TEACHING

Stephen R. Hooper, Elizabeth Crais, Linda Watson, Melody Harrison Savage

Endowed Scholarship Established to Honor Melody Harrison Savage; Celebrates Legacy of Education in Speech-Language Pathology

A newly-established endowed scholarship honors Melody Harrison Savage, a faculty member for nearly 40 years in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, who retired from the UNC School of Medicine in 2018 following a distinguished career. The scholarship has been made possible by the generous support of an anonymous donor to impact the division for years to come.

The Harrison Savage Childhood Hearing Loss in Speech-Language Pathology Endowed Scholarship Fund honors Harrison’s legacy by providing scholarship support for students who have an interest in childhood hearing loss.

Sharon Wallace Williams ’84, and the division’s director said this transformational gift will positively impact students who choose to pursue speech-language pathology with a primary focus on children and hearing loss. “By way of this endowment, current and future students will be able to carry Harrison’s legacy into classroom, clinics, and research institutions across North Carolina and beyond,” she said. “This endowed scholarship is a wonderful way to acknowledge Melody’s long-lasting impact in our division,” Williams said. “It will open doors for those who wish to pursue speech-language pathology and transform the lives of children, and their families.”

Harrison arrived at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1980 and within a few years had developed one of the nation’s few training programs where speech-language pathology students could learn to work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Her former students now practice throughout North Carolina and the United States.

Harrison Savage, PhD, led with excellence in teaching, research, and service. Harrison’s research ranged from studies addressing the needs of children, parents, and families, to language and communication development. Her publications and presentations enabled her to share her expertise on a national and international stage. Sharon Wallace Williams, PhD, CCC-A, directs the division.

Lee McLean, Vicky LeGrys, and Stephen Hooper celebrating the Dr. Lee McLean Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring celebration.

Vicky LeGrys, Faculty in the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, Receives Second-Ever Dr. Lee McLean Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring

The UNC School of Medicine Department of Allied Health Sciences (DAHS) awarded its second-ever Dr. Lee McLean Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring to Vicky LeGrys, a longtime faculty member in the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, on April 24, 2019. The award is named for Lee McLean, chair emeritus of the DAHS, and it recognizes faculty mentors who have supported junior faculty, particularly in the realms of research, teaching, and clinical work. McLean served as DAHS chair from 2000 until 2013. Stephen Hooper, DAHS chair and associate dean, said McLean’s generosity in securing the endowed award drives much-needed efforts to produce outstanding faculty. “We need to continue this support going forward,” Hooper said. “We wouldn’t be here without the vision and generosity of Dr. Lee McLean.” Tara Moon ’94, ’96, an associate professor in the division, said she has benefitted from LeGrys’ mentorship from Moon’s time as an undergraduate student to her joining LeGrys as a colleague. Moon estimated that during LeGrys’ more than 35-year-career she has taught more than 600 students. “She is always striving for excellence, and she’s the perfect role model for our students,” Moon said. “My experiences with Vicky as a colleague have truly helped shape my professional growth.”

Vicky LeGrys, DA, MT(ASCP), is a professor in the division. Lee McLean, PhD, is faculty emeritus in the DAHS. Tara Moon, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM has served on the division’s faculty since 2002.