Michigan Student Leaders in Audiology Meeting Hosted by the Michigan Academy of Audiology

The first-ever Michigan Student Leaders in Audiology Meeting, hosted by the Michigan Academy of Audiology was held in East Lansing, Michigan September 16-17, 2011.

The meeting, modeled after the American Academy of Audiology's Future Leader's in Audiology Conference was designed to teach students about professional advocacy and leadership skills for the purpose of ensuring a vibrant future for the profession of audiology.



Nine students, nominated by program faculty based on demonstration of leadership qualities, and three faculty members representing the Doctor of Audiology programs at Central Michigan University, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University attended the meeting.

Presenters included Dave Fabry, Director of Sales at Starkey Laboratories, Brad Stach, Head of the Division of Audiology at Henry Ford Health System, Virginia Ramachandran, President-Elect of the Michigan Academy of Audiology, Kristen Huizdos, President of the Michigan Academy of Audiology, and Tom O'Connor, Chair of the Michigan Board of Audiology. In addition to discussion and lectures, attendees met with staffers of Michigan Senator Tupac Hunter, a supporter of the Michigan Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bill, and toured Michigan's State Capitol Building.

Student attendees included Robin Barnes, Ashley Waldock, and Sara Young from Central Michigan University, Nina Brennan, Shaleta Havard, and Roberta Michels from Wayne State University, and Alyssa Eminhizer, Charles Pudrith, and Tiffany Sexton from Western Michigan University. Faculty representatives included, Gerald Church of Central Michigan University, Thomas Simpson of Wayne State University, and Gary Lawson of Western Michigan University.