University of Tennessee Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility for Audiology and Speech Pathology

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Exciting News for Aspiring Audiologists and Speech Pathologists!

The University of Tennessee is buzzing with excitement after a major renovation has brought the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology under one roof for the first time in decades! On October 25, the university celebrated the grand opening of this new and improved facility, showcasing some amazing upgrades that are set to enhance both education and patient care.

What’s New at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Department?

Imagine stepping into a space that has been completely designed with students, faculty, and patients in mind. The newly renovated building features not just an inviting atmosphere, but also top-notch facilities. Among the impressive updates are:

• Nine sound booths for audiological assessments
• 14 research labs equipped with the latest technology
• A spacious 124-seat lecture hall for engaging classes
• An inclusive learning playground designed for hands-on experience

These enhancements are major game-changers! According to Professor Ashley Harkrider, the Department Chair, the facility welcomes an astounding 300 students and serves 10,000 patients every year.

A Streamlined Experience for Everyone

Having both audiology and speech pathology departments in the same building is a big leap toward enhancing collaboration. Professor Harkrider articulated how convenient this arrangement is. “This space has made it possible for us to be all in one place to be collaborative, to have a multidisciplinary approach to education and research and clinical services for patients,” she explained. This new setup aims to make life easier for everyone involved, from students to faculty to patients.

Breaking down the construction process, the work unfolded in multiple phases. The first phase was wrapped up back in June 2021, focusing on transitioning hearing and balance services, research labs, and administrative offices out of Neyland Stadium’s South Stadium Hall. The second phase, completed in August 2024, renovated additional floors of the UT Conference Center, allowing for the relocation of clinical providers specializing in early interventions. Finally, students and faculty can now access all they need in one convenient location!

Easy Access Makes a Big Difference!

Many students are already noticing how much easier their daily routines have become. One graduate student expressed relief, saying, “Now if you need something, you don’t have to walk across the street, you don’t have to search for another building. It’s maybe one floor away and you can hop on an elevator really quick and get to it.” What a fantastic way to eliminate those little inconveniences that can add up!

A Nationally Recognized Program

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology continues to attract students from all over the country. The Doctor of Audiology program recently received a noteworthy mention, ranking No. 22 by U.S. News and World Report! It gets even better—both audiology and speech-language pathology graduates boast a remarkable 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation!

One enthusiastic graduate student shared their experience, saying, “The level of academia that I’m able to have while I’m here, and the level of support that I’m able to have here from the staff not only prepares me to do well in graduate school, but it prepares me to do well in my career.” With access to innovative facilities and supportive faculty, it’s no wonder students thrive here!

Looking Ahead

This multi-million dollar investment is establishing a bright future for the University of Tennessee’s audiology and speech pathology students and patients alike. With an entirely revamped facility, they can expect enhanced opportunities for learning, collaboration, and patient care. There’s a palpable sense of pride and excitement as these new doors open, leading to a promising future for all involved!