Phyllis Ariens Burkhead

As a speech-therapist for the Urbana public schools, Phyllis Ariens Burkhead (MS '61) was recruited by former department head John O’Neill to serve as clinical supervisor. Although her primary responsibility was to evaluate the clinical skills of her students, she also served as a mentor and role model to many.

“Students loved Phyllis Burkhead,” recalls Dr. O'Neill. “She was one of our very best clinical supervisors. Countless students benefited from her exemplary clinical abilities, professional endeavors, and devotion to learning.”

Phyllis’s commitment to higher education was also evidenced by her enrollment as a doctoral student in the department. Unfortunately, Phyllis’s career and academic goals were cut short due to her untimely death in 1969.

As a tribute to his wife, Clyde Burkhead established the Phyllis A. Burkhead Memorial Fellowship. Income from the endowed fund supports an annual award to a doctoral student in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science—a fitting tribute to someone whose influence will always be remembered.