Ziyan Owens becomes the first African American male to lead the nation’s premier11,000-member, pre-professional organization in communicative disorders.
Hampton, Va. (September 16, 2025) – A Hampton University graduate student has been recenlty elected to a national association committed to protecting and restoring one of the most fundamental human abilities—the power to communicate.
Hampton University is celebrating a historic milestone as graduate student Ziyan Owens has been elected President-Elect of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (National NSSLHA). This organization has over 11,000 members and 350+ chapters at colleges and universities nationwide.
“Ziyan represents the best of what Hampton strives to cultivate in its graduate students: a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, resilience, and a dedication to serving others,” said Hampton University Graduate College Dean Dr. Scott Challener.
“His leadership will inspire countless students across the nation, and we’re tremendously proud to have him as part of our community.”
By helping children find their voices, supporting recovery after illness or injury, and making sure older adults can stay connected, the association changes lives in lasting ways. Its work sets the path for new standards, drives innovation, and opens doors to care so that everyone has the chance to communicate, learn, and belong—the foundation for dignity and stronger communities ahead.
Owens’s election marks not only a triumph for Hampton University, but also a groundbreaking moment for the speech-language-hearing profession at large. He follows in the footsteps of Hampton alumna Gabrielle Howard, the only other African American to serve in this national leadership position.
“Ziyan embodies the spirit of Hampton,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “His election to this national role highlights the power of opportunity when paired with talent, vision, and the unwavering support of an institution committed to preparing leaders.”
Owens has distinguished himself through academic excellence, community service, and a steadfast commitment to advocacy in the field of communicative sciences and disorders. His new role places him at the forefront of shaping the future of the profession.
The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders notes that Owens’s achievement reflects the deep impact of Hampton’s legacy of preparing leaders who break new ground in their fields.
“Ziyan is an excellent student who embodies the leadership qualities that started with Dr. Robert Martin Screen over 70 years ago in the Department,” affirmed Communicative Sciences and Disorders Department Chair and NSSLHA Advisor Dr. Jessica Sullivan.
Founded in 1954, this department is recognized as the nation’s leading producer of African American audiologists and speech pathologists. The program launched its graduate degree in 1978 and continues to be ranked among the top 50% of graduate programs in speech-language pathology by U.S. News & World Report.
“NSSLHA remains the preeminent training ground for future leaders in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.”
Hampton University celebrates Owens’s election as a milestone of pride, progress, and promise for the future.
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Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution, nationally acclaimed for its pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and aerospace. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton stands as a powerful engine of innovation, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth.
Consistently recognized for academic excellence and transformative outcomes, Hampton ranks in the Top 10 HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report, was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine, and honored as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a close-knit, vibrant community of scholars, representing nearly every state and 32 territories. With a legacy rooted in empowerment and education, the university is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity in a rapidly evolving world. Learn more at: www.hamptonu.edu
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