Dr. Jenny Rajan in ASHA Leadership Program

Dr. Jenny Rajan, assistant professor, Osborne College of Audiology, has been awarded a place in the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) leadership development program for audiologists. The one-year program is for ASHA members who demonstrate leadership potential and are selected through a competitive application process. The program encourages recipients to develop their leadership skills and give back to their professions through volunteering—whether with ASHA, at their workplace, or for a related professional organization.

One of thirty participants, Dr. Rajan read about the ASHA Leadership Development Program for Audiologists and was impressed to hear previous participants express how rewarding the program had been in enhancing their leadership skills. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and learn new ideas to implement my vision and goals as a leader,” she said. 

“As clinical audiologists, through didactic and clinical education, we are taught how to apply evidence-based practice in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss," she said. "We are also taught how to be part of a support system for our patients and their families, and we are really good at this!” Encouraged by OCA dean, Dr. Victor Bray, Dr. Rajan applied for the program in part because she felt the need to take further steps to build her knowledge of essential leadership skills and give back to the audiology profession.

She admits she was “thrilled” to have been selected and looks forward to the year-long program. “In particular, I am excited to attend the kick off workshop in April at ASHA’s headquarters (Rockville, MD), when all the selected participants will have opportunity to meet with their Learning Team," she said. 

Beginning this spring, the program’s year will include a full-day, face to face workshop, scheduled webinars on selected leadership topics, the development and completion of an individual leadership project and active participation on her leadership team. The team is composed of their participants who will work with Dr. Rajan in-person and virtually throughout the year. The team will also play a major role as the participants’ advisory board.