Barbara Ehren, professor of communication sciences and disorders and director of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders’ doctoral  program, has been appointed chair of the department effective     May 8.

Ehren is a nationally recognized leader in language and literacy with a focus on adolescents. She has a special interest in working with states and school districts to improve the effectiveness of literacy programs for diverse learners.

Prior to joining the UCF faculty in 2007, Ehren was a research scientist with the University of Kansas, Center for Research on Learning. Previous positions included work in school district administration and teaching at Florida Atlantic University.

Ehren is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Board Recognized Specialist in Child Language. She is a recipient of the Clinical Career Achievement Award from the Florida Language, Speech and Hearing Association.

“Dr. Ehren is a superb educator and her reputation for the excellence of her work in the area of language and literacy will bring increased visibility and recognition to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders,” said college Dean Michael Frumkin. “We are indeed fortunate to have her as part of the leadership team of the College of Health and Public Affairs.”

Photo by Alan Smilie