January 28: As of this date, UT-Memphis has still not presented the UT ASP program with a finalized budget. We implore Interim Dean Barbara Connolly, of the UTM Health Sciences Center, to expedite this process. Also, other key areas of concern have not been addressed by UT-Memphis. We are continuing to exercise patience, but we will take action if necessary.

We have a concern that the $1 million dollar annual funding from the UT Medical Center licensing fee that was promised to UT ASP as part of the UT-Memphis transfer is not being utilized fully for ASP funding. This concern has not yet been addressed by UT-Memphis and we are seeking to find out about this, as well as other budget-related concerns.

The UT ASP program was reviewed by peer reviewers from 4 different other ASP programs around the country. The review took place in November, 2009. Earlier in January, the ASP department received the final reports. Generally, the program got high reviews, but several areas of concern were noted, including staff salaries, tuition rates that jumped dramatically after UT-Memphis HSC took over, the facilities in which the program is housed, and faculty vacancies which have not been filled.

UT-Memphis is continuing the interview process for the next Dean of the Health Sciences Center. We hope that a wise choice is made to replace Interim Dean Connolly. Hopefully, the selection will be announced in February.

We have no news to report regarding the process of hiring the next Department Chair and full professor for the UT ASP program. That vacancy has been announced and applications are being received, however there are no candidates to our knowledge at this time.

November 2, 2009: Larry Silverstein was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. The award was presented by Marion Hammett, TAASLP Member-At-Large during the TAASLP annual state convention in Knoxville, October 22-24. The award was presented in recognition of his diligent efforts in 2008 to save the UT ASP Programs from termination by UT during the budget crisis. The Friends congratulate Larry on his recognition and honor.

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