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When native Coloradan Lexi Borger arrived at Dordt University, she knew that she wanted to work with children. Growing up in a family of ten kids—and helping younger siblings along the way—sparked her interest in an education studies major.

However, when Dordt announced a new partnership giving its students access to ������Ƶ’s undergraduate speech pathology (SPAUD) courses, she jumped at the opportunity. 

“Dordt does not have a speech pathology program, so our recent partnership with Calvin allows me to take the required speech pathology classes needed for graduate school while still working towards a degree at my current university,” she says.

An Ambitious Start

Her first Calvin course was an accelerated, eight-week class—an immersive introduction to the field.

“The first SPAUD class was extremely rigorous and jam-packed full of content,” she explains. Balancing the intensity of a fast-paced, online course with her other classes and athletic schedule wasn’t easy. “It was a little tricky initially… but I was able to find a rhythm as the class progressed.”

The experience affirmed her passion for the field and her long-term goal: graduate school, followed by a career supporting students through their therapy journeys.

“After obtaining my degree, I hope to work in school settings with students, cultivating strong relationships as I walk alongside them through their therapy journey,” she says.

A Seamless On-Ramp to a Growing Field

Behind stories like hers is a larger vision. Dordt and Calvin leaders created this partnership to open new pathways into speech-language pathology—a profession facing increasing shortages nationwide. With Calvin’s expertise in speech pathology, the two universities crafted a solution that removes barriers for students who feel called to this work.

“This partnership is a beautiful example of Christian universities working together for the good of students and the good of communities,” says Dr. Kyle Small, dean of graduate studies at Calvin. “By blending Dordt’s strength in undergraduate education with Calvin’s accredited expertise in speech pathology, we’re building a bridge for more students to pursue this meaningful vocation.”

For students, the logistics are simple: Dordt registration staff handle enrollment coordination, and Calvin provides the online coursework. 

“Dordt’s registration was very helpful… requiring little to no effort on my part during the signing up process,” Lexi shared.

Opening Doors, One Student at a Time

For aspiring speech-language pathologists at Dordt, this expanded pathway means they can prepare for graduate school without transferring or delaying progress toward their degree. And for the communities these future clinicians will eventually serve, it means more trained professionals ready to step into a high-need field.

As Dr. Small puts it, “When we work together, we create new possibilities—pathways that not only empower students but also strengthen the professions and communities they will one day serve.”

For this sophomore, those possibilities are already taking shape—one rigorous class, one new skill, and one step toward graduate school at a time.