We are pleased to recognize assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, Dr. Bonnie Slavych. 

Let’s learn more about her! 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Missouri State University has a reputation for supporting both teaching and research.  

When a tenure-track faculty position opened in the communication sciences and disorders department, I was excited to apply.  

My family and I have vacationed in the Branson area for the past 10 years and we have lived here for a year now. We bought a home a few months after arriving because we had confidence that this is where we should be!   

Where are you from? 

My hometown is Nashville, Arkansas. I was in the military early in my life, so I’ve lived abroad and in a few states around the nation. I studied speech-language pathology and practiced as a speech-language pathologist in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.   

How many years have you been at Missouri State? 

I began teaching at MSU in August 2022.   

What’s your favorite part about working here? 

I greatly appreciate Dr. Alana Mantie-Kozlowski’s support for my research endeavors. I also value the interactions with my students. 

At my previous institution, which was primarily focused on teaching, there was little to no support for research.  

Although MSU is known as a “teaching” institution, it provides ample support for research. I find I have more time to focus on my course content, enhance previous sessions and undertake research studies related to learning, compared to my prior workplace where research support was absent. 

What is your favorite memory here so far? 

Being new to MSU, my experiences here are relatively few. 

Most of my energy has been directed toward adapting to the unique dynamics of the place and familiarizing myself with my colleagues, departmental expectations and university expectations. Yet, if I were to pinpoint a standout memory, it would be the day I recognized I could complete my tasks during regular work hours. In the four years before joining MSU, my research often spilled into evenings and weekends.  With MSU’s commendable balance of research and teaching support, I’ve managed to regain some personal time.  

While I occasionally work during off-hours, I no longer feel constantly behind. The most liberating moment was a Saturday this last spring. I spent the entire day with my family, laptop-free and without any lingering anxiety about pending work. 

What are your favorite fall activities or traditions? 

Fall is undoubtedly my most favorite season!  

It’s not just the refreshing chill in the air or the feel of crisp mornings; it’s the warmth of apple cider sipped from a mug, the joy of handing out candy to goblins and ghosts, the aroma of ham and turkey mingling with the laughter of friends and family.  

As we dress the tree, the conversation with my kids about the surprises for which they most hope … these moments make the season for me. 

Learn more about the department of communication sciences and disorders