College of Education and Human Services student receives prestigious Beverly Stanley Scholarship for speech-language pathology

 

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University student Piper Austin, a communication disorders (CDI) major from Evansville, Indiana, has been awarded the prestigious Beverly Stanley Scholarship at the Kentucky Speech Language Hearing Association (KSHA) conference, recognizing both academic achievement and a strong commitment to the field of speech-language pathology.

Austin described the honor as both unexpected and deeply affirming. After completing a competitive application process that included essays, letters of recommendation and a reflection on professional values, she was selected from a large pool of applicants. 

The process required candidates to articulate their philosophy of care and demonstrate their readiness to uphold the ethical standards of the profession.

Receiving a scholarship named after Beverly Stanley carries significant meaning both personally and professionally. 

Austin noted the connection between the award and respected faculty members who had worked with Stanley, emphasizing the legacy of mentorship and excellence associated with her name. 

The award also reflects her active involvement in promoting inclusion within the discipline. As a member of the CDI Diversity Council, she works to ensure that diverse voices are represented and valued in speech-language pathology. This commitment aligns with Stanley’s own advocacy for inclusivity and professional advancement.

Austin’s journey into the field is deeply personal, having received more than a decade of speech and voice therapy services as a child.

She did not initially plan to pursue a career in the field. However, experiences as a substitute teacher and a renewed passion for helping others led to a return to speech-language pathology—this time as a future professional.

Faculty within the department have played a critical role in shaping her development, providing both academic guidance and personal encouragement. Their mentorship has helped build confidence, expand knowledge and reinforce the importance of focusing on growth throughout each stage of the educational journey.

The $2,000 scholarship will support Austin’s continued academic and professional development, including the purchase of textbooks and materials to build a long-term resource library. These tools will be used throughout graduate study and into professional practice, helping ensure high-quality care for future clients.

“This recognition shows that my efforts are making a difference,” Austin said. “It confirms that I’m moving in the right direction and encourages me to continue growing as a future speech-language pathologist.”