About Us

Dr. Brandi L. Newkirk-Turner has a B.A. in audiology and speech sciences from Michigan State University, a M.A. in speech pathology from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in communication disorders from Louisiana State University. 

An active researcher, Dr. Newkirk-Turner has authored several book chapters and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals in her field including Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, and Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Additionally, she has secured more than 5 million dollars in grants to support her research, provide research experiences to undergraduate and graduate students, and prepare graduate students for careers in speech-language pathology and public health. Dr. Newkirk-Turner is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist and a recipient of the Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs awarded by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Dr. Kristina Phillips has a B.B.A. in risk management from Mississippi State University, a M.A. in higher education from the University of Mississippi, and an Ed.D. in higher education from the University of Mississippi. 

Dr. Phillips is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Society of Experiential Education and has led several workshops and presentations on experiential learning, internships, and high-impact practices. She previously served as Associate Director of College Programs at the University of Mississippi where she helped secure a $390,000 grant to support engaged learning opportunities. Dr. Phillips is a recipient of the Dissertation of the Year Award by National Society for Experiential Education and a member of the Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education editorial board.