Longwood University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) graduate program is welcoming a familiar face into a leadership role. Dr. Erin Wallace, an Assistant Professor in the department, has stepped in as the program’s new director.
Erin brings a wealth of experience to the position, combining years of hands-on clinical practice with deep academic expertise. She completed her master's degree and has worked in a variety of speech-language pathology settings, including public and private schools, private clinics, audiology clinics, schools serving children with autism, and home-based therapy. She then went on to pursue a doctoral degree in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University which she completed in 2020 before coming to Longwood.
Now, stepping into the Program Director role, Erin shared that,
“I love working with graduate students and watching them learn more about and become even more passionate about our field; I am excited that I get to witness this from a different perspective. I love Longwood and our community here; thus, I am so excited to share with prospective graduate students all about how special Longwood and our community really are!”
She emphasized that her leadership will be grounded in listening, collaboration, and continuous growth. While drawing on her own experiences, she plans to work closely with colleagues and students to ensure the program continues to thrive.
"I will step into the director position with open ears; I want to learn and observe our program from this perspective. I want to hear my colleagues’ and our past, current, and future students’ thoughts and opinions on how to continue to grow and foster our already incredible program! I am excited to be a part of multiple teams; we can do so much more when we work together, and I already feel very supported as I step into this new position."
Longwood’s CSD program stands out for its hands-on clinical training and faculty mentorship. Under Erin’s leadership, the program will continue preparing competent, compassionate, and innovative speech-language pathologists ready to make a difference.
Outside of her professional role, Erin enjoys an active and adventure-filled life with her family.
“My family loves to spend time outside; at Lake Gaston, by the James River, or just collecting rocks and mud in our backyard. I have two wild and hilarious sons; Bode (5 ½) and Lennox (almost 3) who keep my husband, James, and I on our toes in the very best way."
Erin has also recently reignited her passion for running and ultramarathons. She placed second in her first 50K in Virginia Beach last December and is currently training for a 50-miler in April.
As Erin leads the program, she is eager to connect with students, alumni, and colleagues who share her commitment to advancing the field of communication sciences and disorders. Her dedication to both clinical excellence and student mentorship promises to continue shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists at Longwood.