Douglas B. Petersen Joins Baylor University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as Endowed Research Chair of Child Language Disorders
Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas B. Petersen, PhD, CCC-SL, BCS-CL, as the Vance Masteller Endowed Research Chair of Child Language Disorders in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, effective August 1, 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Petersen to Baylor University and to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. His visionary leadership, groundbreaking research, and deep passion for child language will greatly enrich our department and strengthen our mission for years to come,” Michaela Ritter, EdD, CCC-SLP, Department Chair and holder of the Martin Family Endowed Chair, said.
Petersen studied at Utah State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Master of Education degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Disability Disciplines: Speech-Language Pathology. He makes his way to Baylor from the University of Wyoming, where he currently serves as the Maggie & Dick Scarlett Chair in Speech-Language Pathology, Professor for the Division of Communication Disorders, and Affiliate Professor of Literacy in the College of Education.
With nearly 20 years of experience in speech-language pathology, grants, education, and research. Petersen has mentored more than 10 PhD students and 250 research assistants, authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, and delivered more than 300 professional presentations. He has served as editor of both the Journal of Communication Disorders and Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. He is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL), holds his Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SL), and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
As an active researcher, Petersen has secured more than $3 million in funding with an additional $8 million in pending grant proposals. His research interests focus on the measurement of language and reading potential of school-age children. He is particularly interested in serving diverse student populations through the development and validation of dynamic assessments, curriculum-based universal screenings, and progress monitoring assessments that mitigate cultural, linguistic, and environmental bias. Petersen’s commitment to transforming language assessments and instruction in schools has led to collaborative development of tools like the CUBED™ Assessment and Story Champs® language programs.
Outside of his professional career, Petersen enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, fishing in Alaska, traveling, and immersing himself in different cultures. As he looks forward to his new role at Baylor, he is excited to share his passions for child language development and building collaborative communities that bridge research and real-world impact.
“I am thrilled to join Baylor’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as the Vance Masteller Endowed Chair,” Petersen said. “Together, we have a rare opportunity to lead global advances in child language and literacy through cutting-edge research, evidence-based clinical practice, and transformative educator training. I am deeply passionate about improving the lives of children everywhere, and Baylor is the ideal place to pursue this vision.”
ABOUT ROBBINS COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Established in 2014, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to enhance health, quality of life, and human flourishing for all individuals and communities through education, research, and innovation. It includes six academic departments—Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health, Human Performance, and Recreation; Human Sciences and Design; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; and Public Health—along with the Division of Health Professions, which houses the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Robbins College offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, eight master’s degrees, and six doctoral degrees, as well as nine graduate programs in partnership with the U.S. Army. Graduate programs in Robbins College are offered in a variety of modalities, including on campus, online, and hybrid.