School alumna Linda I. Rosa-Lugo named president of national speech-language-hearing association
Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, Ed.D., a two-time graduate of St. John’s University, has been named President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Rosa-Lugo has been involved with ASHA for more than three decades and previously served as Vice President for Professional Practice and President of the Hispanic Caucus.
“As I step into the role of ASHA President, I carry the lessons and relationships formed at St. John’s,” Dr. Rosa-Lugo said. “The School of Education played a meaningful role in shaping my purpose and my path.”
In an interview with The School of Education, Dr. Rosa-Lugo described herself as “an educator, clinician, and advocate whose work centers on expanding communication access for children and families.” She emphasized her focus on equity in education and health, saying her career has been “grounded in service, mentorship, and preparing emerging professionals to lead with integrity and purpose.”
Reflecting on her time at St. John’s University—a Catholic institution founded by the Vincentian Community in 1870 that now offers over 100 undergraduate programs across campuses in Queens, Manhattan, Rome, Paris, and Limerick (official website)—Dr. Rosa-Lugo credited her academic foundation to the university’s faculty and its supportive environment.
“St. John’s provided the academic foundation and spiritual grounding that shaped my professional path,” she said. As an undergraduate drawn to speech-language pathology due to personal experience as a child receiving such services, she found further support during graduate studies through a Title VII Fellowship focused on multilingual learners.
She explained that growing up in the Bronx influenced her pursuit of a Master of Education in Bilingual/Bicultural Education: “I saw how language could open doors or create barriers… The fellowship allowed me to blend my love of language with my commitment to equity.”
Dr. Rosa-Lugo also acknowledged mentors from St. John’s who contributed to her resilience during challenging times—including when she became homeless after a fire but was supported by faculty members such as Donna Geffner, Ph.D., John N. Spiridakis, Ph.D., instructors, and organizations like the Knights of Columbus.
Asked if she would choose the same career path again given another chance, Dr. Rosa-Lugo responded: “Yes… My journey allowed me to serve diverse communities locally, nationally, and internationally; mentor emerging professionals; and advocate for equity in communication access.”
For current students at The School of Education at St. John’s University—which supports multicultural initiatives through its centers (official website)—her advice is clear: “Stay curious, stay humble, and stay committed to the communities you serve… Most importantly, lead with compassion.”
St. John’s University continues its mission as a private Catholic university dedicated to liberal arts education while maintaining campuses both locally in New York City and abroad (official website).
