Dr. Tina Veale is the new Chairperson of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Ball State University.  She previously served as founding program director for five speech-language pathology degree programs, including three at Lewis University (Romeoville, IL; 2018-2025), and two at Midwestern University (Downers Grove, IL & Glendale, AZ; 2012-2017). Dr. Veale has served in a number of faculty and administrative roles at Western Illinois University (2001-2006; Graduate Program Director, SLP), Eastern Illinois University (2006-2012; Graduate Program Director SLP, Interim Associate Dean, College of Sciences), and Minnesota State University Moorhead (2017-18; SLP faculty).  Dr. Veale developed and managed a private speech pathology and audiology clinic in her hometown Cincinnati, Ohio for 28 years.  Her clinical specialties include working with children and adolescents with language and literacy challenges; articulation and phonological disorders; apraxia of speech; dysarthria; social or cognitive communication issues, and autism spectrum disorders.  Research pursuits include investigation of the efficacy of new techniques to improve reading and writing in adolescents with autism; exploration of the intersection between applied behavior analysis and language-based communication therapies; and a qualitative analysis of the long-term therapeutic impact of communication interventions in childhood. Dr. Veale is excited to join an outstanding faculty and staff in the historic and highly regarded SPAA programs in the College of Health.  She hopes to foster new interprofessional alliances to benefit speech-language pathologists, audiologists and other healthcare providers who study at BSU.

 

Dr. Jakob (Jake) Lauver serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success in the College of Health at Ball State University. He brings a strong background in academic leadership, research, and student-focused innovation, with a commitment to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence across health-related disciplines.
Prior to his role at Ball State, Dr. Lauver served as Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Associate Professor at Coastal Carolina University. During his time there, he led curriculum development, supported faculty research initiatives, and expanded opportunities for student engagement.
He holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo, an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Eastern Michigan University, and a B.A. in Exercise Science from Adrian College. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS*D) and a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-RCEP).
Dr. Lauver’s research focuses on performance enhancement and health promotion. His work explores blood flow restriction (BFR) training, muscle activation, and metabolic responses to exercise, with applications for both athletic and clinical populations. He has published on the integration of resistance training and nutritional supplementation to support rehabilitation and performance outcomes.
As Associate Dean, Dr. Lauver is dedicated to fostering collaborative leadership, supporting academic operations such as curriculum development and accreditation, and enhancing student success through evidence-based strategies.