Kurt P. Kitselman, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Human Communication Studies

Personal statement:    The field of speech-language pathology offers students and professionals a wonderful diversity of opportunities.  This diversity starts at the level of basic knowledge that students acquire, knowledge that crosses through the fields of biology, psychology, linguistics, and sociology.  The diversity grows as students progress into clinical areas, which range from helping persons change or reduce an accent to helping  premature infants learn to swallow safely.  The employment settings range from private clinics, to public schools, to specialized rehabilitation hospitals.  And the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of our clients span a truly incredible range of diversity.   It's hard to imagine how anyone could become bored in this field.  My challenge as an educator, and it is a challenge that I love, is to help students see the rich diversity of our field and to help them prepare themselves for a lifetime of enjoyment and contribution in the field of speech-language pathology.

Clinical Emphasis:  Neurogenic disorders of speech, language, cognition, and swallowing.  

Scholarly/Research Emphasis:  Efficacy of treatment;  methods for the valid clinical assessment of dysphagia.