By Brielle Krepps ’26, staff writer
For 25 years, Campus Safety Officer Laura Latchford has watched LVC students pursue their dreams; now, she’s pursuing her own.
Latchford received her white coat for speech-language pathology in August. The White Coat Ceremony marked the transition to graduate studies for speech-language pathology majors.
One of the most memorable moments for Latchford was walking across the stage alongside her fellow students and research partners.
“It just gave it such a sense of reality,” Latchford said.
Latchford first dreamt of becoming a speech-language pathologist when she witnessed the positive impact a clinician had on a family member. That was nearly twenty years ago.
When LVC introduced the speech pathology program in 2017, Latchford was overjoyed.
“My kids are getting older now, so now I can go out into the world and be able to make that dream of changing people’s lives come true,” Latchford said. “I am willing to help people however I can.”
As a Campus Safety Officer and a part-time student, Latchford knows she has to be efficient with her time. Latchford credits her work in public safety with allowing her the space to balance both.
“We have a fabulous crew,” she said. “The support system allows me to get the things done that I need to at night.”
Latchford is expected to graduate in 2028. Students can still expect to see Latchford as a Campus Safety Officer for the time being.