WKU News

Western Kentucky University has appointed Dr. Christina Noel as Executive Director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC). Dr. Noel, a Professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, brings over 20 years of experience working with individuals with autism and complex support needs across school, community, and clinical settings. 

Her work is grounded in building systems that connect research, training, and practice. She has been instrumental in developing clinical training models that provide hands-on, applied learning opportunities for students while maintaining high-quality services for individuals and families. Dr. Noel has secured and contributed as PI to over $1.5 million in external funding, including federal, state, and foundation grants focused on workforce development, transition programming, and interdisciplinary training. Her scholarship and applied work emphasize improving outcomes for individuals with autism, particularly in rural communities. 

As a scholar and educator, Dr. Noel has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous awards for teaching and research, including recognition from WKU’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. 

As Executive Director, Dr. Noel will lead the continued growth of the CEC as a regional and national model for interdisciplinary education, integrating evidence-based services, workforce development, and applied research to support individuals with autism and other neurodiversities across the lifespan.