MACON — Eight Mercer University counseling graduate students were selected as Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Scholars and will receive funding from the College of Professional Advancement’s multi-million-dollar grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. Tyler Wilkinson, associate professor and chair of the counseling department, said the opportunity represents not only a significant investment in their future but also a vital contribution to address the workforce shortages of counselors trained to support individuals with disabilities in Georgia.
“We are thrilled to welcome these eight exceptional students as RSA Scholars in our Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program,” said Wilkinson. “I am confident that their dedication and passion will drive positive change in our communities for years to come. We are proud to support their journey and excited to see the positive impact they will make in the lives of the individuals with whom they will work.”
This year’s RSA Scholars are Yasmeen Burgess, Candra Garrett, Angie Holland, Kenya Harris, Brooke-Lynn Jeffries, Gia Mehdiof, Wade White and Mary Wygle.
The Scholars will receive funding for six part-time to nine full-time credit hours over three semesters to pursue the Master of Science degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling. All scholars also receive a stipend for books and living expenses for each of the three semesters, as well as travel reimbursement for attendance and scholarly presentations at National Council on Rehabilitation Education conferences.
Upon completion of their degree, scholars commit to working at any state vocational rehabilitation agency or other eligible employment site for each academic year they receive funding.
Burgess received her undergraduate degree in computer information systems and a master’s degree in education and special education. She taught in Rockdale County for more than 20 years, working with both special education and regular education students. “I intend to utilize my background in education and rehabilitation counseling to enhance vocational services and academic support for students with disabilities in Georgia’s school systems,” she said. “I believe that vocational training should commence early in the educational process to provide all students, particularly those with learning and other disabilities, with options as they prepare for their futures.”
Garrett graduated with a B.S. in psychological science and a minor in business from Georgia College & State University. “After I obtain my master’s, I plan to provide rehabilitation counseling services to those who are managing chronic illness. I’m particularly interested in helping those who are managing endometriosis, adenomyosis, infertility and other women’s health issues,” she said. “This scholarship further enables me to take advantage of all the programing Mercer has to offer.”
Holland graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.A. in psychology and a sociology minor. “I am excited to collaborate with and advocate for individuals with disabilities in a role that aligns with my skills, passions and the needs of the community,” she said. “I consider it my responsibility, every day, to prove myself a worthy candidate and make a positive impact in the lives of persons with disabilities and the field of rehabilitation counseling.”
Harris graduated with a B.S. in psychology from Mercer in 2023. Her goal is to work with the Social Security Administration as a client care advocate and to better assist persons with disabilities in obtaining support through educational advancement and job placement. “Although I had no idea that I would continue my education, receiving the RSA Scholarship made graduate school a real possibility for me,” she said. “It has undoubtedly allowed me to see a brighter future ahead.”
Jeffries received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado, where she focused on gerontology and dementia research. After receiving her master’s, she hopes to work with older adults with disabilities. “I am thankful for the RSA scholarship and the freedom it has given me to focus on my degree program with less financial stress,” she said. “It has connected me to a group of students I already feel confident reaching out to for support.”
Mehdiof graduated with B.S. in psychology from Georgia College & State University in 2022. After graduation, she hopes to work as a rehabilitation counselor for people with developmental and cognitive disabilities. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has opened up for me,” she said. “I cannot wait to submit research proposals and attend conferences in the future so I can broaden my knowledge on disability and counseling. I appreciate the grant committee and my professors for their wisdom and guidance through this process.”
White graduated from Auburn University with an undergraduate degree in business administration. He is open to working in forensics, private practice or with a federally funded organization. “I feel privileged to receive such a great opportunity in the form of this RSA grant,” he said. “As a working adult returning to school with several responsibilities, the grant has allowed me to pursue my passions. I can’t say enough about the importance of this opportunity and how life changing it has been.”
Wygle graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a double B.A. degree in psychology and sociology and later received a M.S. in sustainability from Blekinge Insititute of Technology in Karlskrona, Sweden. “After I graduate, I would like to work with female veterans to offer support and resources that address the unique challenges they face both during and after military service. Female veterans often encounter specific issues related to their health, mental well-being, career transition and reintegration into civilian life,” she said. “My goal is to be a part of programs that empower them by providing access to counseling services. I’m excited to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact as a clinical rehabilitation counselor, serving individuals who need assistance in their journey toward recovery and independence.”
To date, 58 Mercer RSA Scholar graduates have been funded by grants to Mercer’s counseling program of nearly $2.2 million. The grant funds scholarships, professional development and additional expenses for qualifying students pursuing a Master of Science degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling.
Feature image: From left: Mary Wygle, Gia Mehdiof, Candra Garrett, Wade White, Angie Holland, LaTosma McGhee (returning scholar), Yasmeen Burgess, Kenya Harris. Not pictured: Brooke-Lynn Jeffries
