The Department of Communication Disorders (ComD) and the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations (EdLF) at the McKay School of Education have both appointed new chairs to guide their programs into the future. These leadership changes mark a period of transition, reflection, and continued growth as faculty members step into key roles that shape the direction of teaching, research, and student mentorship within their disciplines.
Dr. Shawn L. Nissen – Chair, Communication Disorders
Dr. Shawn L. Nissen, associate professor in the McKay School, has been appointed chair of the Department of Communication Disorders by Dean Sarah K. Clark. Nissen succeeds Dr. Christopher Dromey, who served as chair since 2009.
Dr. Nissen earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Ohio State University. His research interests include speech prosody in individuals with autism and aphasia, acoustic analysis of the professional voice, and second-language acquisition and cross-linguistic communication. He received the Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023.
Dr. Royce Kimmons – Chair, Educational Leadership and Foundations
Dr. Royce Kimmons, associate professor in the McKay School, has been appointed chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations by Dean Sarah K. Clark. Kimmons succeeds Dr. Pamela Hallam, who served as chair since 2016.
Dr. Kimmons earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, master’s degree from Southern Oregon University, and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on digital participation, open educational practices, and teacher education, with an emphasis on ethics, equity, and educational technology. He is the creator of tools such as EdTechBooks.org and is a widely published scholar in the field of learning technologies.
As the McKay School of Education welcomes new leadership in the EdLF and ComD departments, faculty and students look forward to continued innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. The appointments of Dr. Kimmons and Dr. Nissen mark an exciting new chapter, built on the strong foundations laid by Dr. Pamela Hallam and Dr. Christopher Dromey. The school expresses deep appreciation for the outgoing chairs’ years of dedicated leadership and service and anticipates meaningful progress under the guidance of the new department leaders.