Professor honored by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

KALAMAZOO—A Western Michigan University professor was recently awarded one of the highest honors bestowed by an internationally recognized professional association for speech–language pathologists, audiologists and speech, language and hearing scientists.

Dr. Yvette D. Hyter, professor of speech pathology and audiology, was honored as a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at the association's 2013 convention in November. One the highest honors the association awards, fellowship distinguishes Hyter as an exemplary professional and recognizes her outstanding contributions to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. Specifically cited was her work in the areas of clinical service and education, teaching and leadership in the field.

Yvette D. Hyter

Hyter is a co-founder of the WMU Unified Clinic's Southwest Michigan Children's Trauma Assessment Center, a trans-disciplinary collaboration that comprehensively assesses the impact to children following exposure to traumatic events or suspected fetal alcohol exposure.

In 2012, Hyter and two colleagues launched a study abroad course in Senegal, West Africa, focusing the attention of students on trans-disciplinary collaboration applied to a transnational platform. The course examines the consequences of globalization on public policy, health and education systems in West Africa and the U.S. Midwest. Also in 2012, Hyter became vice president of the Transnational Research and Education Laboratory, a non-profit organization specializing in the dissemination of knowledge, research and materials.

Hyter is widely published with a body of work that spans several decades. She is regularly invited to present and lead seminars and workshops throughout the nation and internationally. With a strong commitment to teaching and clinical practice, Hyter continues to apply her research findings to enhance the educational experiences of future speech-language pathologists and to benefit the broader communities requiring clinical services.