Arnold McCollum Small, Jr., PhD, Professor Emeritus, was a distinguished hearing scientist, educator, department leader, and mentor whose influence continues to shape the field of communication sciences and disorders. A faculty member at the University of Iowa for nearly four decades, Dr. Small served as professor, researcher, department chair, and educator, teaching generations of students and helping establish Iowa's national reputation in hearing science.

An internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Small made significant contributions to auditory perception, psychoacoustics, hearing science, and communication disorders. He authored more than 60 scientific publications and numerous book chapters, and his textbook, Elements of Hearing Science, became a foundational resource used by generations of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing scientists around the world. Throughout his career, he maintained a highly successful research program supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and other major agencies.

Dr. Small was equally known for his commitment to education and mentorship. For many Iowa alumni, Hearing Science was synonymous with Arnold Small. His rigorous expectations challenged students to achieve more than they thought possible and helped prepare them for successful careers in research, clinical practice, and higher education. His impact lives on through the many professionals he taught, mentored, and inspired.

Our department remains strong because of the foundation built by faculty such as Arnold Small. We are grateful for his leadership, scholarship, and lasting contributions to the University of Iowa and the profession.