FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2006
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
SRU counseling department selected as best in
Pennsylvania
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Slippery Rock University’s counseling and development
department was presented the “Outstanding Counselor Education
Program” award from the Pennsylvania Counseling Association,
an advocacy organization, at its 38th annual conference.
The association picked one university for the top award from among
25 counselor educator programs in the state./font>
The award cited the
graduate-level College of Education department as a whole and its
emphasis on preparing students for several counseling fields.
Graduates work as guidance counselors for grades K-12, in various
roles at universities and as professional counselors at human
services agencies and hospitals.
This is the second time
SRU’s department received the award. The first one was in
2002, said Donald Strano, associate professor counseling and
development, at SRU. With 150 students enrolled, the department
offers masters degrees in community counseling, school counseling
and student affairs in higher education.
“Students in all
three programs do extensive internships, completing 700 hours of
field experience in an actual work setting,” he said. SRU
provides internship placements at drug and alcohol treatment
centers and other facilities.
He said student affairs
graduates work in university offices such as career services,
residence life, counseling offices and student services for those
with disabilities.
The Pennsylvania
Counseling Association, the state branch of the American Counseling
Association, represents 21,000 counselors working in the state,
according to its Web site.
Slippery Rock University is
Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university.
Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive
learning experience that intentionally combines academic
instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities
that make a positive difference in their lives.