The Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) awarded Dr. Leigh Anne Roden the Johanna B. Hancock Award, the highest honor bestowed by KSHA. Dr. Roden is a Clinical Associate Professor for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the WKU College of Health and Human Services.

The Johanna B. Hancock Award celebrates individuals whose service exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and commitment to KSHA and is presented annually to a member who demonstrates exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the organization and its mission.

Selected by current KSHA President Anne Blandford, the award recognizes Roden’s more than 20 years of commitment to KSHA and the speech-language-hearing profession. Throughout her tenure, Roden has served in numerous leadership roles on the Executive Council and Blandford highlighted Roden’s impact on the organization, emphasizing her role as a mentor, advocate, and leader who consistently works to elevate the profession and empower others.

“This person embodies KSHA, leadership, passion, dedication, and empowerment,” Blandford said of Roden.

About Dr. Leigh Anne Roden

Dr. Leigh Anne Roden is a Clinical Associate Professor who has been with WKU since 2012 when she began teaching as an adjunct faculty member.  A proud Hilltopper, she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Rank I, Director of Special Education Endorsement, Autism Certificate, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership at WKU.

Dr. Roden continues to practice in acute care and early intervention, keeping her teaching closely connected to current clinical practice. She is dedicated to preparing students to become thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate clinicians by creating interactive learning experiences that emphasize critical thinking, professional identity, and advocacy. As a Past President and active member of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association, she works to model for students how leadership and service strengthen the profession.

At WKU, Dr. Roden teaches, advises, supervises, and serves as the Communication Disorders Undergraduate Program Coordinator. 

About KSHA
The Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and related professionals across the Commonwealth. KSHA promotes excellence in professional development, advocacy, collaboration, and education. Find more information here: https://ksha.info/