story by Claire Miller
ShaMiyah Chambliss comes from a family of Georgia State University Panthers: Her aunt, cousins and sister all earned degrees from the university.
While they pursued careers in neuro-adolescent psychiatry and game and web design, Chambliss is working toward her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist.
“In a way, I wanted to continue our family legacy,” she said. “Ultimately, I knew Georgia State would have my back, supporting me as I worked toward my goals and prepared to make a difference in the field.”
In the College of Education & Human Development, Chambliss has gained valuable knowledge from the faculty and students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and she’s enjoyed her hands-on clinical experiences at the Atlanta Children's Shelter.
Right before her clinical experience at the shelter began, she’d experienced some personal struggles that had her rethinking her decision to attend graduate school. But after working with the children, teachers and staff, she knew she’d chosen the right degree program – and the right career path.
“On our last day, all the kids, student clinicians, our supervisor and the teachers made friendship bracelets together. It was not only a special memory, but now, whenever I look at my bracelet, I have a tangible reminder of why I chose this path and the importance of pushing forward, even when things get tough,” she said. “In those sessions, my heart, mind and purpose aligned, reaffirming that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Chambliss was recognized for her academic achievements at the College of Education & Human Development’s annual Honors Day Ceremony on April 1.
She is the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award, which recognizes a student in the communication sciences and disorders program for exceptional performance in leadership at the local, state or national level.
“Receiving the Excellence in Leadership Award is an incredible honor, and I am deeply humbled to be recognized for my contributions as a master's student in communication sciences and disorders,” she said. “As a Black, female speech-language pathologist, this achievement carries profound significance – not just for me, but for the communities I represent and serve.”
Chambliss is looking forward to joining a profession that provides communication support to people from all walks of life.
“As I step into the next phase of my career, I am committed to using my platform to empower future generations of speech-language pathologists, advocate for diversity in our field and create meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve,” she said.