Kathryn Odom

Kathryn Odom is an Associate Professor and Department Head in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western Carolina University (WCU). She has been a tenured faculty member since 2008 and holds the academic rank of Associate Professor. Her primary role involves teaching, research, and administrative leadership within the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Dr. Odom’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Carolina-Columbia, an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, and a BA in Specific Learning Disabilities from Mercer University.

Research Interests: Dr. Odom focuses on the treatment of acquired neurogenic communication disorders, particularly aphasia and cognitive impairments linked to dementia. Her work emphasizes improving quality of life for individuals with these conditions and enhancing education for healthcare professionals who care for persons with dementia. She also investigates intact and disordered human anatomy related to communication processes.

As a faculty member since 2008, Dr. Odom contributes to WCU’s academic mission through her teaching and mentorship. Though no specific grants or advisees are listed here, her instructional efforts center on advanced clinical topics in speech-language pathology. She is based in the Health and Human Sciences Building, Office 158A, and can be reached via email kmodom@wcu.edu or phone (828.227.3381).