Dr. Lennette J. Ivy began her career in Communication Sciences and Disorders as a speech therapist in the public schools after earning a bachelor's degree in Speech Therapy from Mississippi Valley State University. After 18 years of public school service, and completion of the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, from The University of Mississippi, she made a career change and became a clinical supervisor and instructor at The University of Mississippi, where she is currently employed. Dr. Ivy earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology from The University of Memphis in December, 2004. Her area of study was Language and Literacy Development and Disorders in African American Children. Dr. Ivy returned to The University of Mississippi, as an Assistant Professor and began teaching graduate courses in language and phonological development and disorders, and mentoring students' research projects. Her own research interests and publications are related to literacy development and acquisition in culturally diverse populations. In 2007, Dr. Ivy serviced as the Interim Department Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The University of Mississippi. She served in that capacity until June 30, 2011. In July, 2011, Dr. Ivy was awarded tenure and promotion to associate professor, and appointed Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorder.