Dr. Sandra L. Salas-Provance stands as a towering figure in the field of speech-language pathology and health sciences, embodying the very essence of a doctor of credit through her extensive expertise, profound experience, and unwavering commitment to global health. As Professor and Vice Dean of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS), she has cultivated a distinguished career marked by academic leadership, impactful clinical work, and significant contributions to her profession.
Dr. Salas-Provance’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication to scholarly excellence. She earned her doctorate in speech science from the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, complementing it with a Masters of Health Administration from the University of Missouri School of Medicine-Columbia. Her foundational education includes both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Pathology from New Mexico State University, establishing a robust academic bedrock for her future endeavors.
Her ascent in academia showcases a trajectory of increasing responsibility and influence. Prior to her current role as Vice Dean at ATSU-ASHS, Dr. Salas-Provance held pivotal positions such as Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs for the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. Her leadership extended to New Mexico State University, where she served as Assistant Dean and Chair in the College of Education’s Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders. Earlier in her career, she chaired the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Montevallo (AL) and held faculty positions at Fontbonne College and St. Louis University, both in St. Louis, MO. This diverse range of experiences underscores her deep understanding of academic administration and program development.
Dr. Salas-Provance’s influence extends significantly into professional service, particularly within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her contributions to ASHA are extensive and impactful, including service on the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council, the Financial Planning Board, and the Multicultural Issues Board. She also coordinated ASHA’s Special Interest Group (SIG) 14, focusing on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations, and was a founding member and coordinator of SIG 17, dedicated to Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her peers have recognized her exceptional standing by naming her an ASHA Fellow and bestowing upon her ASHA’s highest accolades: the “Special Recognition in Multicultural Affairs” and “Outstanding Contributions in International Achievement” awards. These honors solidify her reputation as a doctor of credit within her professional community.
A cornerstone of Dr. Salas-Provance’s career is her commitment to clinical education and service, particularly for children with cleft lip and palate. For over fifteen years, she has volunteered with Rotaplast International, an international medical team, traveling across the globe to provide essential clinical services. Her dedication led her to implement a transformative program for graduate students in speech pathology, enabling them to deliver clinical services in Spanish to children with cleft palate in Lima, Peru. Beyond Peru, her humanitarian work has reached children in China, Bangladesh, Philippines, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Venezuela, demonstrating her global reach and impact.
Dr. Salas-Provance is also a respected author, co-writing the textbook “Culturally Responsive Practices in Speech-Language and Hearing Science” (Plural Publishing, 2019). This vital resource addresses the critical need for healthcare professionals to be adept at working with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Her research further delves into crucial areas such as attitudes towards disability across diverse populations and the effective utilization of language interpreters in healthcare and educational settings, reflecting her commitment to equitable and culturally sensitive healthcare practices.
Over the last decade, Dr. Salas-Provance has become a sought-after speaker on international platforms, delivering lectures in both English and Spanish. Notable engagements include her invited speaker role at the Congreso Internacional en Trastornos de la Comunicacion at Escuela de Fonoaudiologia (Speech Language Pathology / Audiology) de la Universidad de Talca, Chile, and for the Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru, where she presented on Endoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction. She also served as the keynote speaker at the First International Congress in Speech-Language Pathology and Orthodontics in Lima, Peru, focusing on cleft lip and palate. These engagements highlight her status as a leading global expert and a true doctor of credit in her field.
Further underscoring her leadership capabilities, Dr. Salas-Provance was selected for the prestigious American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Leadership Program and participated in the National Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington DC (2017). This participation reflects her commitment to advancing female leadership in higher education and her ongoing pursuit of professional growth.
In conclusion, Dr. Sandra L. Salas-Provance’s career is a compelling narrative of expertise, dedication, and global impact. Her extensive academic credentials, leadership roles, significant contributions to ASHA, impactful clinical work with underserved populations worldwide, and scholarly publications firmly establish her as a doctor of credit in speech-language pathology and global health. Her ongoing work continues to shape the future of her field and inspire countless professionals globally.
