ATLANTA – Mercer University College of Professional Advancement graduate students Sidney Minor and Leslie Preveaux recently received National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation Minority Fellowships.
NBCC selected 91 fellows from nearly 400 applicants in master’s-level mental health counseling, doctoral-level mental health counseling and master’s-level addictions counseling programs.
The fellowship program is designed to strengthen the infrastructure that engages diverse individuals in counseling and increase the number of professional counselors providing effective, culturally competent services to underserved and never-served populations. Each fellow receives funds to support his or her education, as well as training, mentorship and professional development services.
Minor, from Lawrenceville, is a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with an expected completion date of fall 2021. She is also a member of the Mu Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota honor society.
“Sidney is one of our most motivated and passionate students. She strives to be the best student she can be, in and out of the classroom. Her enthusiasm for counseling will carry her far in the profession when she starts working with clients and advocating for the mental health needs of our community,” said Dr. Paul H. Smith, assistant professor and coordinator of the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Upon earning her master’s degree, Minor intends to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to work with underserved, underprivileged minority children, adolescents and their families who either experience or are impacted by emotional and behavioral issues as well as past and current traumas.
“Receiving this fellowship has been nothing short of a blessing,” said Minor. “When I entered into graduate school, I knew who I wanted to be in the field, and I knew the impact I wanted to have. To find, apply and receive a fellowship that aligned with my passion and goals only confirmed that I was walking in my purpose. I’m a firm believer that passion fuels purpose. As a fellow, I hope to grow both personally and professionally in ways that help me better serve underserved minority children and adolescents. This fellowship allows me to accomplish my goals and walk in my passion as a counseling professional.”
Preveaux, from Lawrenceville, is a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program, with an expected completion date of spring 2021. She is also a member of Chi Sigma Iota and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and received second prize in the 2019 American Counseling Association Counselors of Tomorrow awards.
“Leslie is an inquisitive and dedicated student, both in and out of the classroom. She has a passion and energy for rehabilitation counseling that bodes well for the future of our profession, particularly her commitment to working with people of color who have disabilities,” said Dr. Kristina Henderson, assistant professor and coordinator of the M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program.
Upon earning her master’s degree, Preveaux intends to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with people who may not otherwise receive mental health treatment, including those of low economic means, immigrants, returning citizens and all others on the margins of society. She is especially interested in helping reduce recidivism by removing barriers faced by those returning to society from incarceration.
“Being the recipient of this award is a true honor,” said Preveaux. “As a fellow, I aim to grow my professional identity as a future counselor. The fellowship coincides with my practicum semester to begin this summer, and I am excited to practice the skills I learn through this fellowship opportunity.”
Both the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling are offered on Mercer’s Atlanta campus, with some required courses also available online.
About the College of Professional Advancement
Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement is committed to serving post-traditional learners. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary experiences that integrate theory and practice. In addition to providing general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer, the College of Professional Advancement offers degree programs in areas including technology, public safety, public and human services, leadership and administration, health care and liberal arts. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County and Henry County, and online. To learn more, visit professionaladvancement.mercer.edu.