Brenda Bender

Dr. Brenda Bender serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program at Abilene Christian University's Dallas campus. She oversees the graduate program administration, faculty coordination, and ensures compliance with Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) standards from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Her professional focus centers on speech-language pathology education and clinical training. Dr. Bender has successfully adapted the program to various challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing online and hybrid teaching modalities while maintaining clinical training quality. She emphasizes the integration of faith with speech-language pathology practice, recognizing the ministry aspect of helping individuals with communication disorders.

As Program Director, Dr. Bender regularly organizes virtual open houses, campus visits, and information sessions for prospective students. She facilitates connections between accepted students and current students to support cohort development. The program under her leadership accepts applications for Fall semester with a February 1 deadline through the CSDCAS system.

Dr. Bender works closely with faculty members who have diverse clinical backgrounds across public schools, home health, and private practice settings. She encourages students to prioritize their time, find a church community, build cohort relationships, and maintain personal well-being during their graduate studies.