MACON – Dr. Arthur J. Williams and Dr. Kathy D. Robinson of Mercer University's College of Continuing and Professional Studies were among individuals recognized at the 26th Annual Convention and Regional Conference of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, held May 8-11, in Atlanta.
Dr. Williams, professor and chair of the Department of Counseling and Human Sciences, received the Dr. John C. Burns III Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong vision, commitment and success in the empowerment of clients, edification of communities and endorsement of the profession of counseling. Dr. Williams is the first recipient of this award, which is to be presented to only one outstanding member of the organization per year. Dr. Robinson, assistant professor of counseling, received the Counselor Educator of the Year Award for outstanding achievement and contributions to shaping young minds.
“I congratulate Dr. Williams and Dr. Robinson for their recognition as outstanding counselor educators and thank them for their many contributions to our counseling students and the counseling profession at large,” said Dr. Priscilla Danheiser, dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies.
“I strongly believe in my profession as a counselor and educator. To receive a lifetime achievement award, as one of the 4,000 counselors in Georgia, is an honor I will always cherish. I will continue to strive to produce quality counselors at Mercer University and represent professional counselors in Georgia,” said Dr. Williams. “I am thankful to my Mercer colleagues and close friends from around the state for their support as I have traveled the path towards receiving this honor.”
“There are so many outstanding counselor educators in our profession deserving of this award. To be singled out and recognized as counselor educator of the year was quite a pleasant surprise and a humbling experience for me,” said Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Williams joined the University's faculty in 1982. He has been chair of the Department of Counseling and Human Sciences for 20 years, and is a past recipient of Tift College of Education's Excellence in Teaching Award. He earned his Ph.D. in counseling from Georgia State University.
Dr. Williams is one of only three licensed professional counselors (LPCs) who serve on the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. The board is appointed by the governor and responsible for approving all LPC licenses, reviewing all ethical complaints against LPCs and protecting the public against any harm that may come to them as a result of LPC negligence or misconduct throughout the state.
Dr. Robinson joined the faculty of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies in 2011, after earning her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Auburn University. Her research interests include suicidology and the negative effects of modern technology on mental health.
Dr. Robinson is faculty coordinator for the campuswide initiative “Reach Out, Speak Out,” which was created last fall to coincide with the annual observance of National Suicide Prevention Week in September. This initiative is dedicated to providing a culturally relevant action agenda and support for students, faculty and administration that encompasses awareness and consciousness-raising, education, research, training and academic initiatives to reduce stigma and prevent suicide on campus.
About the College of Continuing and Professional Studies
The College of Continuing and Professional Studies, which will become Penfield College of Mercer University on July 1, 2014, is committed to serving non-traditional students 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 is a transition program for students enrolled in Mercer's English Language Institute and other international students who desire to transition 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, Newnan and Eastman. To learn more, visit ccps.mercer.edu.
