ATLANTA – Mercer University's Center for the Study of Narrative (CSN) will host its second annual showcase of student research and community service on April 6, 5 p.m., in the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center Chapel.
Throughout the past academic year, students in Penfield College's doctoral program in counselor education and supervision, master's program in clinical mental health counseling and master's program in rehabilitation counseling have completed narrative-themed dissertation research or community service projects.
Doctoral students use mixed-method and qualitative research to explore populations serving those dealing with autism, Alzheimer's and violent female offenders, along with counselors facilitating the achievement of emotional intimacy.
Master's students have conducted narrative interviews or completed community service activities with several different populations, including adults suffering from chronic mental illness at risk of homelessness, formerly homeless young adults transitioning to independent living, children and adolescents who have suffered the death of a parent, and others.
“Our students continue to create deeply thoughtful, compassionate and inspiring work, and we're excited to provide a forum to share their stories and insights,” said Dr. Don Redmond, assistant professor of counseling in Penfield College and director of the Center for the Study of Narrative.
Earlier in the week, Dr. William Randall, professor of gerontology at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada, will visit the Center and lead doctoral students and faculty in a workshop, titled “Reading and Writing Our Lives.”
The interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Narrative, which is housed within Penfield College, calls upon communication, psychology, sociology, human services, literary studies and writing, and historical studies to study the lives of individuals and cultures, giving students practical education while promoting community outreach and service. CSN was launched in the spring of 2014 with a generous grant from the Georgia Compassion Project.
About Penfield College of Mercer University
Penfield College of Mercer University, established as the College of Continuing and Professional Studies in 2003, is committed to serving non-traditional learners and currently enrolls more than 1,300 students. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to working adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Educational programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary programs that integrate theory and practice. The College offers general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer. Another initiative called the Bridge program transitions students enrolled in Mercer's English Language Institute and other international students to undergraduate programs throughout the University. Areas of study include organizational leadership, counseling, school counseling, human services, human resources, informatics, public safety leadership, nursing preparation, liberal studies, psychology and communication. Programs are offered on Mercer's campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as multiple regional academic centers in Douglas County, Henry County and Newnan, and online. To learn more, visit penfield.mercer.edu.
