CHS names Lindsey Jorgensen chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) is excited to announce the naming of Lindsey E. Jorgensen, AuD, PhD, as the new chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), bringing an accomplished educator, clinician and researcher to a program poised for significant growth.

Jorgensen currently serves as chair and clinic director of the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of South Dakota. She will follow the College of Health Sciences’ outgoing CSD chair, Anne Olson, PhD, CCC/A.

“I was drawn to this opportunity for several reasons,” Jorgensen said. “The University of Kentucky is a larger institution with a strong research culture, which was exciting to me. What really stood out were the community partnerships already in place and the exceptional relationship with UK’s medical center. That kind of infrastructure is something you can’t build overnight, and I knew it would be a tremendous platform to do meaningful work.”

Jorgensen arrives as CHS is undergoing a period of transformation, including a new facility, new leadership and the development of an audiology program. She said the timing made the opportunity even more compelling.

“I find it energizing, honestly,” she said. “A new building means new space and new possibilities for our students — that is a gift. The (new) audiology program is something I’m especially passionate about, because there is a real need for it and I can’t wait to help build and grow it. Coming in new alongside all of this change means we’re all building something together, and I think that’s a wonderful thing.”

An associate professor, Jorgensen teaches, conducts research and provides clinical care, with a focus on the interaction between aging and cognitive decline due to dementia and traumatic brain injury, as well as the use and function of hearing assistive technology. She has taught courses in amplification, counseling, advanced diagnostics, hearing technology and rehabilitation. (See her CV here). 

She holds board certification as a licensed audiologist and is a certified audiologist through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her leadership experience includes service on the board of directors for the American Academy of Audiology from 2019 to 2022, as well as participation in the President’s Executive Leadership Institute.

Jorgensen earned her bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences from the University of Washington and completed her master’s, Doctor of Audiology and PhD in audiology at the University of Pittsburgh.

In the short term, she said her priorities include ensuring a smooth transition into the College’s new building, launching the audiology program and supporting the longstanding master’s program in speech language pathology. Long term, she aims to strengthen the department’s national reputation.

“I want this department to be known for its deep partnerships with medical centers, for producing exceptionally well-prepared clinicians, and for continuing and expanding the legacy of excellence that the University of Kentucky has established,” she said.

Jorgensen said her path to health care and academia was shaped early on.

“Teaching is in my blood — I grew up in a family of educators,” she said. “I was drawn to audiology and speech-language pathology because of the real, tangible difference you can make in people’s lives. Academia felt like the natural intersection of both.”

Originally from Caldwell, Idaho, Jorgensen said she is looking forward to becoming part of the Kentucky community.

“I’m coming in with fresh eyes and a genuine eagerness to learn the community, the culture and what makes the Bluegrass State unique,” she said. “I have a feeling I’m going to love it.”

Outside of work, Jorgensen enjoys spending time with her family — her husband, Kyle, a service-connected veteran, and their two children — often attending sporting events or exploring the outdoors through hiking and boating.

“I’m looking forward to discovering everything Kentucky has to offer,” she said.

Jorgensen and her family plan to relocate to Kentucky at the end of July.

Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, says Jorgensen’s experience, leadership and vision make her an ideal fit to lead the department into its next chapter.

“Dr. Jorgensen brings an outstanding combination of clinical expertise, research excellence and collaborative leadership to our College,” Lephart said. “As we continue to expand opportunities in communication sciences and disorders — including the development of our audiology program and transition into a new facility — her passion for innovation and student success will help elevate the department to even greater national prominence. We are thrilled to welcome Lindsey and her family to our community.”