College of Allied Health Alumna of the Year 2026 — Dr. Megan Spencer ('13)

Dr. Meagan Spencer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication sciences and disorders from Harding and a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership in higher education from Abilene Christian University. She is the founding director and chair of Lipscomb University’s undergraduate communication sciences and disorders program. She previously founded and directed the CSD program and free student-run speech clinic at Freed–Hardeman University and worked as a speech–language pathologist in Cheatham County schools. A licensed and certified clinician, she holds specialized training in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease and champions rural access to speech and audiology services. She has also served as president of the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech–Language Pathologists and earned the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Distinguished Early Career Professional award in 2021.

Where is your current hometown?

I live in Nashville, Tennessee.

How have you been involved in your community?

I am the current president of the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. I serve as a Bible class teacher at Estes Church of Christ, and I was a Lectureship Speaker at Freed-Hardeman University in 2024.

Who were your major influences during your time at Harding?Patrick and Mona Lee Garner; Beckie Weaver, Dan Tullos, the entire CSD department including: Melanie Meeker, Jan Traughber, Amy Baker, Tim Chance, Martha Vendetti, Jennifer Fisher, April Watson, Joni Day, Laura Mulvany, Norma Dominguez; The Foxtrot SLP Cohort, Claire Moody Brown, Anna Strock Thomas, Tara Holloway, Emily Chaffin Wade, Tiffany Craft Blair, and Lydia Dickey Wright were all tremendous influences.

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

In the field of speech-language pathology, we are called to community, dignity and excellence. I believe Jesus has called all of us to the same in his ministry. We serve others, build community, treat all with dignity, and use the opportunities and gifts God has provided with excellence to glorify him.

What makes your field rewarding?

I get to see people transform, whether it be my students, patients or coworkers. It is neat to see things click and transformation happen.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

I feel like I get to actively see the great commission in the action of vocational ministry in my University work. Some of my former students worked beside me or were my providers in the hospital, and they are inspiring others and mentoring others in the field. Our greatest accomplishments are those we teach and seeing them continue the work.