Mark Derewicz Director, Research & National News | UNC Health
Mark Derewicz Director, Research & National News | UNC Health
Dr. Stephanie Sjoblad, a professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, has been honored with the Outstanding Educator Award by the American Academy of Audiology. This accolade is awarded based on nominations from colleagues, friends, and mentees who recognize exceptional contributions to audiology and hearing sciences.
Sjoblad's journey in audiology began due to her personal experience with congenital hearing loss. She started using hearing aids at six and received a cochlear implant in 2009, which improved her quality of life through bimodal hearing.
Since joining UNC-Chapel Hill as a faculty member in August 1999, Sjoblad has served as both Professor and Clinic Director. Her career has focused on making hearing care more affordable and accessible. She contributed to a committee at the National Academies of Science Engineering, and Medicine in D.C., exploring assistive products for reducing impairments' effects. Her involvement extends to serving on various boards including four years on the Executive Board of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Expressing surprise upon receiving the award, Sjoblad stated: “I was surprised to learn that I won! I never thought I would win a national award from the American Academy of Audiology.” Although she knew about her nomination by Dr. Patricia Johnson, she did not expect to win given the strong field of candidates.
Sjoblad's teaching style includes hands-on methods like role-playing and business plan projects in her Business Practices in Audiology class. Some students have won national awards for their business plans developed under her guidance. Despite mixed reactions from students regarding business topics in clinical programs, many later express gratitude for her teachings.
“I believe one learns best by doing," Sjoblad remarked about her teaching philosophy. "Sometimes my teaching strategies will earn a less-than-stellar evaluation... However, it’s not uncommon for students to reach out later to thank me for pushing them.”
She attributes her success as an educator partly to support from colleagues and students.
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