentative Alternative Communication. “I had a project that I got to make a low-tech communication board. The low-tech communication board would be utilized by someone with limited language skills to communicate. This project allowed me to become familiar with the website for making communication boards. Since I got to take this course as an undergraduate student, I feel better equipped going into graduate school since I have this skill and knowledge of AAC.”

These clinical experiences are made more meaningful with the contributions from supportive faculty and staff, such as Dr. Kimberly Green, Associate Professor and Communication Sciences & Disorders Department Chair.

“Dr. Green has been an unwavering pillar of support to me during my time here at WKU. The knowledge that she has poured into me, even the words of wisdom that she has shared with me means so much to me,” Stevens said.  

“The faculty and staff in my academic program are always readily available to assist each and every student in our program. They are forward thinkers who value positive change and the overall betterment of our program. Furthermore, they have provided me with an academically challenging yet comfortable environment for learning,” Stevens said.

In addition to gaining experience in the clinic, Stevens also remained involved in roles on campus, such as serving as a CHHS Ambassador and WKU Spirit Master. “These organizations allowed me to learn more about myself and how I can best use my leadership skills. It also molded me to be the best version of myself,” Stevens said. 

As a CHHS Ambassador, Stevens volunteered at campus-wide events and educated guests on the College of Health and Human Services. As a Spirit Master, her activities varied. She helped at campus-wide events, events for prospective students, and Commencement. Stevens gave tours, speaks on panels, and volunteered at Commencement and Bowling Green community events as part of her Spirit Master role. 

“The best part of my WKU experience has been the people I have met these past three years,” Stevens said. “I have met some of my lifelong friends at this wonderful university, and because of WKU we have made sweet memories that I will cherish forever.” 

Savannah Stevens will graduate Summa Cum Laude from WKU on May 2, 2024, with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Language Certificate in Spanish. After graduation, she will attend graduate school for a Master’s in speech-language pathology.

To learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, visit https://www.wku.edu/communicationdisorders/. 

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187