Bio
Julia Fischer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, was named the assistant dean and head of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness in March 2024. Fischer had been serving as the school’s interim assistant dean since June 2023. She is a tenured full professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and has taught at UWSP since 2004. In addition to teaching, Fischer has held many leadership positions and was responsible for budget, personnel, curriculum and facilities including the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic.
“A leader of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness must have an in-depth working knowledge of the communities we serve,” said Fischer. “I have that understanding and perspective from my professional career as a medical speech-language pathologist as well as personal experiences. I draw upon my previous experiences of treating the whole person to inform my approach to administrative responsibilities.”
Fischer holds a Ph.D. in Communication Disorders from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, master’s degree from University of Virginia and bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison. She has published 13 peer-reviewed articles, 15 chapters and one book printed in both English and Hungarian. Fischer has a research background in aphasia as well as augmentative and alternative communication, with a focus on improving the quality of life and maximize participation in desired communication activities after a major health event.
A native of Racine, Fischer has been a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association since 1989 and the International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication since 1994.
Interests and Experience
Teaching Experience
- Professor, UW-Stevens Point (2004-present)
- Assistant Professor, UW-Oshkosh (1998-2000)
- Assistant Professor, University of Nevada, Reno (1995-1998)
Research Interests
- Aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Professional Experience
- Speech-Language Pathologist PRN Theda Care Neenah Wisconsin (2001-2002)
- Speech-Language Pathologist Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Lincoln Nebraska (1992-1993)
- Speech-Language Pathologist Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Hospital Fishersville Virginia (1989-1992)
Presentation and Publications
Simmons-Mackie, N., King, J., & Beukelman, D. (Eds.). (2013). Supporting Communication for Adults with Acute and Chronic Aphasia. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
Involvement
Campus
Community
- National Aphasia Association Affiliate, Conversation Group for People with Aphasia
Professional Memberships
- American Speech Language and Hearing Association (1989-present)
- Wisconsin Speech Language and Hearing Association (2015-present)
- International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1994-present)
- United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1994-present)
Fun Facts
Last book you read?
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
Best advice you ever received?
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A doctor or a teacher
Favorite Quote?
Mister Rogers “There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
One thing about your school that you are most proud of?
The UWSP Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic is an on-campus clinic where students get experience working with clients during their senior year and during their graduate programs. This practicum experience gives students opportunities to apply what they have learned in their classes.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy working with students’ to facilitate their critical thinking and learning the content relevant for their future careers.
A piece of advice for students in your school?
Get to know other students and the faculty in the department via a student organization, faculty office hours, or social events.