Paving the Road to a Language Profession

Many linguistics majors study language to prepare for a profession as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Until several years ago when a professor retired, linguistics majors were able to find the courses they needed to continue into professions in SLP. Today, the essential courses are again being offered thanks to Dr. Lindsey Squires, a new faculty member to the English department as of fall 2025. She found her place in the department teaching part time, creating and teaching classes to prepare the students with their sights set on a speech pathology career. As a faculty member at UNI in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for 10 years, she was excited to find a part-time position so she could spend more time with her growing foster-adoptive family while teaching students and remaining involved in academics. The English department gained exactly the expertise needed to fill in the essential courses for students in SLP.

Lindsey is teaching Language and Reading Development in Children (LING 4710) and one of the new classes, Introduction to Communication Disorders (ENGL/LING 2210). The new classes, which are open to all students, regardless of major, aim to help people better navigate the barriers in communication between a broad spectrum of speech disorders, which Squires describes as “communicating through variance”. She has researched stuttering and has a strong interest in late-acquired language, which she specializes in. Other new courses in the works include one focused on the anatomy and physiology of speaking mechanism disorders and another on speech sound disorders and battling degenerative diseases at nearby medical centers.

One of Lindsey’s biggest priorities since moving to Ames has been meeting with community members to learn what is needed in the Story County area and how to engage undergraduate students with opportunities in the community. She couldn’t help but express how impressed she was with the students here right away and how ambitious and driven they are both in academics and professional development. Her goals include helping students interact with community members with speech disorders to help them translate their textbook knowledge into hands-on skills.

In addition to teaching, Squires is also the advisor for the Communication Disorders Club. One of her biggest challenges thus far has been finding the best ways to prepare the students for graduate school. In the club, they have made cards for those battling degenerative diseases at nearby hospitals and helped each other plan and prepare for graduate school.

Squires and Lauren Guetzko (Special Education professor) offered a joint case study between their courses (SpEd 4360 and ENGL/LING 2210X). Collaborating to analyze the academic and communication needs for a kindergartener, “Sam,” and to discuss an Individualized Education Plan and communication devices for cross-disciplinary support. The collaboration offered a positive experience for students and prepared everyone for future careers with working on a team.

She also works to encourage people outside the program to appreciate the value of understanding speech variation in communication. Squires shares her belief that strong communication is about not only speaking but also listening to others with full attention. She encourages everyone to ask, “How does one advocate for, and support, those with communication differences?” The key idea is that advocacy for one’s community is built on the belief that one’s voice deserves to be heard. Voices carry agency, and even one person can make a difference in the world if they aspire to do so.