(Department History Continued)

In 1969, a graduate program in speech pathology and audiology was initiated with concentration on professional preparation through academic and clinical training. One student enrolled in the graduate program, while the number of undergraduate majors in communicative disorders increased to seventy-five. Dr. Nels Beck and Dr. Jane May were new additions to the faculty. In January of 1970, the program was moved to University House, and in the spring of that same year, departmental status was granted.

In the fall of 1970, Dr. Hugh Bateman became Coordinator of Clinical Services, and Mrs. Millie Quarterman was added as a replacement position. By that time the number of full-time graduate students had increased to six and there were many part-time graduate students as well. Dr. Bateman was appointed as acting chairman for the 1971-72 year. Ms. Charlene Bullock filled a replacement position, and Dr. Jerry Punch was added in audiology, bringing the number of faculty members to six. Program energy was spent building clinical services and the graduate training program which included fifteen full-time students.

In 1972 Dr. Thomas J. Wentland became Chairman of the Department of Communicative Disorders. The number of undergraduate and graduate students increased to 100 and 20, respectively. In June of 1973, the Department of Communicative Disorders was transferred from University House to George Hall, previously a men’s dormitory which had been renovated for the purpose of providing a location for all departmental activities. In the fall of 1973, there were seven faculty members with Mr. Harold Meyers and Mr. Bruce Plakke as replacement positions and Mrs. Phyllis Goodwin as an addition for clinical supervision. One hundred undergraduates were enrolled as well as twenty-nine full-time graduate students.