The generous support of Bob and Gail Knight has led to the establishment of the Distinguished Professorship of Audiology, the first-ever distinguished professorship in the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD).

“We are incredibly grateful to Bob and Gail Knight for their generosity, innovation, and vision,” said Dr. Michelle M. Kazmer, Dean of the College of Communication and Information. ”This gift will position FSU as a leader in audiology services and education, an area of enormous need in our region. This philanthropic investment will in turn help many lives.”

The Knights are major donors and supporters of FSU, where they first met. They currently endow scholarships, serve as guest lecturers, and participate in projects ranging from Seminole Boosters to the Colleges of Business and Communication and Information.

In Fall 2024, Mr. Knight visited SCSD’s L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic as part of the FSU Foundation Board of Directors tour. It was there he met Dr. Selena Snowden, Director of Audiology Services, and observed her team practicing ear exams in preparation for their annual Help Guatemala Hear Service Trip. This initial exposure to the clinic’s work led him to inquire more broadly about audiology at FSU.

Through his inquiries, Mr. Knight learned of the dean’s desire to expand educational offerings in audiology within the College of Communication and Information. This led to his and Mrs. Knight’s decision to establish and endow the Bob and Gail Knight Distinguished Professor of Audiology, which will fund an inaugural faculty member’s position to lead this expansion and serve as a keystone for innovation throughout the region.

The College thanks Bob and Gail Knight for their generous support in building the foundation for audiology education.