University of Utah NSSLHA Chapter Named National Chapter of the Year
Highlights
- University of Utah NSSLHA chapter named 2025-26 National NSSLHA Chapter of the Year
- National recognition awarded from among more than 300 university chapters across the country
- Students logged more than 200 volunteer hours, sent 50 advocacy messages to legislators, and organized local and international service initiatives
The University of Utah's local chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) has been named the 2025-26 National NSSLHA Chapter of the Year, one of the organization's highest honors. Announced May 14, the award recognizes the chapter's outstanding achievements in leadership, advocacy, service, inclusion, and student engagement during the academic year.
The chapter was selected from more than 300 NSSLHA chapters nationwide, earning national recognition for its impact both on campus and in the community. Under the leadership of student officers Angie Gomez, Camrynn Flygare, and Kyra Chan, and faculty advisors Joelle Rasmussen and JJ Whicker, the chapter demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the speech-language pathology and audiology professions.
"This award is a wonderful reflection of the passion and commitment our students bring to the department and the profession," said Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Honors, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. "Whether they're volunteering in the community, advocating for speech-language pathology and audiology, or supporting fellow students, they consistently go above and beyond. We couldn't be prouder of this achievement."
According to National NSSLHA, the University of Utah chapter completed more than 200 volunteer hours, organized advocacy efforts that generated 50 messages to legislators, and helped protect speech-language pathology and audiology licensure through partnerships with the Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students also traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, where they worked alongside local educational and medical organizations serving Native Oaxacan and Indigenous communities.
The chapter further expanded its impact through more than 20 local service projects supporting food pantries, clinics, animal shelters, and other community organizations. Members also launched the chapter's first Diversity Night, featuring discussions on neurodiversity, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, bilingualism in communication sciences and disorders, and other topics designed to foster belonging.
In addition to service and advocacy efforts, the chapter strengthened student engagement through mentorship programs, faculty networking events, wellness activities, career development opportunities, and successful fundraising initiatives. These efforts culminated in a milestone funding award from student government and record-breaking participation across the organization.
National NSSLHA highlighted the chapter's creativity, resilience, and commitment to service as key factors in earning the Chapter of the Year designation. The recognition reflects the dedication of University of Utah students and faculty to advancing communication sciences and disorders while making meaningful contributions to communities locally and globally.