(HENDERSON, Nev.) – NBA veteran, University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Champion, and Change & Impact Founder, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist visited Nevada State University on Monday, March 4 as a part of the Change & Impact Stuttering Advocacy Tour. Kidd-Gilchrist presented his personal experiences as a person who stutters to students and faculty at Nevada State.
“This is my first trip to visit Nevada State and I’m excited to meet with their leadership and the new group of future speech-language pathologists coming through their program,” said Kidd-Gilchrist. “I am grateful for the warm welcome and for the opportunity to learn more about the stuttering community in Nevada.”
Kidd-Gilchrist played in the NBA for 9 years. While spending time in the NBA ‘bubble’ in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began reflecting on his own personal journey as a person who stutters. He considered how to turn his knowledge and experience into actionable and meaningful ways to help others who stutter. In 2021, he founded Change & Impact, Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare and expand services and resources for those who stutter.
The Speech-Language Pathology Program at Nevada State offers comprehensive training to undergraduate and graduate students, equipping them with the expertise to assess and treat a wide range of communication disorders. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students engage in hands-on learning, clinical practicums and invaluable research opportunities. Nevada State strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families, fostering communication competence and enriching quality of life.
“We are honored to welcome Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to our campus on Monday, as he has long been a staunch advocate for educating and providing resources to youth and individuals who stutter, aligning with the values of our Speech-Language Pathology Program,” said Beth Vasquez, Director of Speech-Language Clinics at Nevada State.
“Nevada State is the only institution in Southern Nevada to offer a master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology, and we are committed to filling our state’s workforce gaps and helping those who stutter,” said Dr. Angel Ball, Professor and Program Director of Speech-Language Pathology at Nevada State. “We are excited for Michael to share his first-hand experience with our students, which will help them gain a deeper understanding of the ways professionals can best support and understand the needs of individuals who stutter.”
Since Change & Impact’s inception, Kidd-Gilchrist has been on a national speaking circuit visiting more than 60 universities, hospitals, stuttering camps, and support groups to talk about the importance of speech therapy, the trusted relationship between a person who stutters and their Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and how both changed his life. He advocates at the federal and state level to raise awareness about gaps in the healthcare system for those who stutter, and the medical need to improve speech therapy insurance coverage for stuttering. Change & Impact has also hosted career fairs for adults who stutter, continuing education programs for established SLP’s, and special events for children who stutter and their families, SLPs, and educators.
About Change & Impact, Inc.
Founded in 2021 by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Change & Impact, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare and expand services and resources for those who stutter. As a person who stutters, Kidd-Gilchrist started Change & Impact to advocate, educate, and raise awareness about stuttering. To learn more, visit www.changeandimpactinc.org
About Nevada State University
Nevada State University (Nevada State), a four-year public institution, is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Nevada State places a special emphasis on the advancement of a diverse and largely under-served student population. Located on a developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, Nevada, the institution was established in 2002 and has recently been passed by the NSHE Board of Regents and signed into law by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to adopt ‘University’ in its name. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation as a means to more efficient, effective outcomes in all corners of the campus. Since 2002, Nevada State has grown to offer more than 65 majors and minors, has received independent accreditation and has expanded its physical campus. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size under 20 students. Nevada State serves approximately 7,100 students and has over 7,700 alumni, each representing a broad array of cultural and economic backgrounds. For more information, visit https://nsc.edu.
For inquiries about Change & Impact or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist interview requests please contact:
Kristen Peifer│703.626.0032 │kmpeifer@gmail.com
For inquiries about Nevada State University please contact:
Nick Claus│702.992.2365 │nick.claus@nevadastate.edu