Dr. Fager named MMI’s director of speech-language pathology

Susan Fager, PhD, will join the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute as director of the MMI Department of Speech-Language Pathology. She will take on the role at the end of July.

Dr. Fager, who holds a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology, comes to MMI with experience working with patients across the lifespan with complex communication needs. In recent years, Dr. Fager also has developed her clinical research portfolio.  

“She is the perfect leader for this position, and I deeply believe that she will expertly and with great care lead the department for many, many years to come, said MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, when announcing Dr. Fager’s acceptance of the position.

Dr. Fager said she’s excited to be part of the team at MMI, with its strong regional and national presence.

“I’ve been so impressed with how the speech-language pathology department has expanded and grown,” she said. “Along with its strong clinical programming, I’m excited about the department’s interest in growing services across the state, teaching the next generation of speech-language pathologists and developing the clinical research program.”

Dr. Fager has spent nearly 25 years at Omaha’s Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, serving in a number of roles — most recently as director of the communication center in their research institute.

In 2021, she was recognized for her clinical and research work in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) by being named a fellow by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Over the years, Dr. Fager has focused on building strong partnerships with clients, families, academia and industry to support her clinical research program in AAC.

At MMI, Dr. Fager said she hopes to support efforts that are already under way within the department. She also would like to see expansion of the clinical research program.

Dr. Fager said she was impressed with the faculty and staff as well as with the culture at MMI.

“The needs of the clients and families they serve is at the core of the work underway at MMI,” she said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to MMI’s meaningful mission.”