OSU alumnus Ormsby receives national early career award from Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Media Contact: Jet Turner | Associate Director of Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9559 | jet.b.turner@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University alumnus Zachary Ormsby has received the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s 2026 Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate, becoming the first OSU graduate to earn the recognition.

The certificate recognizes early career professionals in audiology and speech-language pathology who have demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and advocacy at the local, state or national level.

Ormsby, a Stillwater native, earned his bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2020 and his master’s degree in 2022.

“Winning the certificate provides feedback for me, confirming that my work is meaningful,” Ormsby said. “I do get day-to-day and week-to-week feedback from clients and other professionals within my circle, but it’s special to receive recognition on a national level.”

Ormsby is a speech-language pathologist and rehabilitation program manager at Phoenix Rehab in Oklahoma City, where he works with adults experiencing communication, cognitive and swallowing difficulties resulting from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions. He was promoted to rehabilitation program manager in March 2026 and now oversees a team of seven therapists.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Ormsby is actively involved in stuttering advocacy. As a person who stutters, he has dedicated much of his career to helping others build confidence and understand that stuttering does not limit their potential.

While attending OSU, Ormsby co-founded the National Stuttering Association’s OSU chapter. He remains involved with the organization through its statewide chapter, participating in monthly discussions and leading workshops at annual conferences. He has also presented at Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association conferences and served as a guest speaker in university classrooms.

Ormsby credits his experiences in OSU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, particularly the mentorship of Dr. John Tetnowski, with helping him establish professional connections and pursue leadership opportunities early in his career.

“OSU is a driving force that propelled me to get a jumpstart in my career,” Ormsby said. “Dr. Tetnowski provided me opportunities to present at OSHA conferences and lead workshops at NSA one-day conferences. He has been a tremendous mentor to me early in my career.”

For Ormsby, the recognition reflects a commitment that began when he received speech therapy in high school.

Ormsby hopes to continue providing that same encouragement to others while expanding his leadership and advocacy efforts.

“Sometimes both people who stutter and speech-language pathologists need to hear, 'It’s OK to stutter,'” Ormsby said. “The more people I can help internalize that same mantra, the prouder I am of my contributions.”