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Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô’s Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education (DSDE) has once again demonstrated its leadership in the field of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) education, with its alumni and current students holding significant positions on the Board of the Association of College Educators – Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ACE-DHH).

The ACE-DHH board is a prominent body within the field of Deaf education, comprising 53% Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô alumni or current students. The board is responsible for advancing the academic and professional interests of those who educate students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It works to improve the educational outcomes of D/HH students worldwide by fostering collaboration, disseminating research, and providing resources and networking opportunities for education professionals. Through this collective, the board helps shape national standards, academic programs, and educational practices within the D/HH community.

"The Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education at Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô has the largest number of doctoral students in North America," Department Chair Diane Clark said. "The program is a hybrid one with students coming to campus once a month for face-to-face classes."

The DSDE department’s unique hybrid program prepares students for future leadership roles, such as those held by Lamar alumni on the ACE-DHH board.

"During these times, most students meet with a faculty who heads a research lab; this activity is non-credit bearing, and students work to hone their research skills, their presentations skills, and to help them master the art of publishing (one publication is required prior to graduation)," Clark said.

The emphasis on research, presentation, and publishing prepares DSDE students to assume faculty positions and take on influential roles within the broader field, including leadership positions on the ACE-DHH board.

Several Lamar alumni hold positions on the ACE-DHH board, a reflection of the department's strong focus on preparing students for future careers in Deaf education. "Most Deaf education programs look to DSDE to hire their new faculty," Clark added.

Notable Lamar alumni currently on the board include Ashley Greene, the past president of ACE-DHH, who works at Gallaudet University; Frances Courson, the current secretary at the University of Montevallo; treasurer David Meek (RIT); and Pauling Ballentine, the assistant treasurer (Sorenson Communications). Additionally, Heidi MacGlaughin (Gallaudet) serves as the chair of membership and elections, and Jessica Beaty (Lamar) is the publications chair.

"The department encourages students to attend conferences and most of the faculty and students attend the ACE-DHH," Clark said. “This active involvement gives DSDE students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and connect with leaders in the field. Two current students, Karen Soza and Latoya Dixon, were recently elected to the ACE-DHH board, further strengthening Lamar’s representation within the organization.”

This deep involvement in ACE-DHH reflects the growing reputation of Lamar’s DSDE program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. “The impact of these presentations has been that the reputation of the department has increased so that DSDE at Lamar is well known throughout Deaf education and Deaf studies,” Clark said.

Lamar’s DSDE program continues to thrive despite many Deaf education teacher preparation programs closing across the country. "DSDE at Lamar is a strong American Sign Language/English bilingual program that is thriving while all too many Deaf education teacher preparation programs are closing," Clark said.

With its long history of excellence and the continued success of its alumni, Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô’s Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education is poised to remain a leader in shaping the future of Deaf education and improving the academic outcomes of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students worldwide.

To learn more about DSDE at Lamar Univeristy, visit /fine-arts-communication/deaf-studies-deaf-education/index.html.