Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC)
Christina Noel, Ph.D., BDBA-D
Executive Director, Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex
Phone: (270) 745-2183
Email: cec@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkucec
The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) at Western Kentucky University serves as an interdisciplinary hub for education, communication disorders, psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, and related professions. As part of its commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals, the CEC actively supports student engagement through internships, practicum placements, field experiences, observations, service-learning opportunities, and applied research experiences across all of its programs. These opportunities allow undergraduate and graduate students to develop professional competencies while working alongside experienced practitioners in authentic clinical and educational settings.
The CEC is home to four integrated programs: the Family Resource Program, the Kelly Autism Program, the Vickie and Dan Renshaw Early Childhood Center, and the Speech Language Intervention Program. Together, these programs provide comprehensive services to children, adults, and families while supporting WKU's mission of student success, applied learning, community engagement, and research.
Speech Language Intervention Program (SLIP)
The Speech Language Intervention Program (SLIP) provides assessment, intervention, consultation, and support services for individuals with communication needs. Services address a variety of areas including speech production, language development, social communication (pragmatics), fluency, voice, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLIP collaborates closely with other CEC programs to ensure participants receive comprehensive communication support within their educational and community environments.
Vickie and Dan Renshaw Early Childhood Center (RECC)
The Vickie and Dan Renshaw Early Childhood Center (RECC) provides inclusive early learning and intervention services for children ages 15 months through kindergarten entry. Children of all abilities learn together in developmentally appropriate early group setting designed to support academic, social, communication, and behavioral growth.
Family Resource Program (FRP)
The Family Resource Program (FRP) serves as the central point of access for the Clinical Education Complex. FRP supports individuals and families by providing information, referrals, resource coordination, advocacy, and guidance across all CEC programs and services. Through a family-centered approach, the program helps individuals navigate services and connect with the supports needed to achieve their goals.
Kelly Autism Program (KAP)
The Kelly Autism Program provides lifespan services and supports for autistic individuals and their families through two primary initiatives: Prime Time and Circle of Support.
KAP Prime Time offers after-school and community-based programming for individuals ages 7 through adulthood with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Programming focuses on the development of social communication, executive functioning, self-regulation, independence, and community participation through structured group experiences and enrichment activities.
KAP Circle of Support is a comprehensive college support program designed to increase the success of autistic students enrolled at Western Kentucky University. Through individualized and evidence-based supports, Circle of Support assists students in navigating the academic, social, and independent living demands of college. Support includes residential accommodations, academic tutoring, specialized advising meetings, scheduled connection opportunities, and career- readiness support. Recognizing that autistic college students experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, the program incorporates specialized counseling, mental health monitoring, and coordinated support services designed to promote student well-being and persistence. These supports are intended to increase retention, graduation, employment outcomes, and overall quality of life for participating students.
For additional information about the Clinical Education Complex and its programs, please contact the Family Resource Program at (270) 745-4232.