Baylor’s Robbins College Announces Communication Sciences and Disorders Leadership Transition

Jason R. Carter, PhD, Dean of Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, has announced a transition in leadership for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Effective January 1, 2023, Diane Loeb, PhD, will step down from her role as the Martin Family Endowed Chair and Department Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Michaela Ritter, EdD, will assume this critical leadership position.

“I am immensely grateful for the outstanding leadership that Dr. Loeb has provided the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders over the last five years,” said Carter. “The Department is well-positioned for the future thanks in large part to her many contributions.”

Loeb elected to step down from her position after serving in the role since 2017. Under her leadership, two new programs were launched—the online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Loeb also oversaw the opening of the Mary Jo Robbins Clinic for Autism Research and Practice earlier this year. Enrollment in the department is consistently strong, including both undergraduate and graduate degree options. Following her transition, Loeb will continue to serve as tenured Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Dr. Michaela Ritter comes to the chair position after 25 years as a faculty member at Baylor University and 15 years in various department and College leadership roles. Ritter currently serves as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate and International Studies for the Robbins College, in addition to her position as tenured Associate Professor. Within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ritter previously served as Associate Chair from 2007 to 2015 and as Interim Chair from 2015-2017.

As Chair, Ritter will oversee departmental operations and supervise faculty while casting a vision for the future of Baylor Communication Sciences and Disorders in alignment with Illuminate and College and University priorities. This key leadership role also serves as the Martin Family Endowed Chair, which will help to support Dr. Ritter’s research and scholarship related to several areas, including her impactful service and scholarship with Camp Success.

“Dr. Ritter brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the chair position,” Carter said. “I am excited to see her commitment to the department, her skills as a leader, and her genuine heart for the Lord positively impact our faculty, staff, students, and the broader Baylor mission.