ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Every once in a while, a student emerges whose dedication and accomplishments leave an indelible mark on their academic community and beyond.
Levette McRae, a rising senior at South Carolina State University from Latta, South Carolina, is one of those exceptional individuals. As he paves his way toward a degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, McRae's unwavering determination and outstanding achievements have established him as a notable and unstoppable force in his field.
Throughout his time at SC State, McRae has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to campus life, taking on various leadership positions and actively participating in multiple student organizations. Notably, he served as, vice president of the NAACP, secretary of the Student Government Association (SGA) junior class and captain of the university’s cheerleading squad.
He is most proud, however, of being an ambassador for the SC State Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, representing the program with enthusiasm and dedication.
McRae's engagement extends beyond the SC State campus as he actively collaborates with such esteemed organizations as the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) and the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSHLA). His involvement showcases his commitment to advancing speech-language pathology and his advocacy for underrepresented communities.
In pursuit of excellence, McRae participated in the prestigious 2022 Medical University of South Carolina Summer Fellow program, gaining invaluable experience and skills. His dedication to academic excellence has earned him SC State’s prestigious Presidential Medallion twice, acknowledging his exceptional academic accomplishments.
Moreover, he is the recipient of the esteemed 2023 Student Conference Scholarship, a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
“At 21 years old, uncertainties may abound," he said, “but there is one undeniable truth: Success requires an unwavering desire as vital as the air we breathe."
His passion for speech-language pathology is evident in his determination to keep genuine and empathetic individuals in the profession, providing much-needed care and support to others. One area that holds a special place in McRae's heart is pediatric speech-language pathology, as he has a genuine love for children.
"Witnessing children advance and reach their goals throughout therapy sessions is particularly rewarding for both them and me,” McRae said.
McRae serves as a student state officer (SSO) for the 2023-2024 school year with NSSHLA, closely collaborating with the executive council's vice president. In this capacity, he resolves issues and ensures the smooth functioning of various schools, utilizing his excellent communication skills.
He also is an intern with Dynamic Therapy LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, gaining hands-on experience in various areas such as finance, business operations, sales, marketing, and communications. This invaluable experience is a testament to his dedication to personal and professional growth.
With his future always in mind, McRae has his post-graduate plans figured out. He aims to attend graduate school and aspires to become vice president of NSSHLA, with the ultimate goal of assuming the role of president in the near future.
Additionally, he plans to complete his ASHA clinical fellowship after graduate school, further solidifying his expertise and contributions to the field.
