TCU speech-language pathology graduate student Christine Schmidt received the Jeanne Braniff Terrell Scholarship from the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Foundation at its annual awards luncheon. The luncheon was part of the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association 50th Annual Convention and Exhibition, and Schmidt is one of two recipients of the 2006 scholarship.

First established in 1988, the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Foundation Jeanne Braniff Terrell Scholarship is awarded annually to usually one student from the following North Texas universities: TCU, University of Texas – Dallas, Texas Women’s University and the University of North Texas. This year the scholarship was awarded to two students. Scholarship criteria for nominees include scholastic achievement, financial need, motivation, and a personal letter detailing professional goals and future plans is also requested.

Dr. Mary Ann Acevedo, scholarship committee chair for the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Foundation, spoke highly of Schmidt’s credentials for the scholarship. “The Texas Speech, Language Hearing Foundation committee that reviewed her qualifications was impressed with her strong academic performance and her initiative in attending an audiology doctoral program for one year before beginning the masters program in speech-language pathology at TCU in order to be better prepared to eventually work on a cochlear implant team,” said Acevedo. “We were also impressed with her plan to continue on for a Ph.D. in communication disorders.”

TCU professor Dr. William J. Ryan, chair for the TCU department of communication sciences and disorders, nominated Schmidt for the scholarship. “Christine was the unanimous choice of our faculty as the student who best exemplifies the ideals embodied in the scholarship award,” said Ryan. “Her exceptional academic and clinical skills, high level of commitment, and her strong interpersonal skills all attest to her potential as a professional.”

Schmidt received her Bachelor of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders and minor in Spanish from TCU in May 2004, and it was at TCU that she developed a strong interest in working in the speech pathology field. “While I was here I became fascinated with the hearing loss and the hearing impaired populations,” said Schmidt. “I came to the conclusion that I wanted to teach young children with hearing loss to listen and talk by becoming an auditory-verbal therapist.”

Schmidt’s future plans primarily include the pursuit of a Ph.D. in a program in which she can combine her studies of speech pathology and audiology and contribute to both fields. “I think a job where I get to work in a clinic and do research would be a wonderful,” said Schmidt. “I really just want to leave the field better than I found it.”

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