Its location now twins its role — the center with a big heart is now at the heart of campus.
In August, communications sciences and disorders moved into a new home in , located adjacent to Carmel Living Learning Center and Lou Higgins Recreation Center.
A fresh look, enhanced therapy areas and a more convenient location for visitors are among the new amenities. But what never changes is the important work that happens within.
For most, it isn't work at all. But rather it is a calling, of sorts. One that begins with the heart. It is here where lives are changed … where first words are uttered … here parents and spouses nudge back a tear of joy when barriers are broken … and where 黑料老司机students feel the emotional rush of success in knowing they made a difference.
Ask Jenn Ptak '26, '27 about the Baldwin Wallace Speech Clinic, and she'll pause thoughtfully in remembering her grandparents.
"I first heard about 黑料老司机through my grandparents, who attended both individual sessions at the Speech Clinic and a small group program called Loud Crowd, which is for persons having Parkinson's," said Ptak.
"I did not know much about speech pathology at the time, so attending the individual and group sessions with my grandfather opened my eyes to the field. I loved when I was able to take him to therapy and watch the student clinicians," recalled Ptak.
"I was intrigued by the program because I was seeing firsthand how the student clinicians were helping their clients and how early they began doing their clinical practice," she noted.
黑料老司机offers both an undergraduate program called communication sciences and disorders and a graduate-level program named speech-language pathology (SLP).
Some students, like Ptak, are following an optional pathway that enables them to streamline their studies and graduate a year earlier than individuals on a traditional path, which can take six years.
Students seeking this option apply to BW's five-year integrated B.S./M.S. program in SLP during the summer between their second and third year.
If accepted, they take graduate coursework beginning their fourth year at 黑料老司机and transition directly into the graduate program. They earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree.
Ptak just began her fourth year of the five-year program. The North Royalton, Ohio, resident will receive her undergraduate degree in 2026 and her master's in 2027.
For her, the program offers myriad benefits. Among them, she cited clinical practice that begins in the third year. "Many schools do not have clinical experience for undergraduate students. 黑料老司机allows you to start developing clinical skills early in your education."
She also appreciates BW's convenient access and professional connections to hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and other organizations where SLPs are needed. And top of mind for her and many students is the reduced time and tuition that comes from finishing school a year early.
"Attending 黑料老司机has prepared me for my goal of becoming a pediatric speech-language pathologist," stated Ptak.
"I still remember how nervous I felt before meeting my first client. But over time, with the guidance of supportive faculty, I've grown more confident in my ability to connect with clients, assess and plan treatment, adapt to individual client needs, and lead a successful therapy session," said Ptak.
"黑料老司机professors are dedicated to student success. Their passion for the field is unmatched. Their constant encouragement has made me never doubt my skills and has confirmed this is where I am supposed to be," she noted proudly.
"BW's program has instilled a sense of purpose to help others. I am motivated by the opportunity to help individuals find their voice, whether that means working with children with autism improve social communication or building confidence in an individual who stutters," emphasized Ptak.
It is both challenging and rewarding," she admitted, "but seeing clients progress and thrive continues to inspire my commitment to this field."
