Get to Know ACU Dallas Faculty | Mrs. Shutt
Mrs. Shutt M.S., CCC-SLP
What brought you to ACU-Dallas?
Well, the short answer is the Lord and Dr. Bender. The longer answer is that I have been a part of ACU since childhood. I went to the summer camps for at least 10 years, then completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at ACU (class of 2006 and 2008). After moving to Dallas from living overseas, I learned that ACU was coming to Dallas. I was working in home health at the time and connected with Dr. Bender, who shared the opportunity to join faculty as a Clinical Coordinator. It’s been a true joy to continue by journey with ACU and be at the Dallas location.
What area of speech and language is your specialty/favorite?
Acquired neurogenic disorders. I have a special place in my heart for the geriatric population.
What environments have you worked in? Academia, outpatient, inpatient, hospital, school etc.
Before academia I worked in Skilled Nursing Facilities and home health.
My husband and I were also missionaries in Chile, South America for 5 years, where we planted a church. Both my boys were born there, too!
How would you describe your teaching method?
I love a good class discussion! I’d say that most of what I do is facilitate educational, practical, and meaningful conversations with the class. I help students process what is happening at clinical placements and help bridge the gap between what students learn academically with what they’re experiencing in the field.
I also help develop clinical skills by providing direct teaching and “hands on” practice.
How does faith impact your profession or the profession of speech-language pathology in general?
Faith is at the heart of all I do. I believe that our faith impacts the way we care for, love, interact, and ultimately serve other people. Our faith helps us see others as created in the image of God, which helps us have more compassion and drive to provide excellent, quality services. It’s a joy to bring faith into the classroom and help students connect more and depend more on the Lord while in graduate school.
What is your favorite restaurant in Addison?
Meso Maya. It’s delicious!
What do you do to relax?
Go on walks with my kids, take a bath, and listen to audiobooks!
What advice can you give to graduate students?
The best advice I can give is to be flexible. Have an open mind and heart about everything. Each semester looks very different – both clinically and academically. Having the ability to transition through each semester with ease and grace makes it easier on everyone. The students who demonstrate more flexibility are overall happier and know how to take advantage of every opportunity to grow. Students who are not flexible can experience increased frustration and anxiety, which hinders growth. A close second would be: stay in your lane. What I mean by this is focus on your growth and compare yourself only with yourself. Everyone has different ways of learning and different clinical experiences (even if you have the same placement/setting). Your progress should be individually measured. The students who don’t get wrapped up in the comparison game are overall happier and more confident…and who doesn’t want that?
What are you currently binge watching?
Nothing currently! I have pretty strict discipline with Netflix during the school year and only allow “binges” during breaks. But, my most recent binge was Lost in Space, which was the first show my whole family watched as a series. It was pretty awesome, but now my kids are convinced that we could handle anything the Robinsons can. Eek!
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I’m just going to imagine COVID-19 is all behind us and the entire world is healthy and safe. I would say Alaska. I’d love to see some majestic mountains, be in untouched nature, eat wild caught Salmon, and see the wildlife.
Do you have any pets?
We have a precious Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Her name is Nia (knee-ah). My boys named her after the Legos show “Ninjago” – Nia was the only female ninja.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, playing family soccer games, going on walks.
Who is your favorite singer?
Don’t judge – but I love Celine Dion. I have even seen her live which was incredible.
