By Will Bower and Teja Pritchard 

Mary Mills (60 BA, 69MA), alumna of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, leads an impressive legacy in pediatric audiology.  

Mills developed the award-winning Knowledge Is Power (KIP) program, which significantly advances pediatric audiology and advocacy. She is also a dedicated mentor to the next generation of audiologists.  

“She is a caring clinician and a positive influence in her audiology work with the children she served in the Area Education Agency,” said Stephanie Fleckenstein, director of audiology and clinical education in the department and Mills’ mentee. “Her impact extended beyond audiologic care to advocate for the needs of children and families she served. She was also a mentor who genuinely cared about my growth and success as a future audiologist and human.” 

The KIP program empowers individuals with hearing loss by building their self-esteem through adaptable content, including reading materials, pre- and post-tests, worksheets tailored to different student abilities and language levels, and parent handouts for home discussions. 

Selected from 32 nominees, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) awarded the KIP program with the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Outstanding Clinical Achievement, which recognizes significant accomplishments in advancing clinical service in speech-language pathology and audiology. 

Learn more about Mills’s groundbreaking work, her experiences at Iowa, and her enduring legacy in this Q&A. 

What did you enjoy most about the University of Iowa while you were a student? 

I found the University of Iowa campus to be welcoming and friendly as an undergraduate and was quite impressed with the faculty members in both my undergraduate and graduate experiences. 

How did attending the University of Iowa prepare you for a career in communication sciences and disorders? 

The education provided as an undergraduate in speech pathology and audiology, along with my graduate degree in audiology, provided me with the tools needed to have a successful career. The foundation of information gained was more than the classroom. I was also taught—and encouraged—to be a visionary and to ask questions, while serving hearing-impaired individuals with a compassionate and holistic approach. 

Tell me about the Knowledge is Power (KIP) program. How does the program benefit kids with hearing loss? 

It is important for the public and educators to understand the impact of learning and socialization challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss. The KIP program was developed not just for the individual with hearing loss but also for friends, family, and educators. 

What has been the proudest moment of your career?  

I am enormously proud of the honors I have received, but have always felt that my reputation exceeded my accomplishments. 

Anything else you would like to add? 

Most importantly, my education at the University of Iowa gave me confidence and the ability to think and question.