FY 23 SWVHEC Annual Report

Anthony Wilson completed Radford University’s Masters of Counseling and Human Development with emphasis in School Counseling at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Spring 2022. Anthony describes his experience in his own words: “I am from Wise, VA. I have been a teacher in Wise County Schools for the past 17 years. I heard about Radford’s Masters in School Counseling program at the SWVA Higher Education Center through email correspondence and I had a great experience taking classes and earning my degree. The professors were great and I developed many lasting friendships. I am currently in my first year as a school counselor at L.F. Addington Middle School (Wise). Completing a graduate program is challenging but so rewarding.” “This program equipped me with the skills necessary to become a successful school counselor. If you are thinking about completing a degree, don’t wait. You will never regret bettering yourself.” Becky McKinney also completed Radford University’s Masters of Counseling and Human Development with an emphasis in School Counseling in 2022. In addition to this degree, she also completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from UVA-Wise at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in 2004 and completed her licensure program in Elementary Education PK-6 from Old Dominion University, also at the Center. She has been teaching school for nine years. She describes her experience in her own words: “I had been thinking about school counseling for quite some time as I felt that school counseling brings all of my experiences together. I love students, the school environment and have an incredible empathy and desire to help students cope, grow, and find their strengths despite the growing mental health concerns and challenges they face.”

“The cohort was designed for working individuals. A grant became available that would pay a portion of the tuition. I had no more excuses and knew it was the right time. With my experience as a teacher, social worker and counselor, I had the opportunity to work as an interim school counselor to fill a vacancy while completing the program. I am a licensed school counselor serving the Meadowview Elementary School family for my fifth year. I am so blessed to be in the position in which I feel led to serve. All of my experiences and the paths I have taken have given me the experience I need to support students and families.”

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