Jackson State University News November 20, 2018 National speech-language group lauds diversity research by Newkirk-Turner The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) recently honored JSU's Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner, chair and associate professor of Communicative Disorders in the School of Public Health, for her contributions in research, clinical services to multicultural populations and teaching. Her work, which includes research related to child speakers of African-American English, earned the Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs. With several of her students present, Newkirk-Turner accepted the honor Nov. 16 during the annual convention of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association in Boston, Massachusetts. The commendation is vital because Newkirk-Turner's professional colleagues make up less than 4 percent who identify themselves as African-Americans. "For that reason, JSU has a unique opportunity to prepare African-American students venturing into the field of speech-language pathology. A lot of my work involves providing greater access to the field," Newkirk-Turner said. In fact, she boasts that JSU's program is racially, ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse. "It prepares graduate students to serve clients coping with speech and language disorders." Furthermore, Newkirk-Turner said, "We say that diversity is our superpower because it can exist with excellence in the same place at the same time," and she confidently claims that excellence is enhanced because "we have a very serious commitment to diversity." Despite many responsibilities, she's visited a pre-school weekly for about five years to help children who require language and literacy services. Also, by writing grants, she has earned funding to support the graduate education of more than 20 students, providing them with scholarships, stipends and other financial support. "In general, the ASHA award captures contributions I made in research, teaching and service to multicultural population," Newkirk-Turner said. According to its website, ASHA is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for 198,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; and speech, language and hearing scientists. It also includes audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel and students. Over the years, Newkirk-Turner has aggressively sought and received funding for various projects. Recently, sheand co-principal investigator Dr. Ronica Arnold Branson in the College of Education and Human Development received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. Those funds will help prepare students from Communicative Disorders and school counselors to assist children with disabilities and high-intensity needs. With the newest funding, she's now managing three grants with a multicultural focus, including one from the National Science Foundation. Overall, in eight years, she's brought in more than $2 million in grant funding. "My students will tell you that my favorite quote is high achievement always take place in the framework of high expectations." Furthermore, Newkirk-Turner said she learned that "if you keep expectations high and nurture and support students, they will exceed expectations. At JSU, we have students who are brilliant, bright and curious." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ Authenticity Project: Click here: https://www.diglib.org/opportunities/authenticity-project/ to apply. Applications accepted until Friday, November 16th.