CHS Graduate Turns Passion into Purpose, will Continue Journey in SLP

By Ella Rosner and Ryan Clark
CHS Contributors

For Gracee Spears, the path to a future in healthcare became clear through exploration, involvement and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone.

Now, as the 22-year-old from Franklin, Ky., prepares to graduate from the Communication Sciences and Disorders program in the College of Health Sciences, she is already looking ahead — staying at the University of Kentucky to pursue her master’s degree and become a speech-language pathologist.

“I truly would not have been on the path to becoming an SLP if it were not for the College of Health Sciences,” Spears said. “I knew coming into college I wanted to work in healthcare; I just wasn’t sure of the exact path. I was introduced to various fields during my freshman year, and I fell in love with speech-language pathology.”

That discovery sparked four years of deep involvement across campus and beyond. Spears immersed herself in opportunities that ranged from mentorship and service to research and clinical exposure, including participation in CHS Peer Mentors, Letters of Hope, Red Shoe Crew, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), the All About Communication Research Lab and A Chance to Dance.

Her commitment did not go unnoticed. Spears was named the CHS Peer Mentor of the Year and received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service — honors that reflect both her leadership and dedication to others.

Through coursework, shadowing experiences and even an education abroad program, Spears says she gained a deeper understanding of the field she now plans to enter.

“I have learned how diverse communication can be, in the many forms it takes, and how essential it is to a patient’s quality of everyday life,” she said. “That has ultimately shaped my passion for this field and given me the foundation and experiences to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist.”

Her decision to remain at UK for graduate school, she said, felt natural.

“It already felt like home,” Spears said. “I have enjoyed building relationships with the faculty, mentors and my peers who have supported me greatly throughout my time in undergrad. I knew the program would continue to challenge me but also provide a supportive environment where I could grow.”

Among those mentors are Dr. Janine Schmedding-Bartley and Susan Herrick, whom Spears credits with helping shape her journey.

“Through their leadership and guidance, I’ve been able to pursue many of the opportunities that have shaped my path,” she said. “They are a big reason why I am where I am today and feel so confident moving forward.”

As she prepares to take the next step, Spears encourages other students to embrace the same mindset that guided her experience.

“Take absolutely every opportunity to get involved and stay open to growth,” she said. “Stepping into experiences and leadership roles that may push you outside of your comfort zone can end up being some of the most rewarding. Surrounding yourself with people who are passionate and driven will help you grow and prepare you for your future career.”

For Spears, that future is already in motion — one that began with curiosity and has grown into a clear sense of purpose.

“I have learned that the field of speech-language pathology is exactly where I am meant to be,” she said.