Dr. Jennifer A. Brown, an alumna of Florida State University’s (FSU) School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), recently received the 2026 Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship at the University of Georgia (UGA), the university’s highest honor for excellence in instruction.  

This prestigious recognition is for Dr. Brown’s commitment to experiential learning and to leading the Child Communication Lab. She credits her time at SCSD for helping shape her mentorship, collaboration, and student-centered teaching philosophy. 

“My professional identity as an academic, as a researcher, as a faculty member was formed strongly through my experiences and my connections at Florida State University,” said Dr. Brown. “It was not just a strong doctoral program in content expertise and research expertise, but also in giving back to the field.” 

Brown says the recognition reflects not only her own journey as an educator but also the importance of intentional, high-quality instruction at every level of higher education. 

“Those awards represent the importance of instruction and high-quality instruction across all levels at a university.” 

This philosophy directly shapes her day-to-day role on campus. At UGA, Brown’s work centers on improving communication outcomes for young children through community-focused research and mentorship opportunities that engage students at every level of higher education. 

Much of Brown’s approach to mentorship and student engagement draws on the experiences she gained while conducting research at Florida State University. “My experiences with the Communication and Early Childhood Research and Practice Center as a doctoral student and research associate have been foundational in learning how to mentor and support students in research.” 

Brown said one of the most meaningful parts of her professional journey has been seeing the continued influence of FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders across universities, research collaborations, and leadership positions throughout the country. 

“We regularly find that so many of us are in various leadership positions at different programs across the country,” Brown said. “And we will comment on how well we were prepared for that because of our experiences at Florida State.” 

Reflecting on those lasting professional relationships and collaborations, Brown shared a phrase often repeated among fellow alumni: “All roads connect through Florida State.” Ultimately, Dr. Brown’s prestigious recognition not only celebrates her exceptional dedication to teaching but also highlights the lasting impact of her foundational years at FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders.