“It’s incredibly important that clinicians represent the populations they serve.” For Mariah Morton—a 2019 graduate of the communication sciences and disorders program—this is a statement she lives by. Her time at the College of Health Sciences prepared her to become both a devoted clinician and advocate for inclusivity in health care.     

Morton chose to attend the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences because of its well-respected communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program. She was also drawn to the opportunities available to her through the Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship.

 “My experience as the only person of color in my program taught me how to work through difficult situations,” Morton said. "I often had a very different perspective from my classmates. It also prepared me for the reality of the workforce.”

While in school, Morton recalls her peers being open to hearing her ideas. “Within my cohort, most students wanted to hear different perspectives and learn more about me,” Morton said. “The faculty also played a large part in showing me I belonged at CHS and in the CSD program”

“Faculty were aware that I was the only person of color and they took the initiative to reach out to me often and talk to me,” Morton continued. “Dr. Anne Olson (CSD department chair) would connect with me regularly which helped me feel comfortable and accepted.”

At this moment in her career, Morton is focused on refining her skills and knowledge as an SLP specializing in voice, swallowing and upper airway disorders. She’s also passionate about advancing inclusivity in her profession.

“I hope to pursue avenues to contribute more in research and moving my field forward,” Morton said. “I am also dedicated to encouraging black women to enter the field of speech pathology.”

“Clinicians in speech pathology need to better represent the populations they are serving,” she continued. “Graduate programs need to improve at reaching out to people of color and increase awareness of the field at both the undergraduate and high school levels.”

"I would tell every person of color considering this field to persevere through the challenges,” Morton said. “Don’t give up even when it’s difficult. Your representation is needed. Always keep that in the back of your mind; you are so needed in this field."