After nearly four decades of teaching, mentoring, and advancing the field of speech science at Florida State University (FSU), Dr. Richard Morris is retiring from the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD). His career is defined by innovation, student engagement, and a deep commitment to preparing future clinicians.

Morris joined the College of Communication and Information’s faculty in August of 1988 and spent his career in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, where he worked with students pursuing careers as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. His research focused on physiology, acoustics, and perception of speech and voice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Morris’ focus was simple: helping students become strong, confident clinicians.

“I am a person who came here to help students become the best SLP/AuD clinicians possible, to learn more about the physiology, acoustics, and perception of speech and voice, and to share what I learned,” Morris said. “In my mind, I have done this to the best of my ability. As I perceive it, I had and have no legacy.”

Despite his modest reflection on his impact, Morris highlights several accomplishments that he considers defining moments in his career. One was reimagining undergraduate education in Anatomy & Physiology and Acoustics of Speech and Hearing when he introduced weekly laboratory sessions. This allowed his students to engage more directly with the course material. Another accomplishment was expanding experiential learning in the graduate Voice Disorders course, where students not only practiced treatment techniques but also participated in laryngeal endoscopic observations of one another.

He also highlighted the creation of the Communication Science and Disorders summer session in London, which he developed alongside his wife, Jamie Morris. The international learning experience provided students with a chance to expand their knowledge of the communication science and disorders discipline while abroad. Alongside these accomplishments, Morris said some of his most meaningful growth came from the challenges he faced in the classroom.

“My biggest challenge was creating student interest in the undergraduate acoustics of speech and hearing course,” Morris said. “This course required that they developed their understanding of the physics of speech and do some relevant mathematical calculations.”

This challenge ultimately reshaped his approach to teaching. Morris incorporated more interactive methods across his courses, including essay-style exams which emphasized reasoning, and small group discussions so that all students had a voice in the learning process. From the beginning of his time at FSU, he encouraged students to attend office hours, often working individually with them until they could fully understand the course material.

Dr. Carla Wood, Director of the School of Communication Science and Disorders, reflected on his legacy and impact on students, sharing:

“I am deeply grateful for Richard’s mentorship and for the example he set as a colleague and leader. He generously gave support and encouragement to faculty and students alike. His sustained contributions have made a lasting difference in our program and to countless students.”

Beyond the classroom, Morris played a significant role in faculty development within the college. His work as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Advancement in the Dean’s office focused on faculty advancement and recognition, including organizing yearly orientation sessions for new faculty, and meeting individually with senior faculty to help them pursue professional recognition in their fields. He also worked closely with Associate Dean Ulla Bunz to support academic program development across the college.

Looking back, Morris said he takes pride in the students and colleagues he worked alongside throughout his career. He co-authored numerous national presentations and journal publications with students, collaborated on research projects with colleagues, and supported generations of SCSD students as they developed into clinicians.

“I am proud to have worked with a series of outstanding students over the years with whom I had the opportunity to make national presentations and have published articles in professional journals,” he said. “Similarly, I am proud to have the opportunity to work with some of my outstanding colleagues on research projects and to help move the School of Communication Science and Disorders forward.”

As he retires, Morris leaves behind a legacy not defined by a single achievement but by incremental impact; through his coursework, clinical learning opportunities, and a dedication to student growth.

“During his time at SCSD, Dr. Morris has made a profound impact on countless students, faculty, and colleagues through his thoughtful teaching, mentorship, and commitment to student success,” said Michelle Kazmer, Dean of the College of Communication and Information. “I count myself fortunate to have been his faculty colleague and am especially grateful for his leadership as Associate Dean these last three years. Whether he was teaching students, mentoring faculty, or helping strengthen the College as a whole, his impact will continue to be felt long after his retirement.”

View pictures from Dr. Morris’ retirement celebration here: https://cci.fsu.edu/dr-richard-morris-retirement-celebration/