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Christine Banks-VanAllen, a first-year doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) program, earned an honorable

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mention in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Tomorrow’s Counselors essay competition, announced during the . This competition recognizes graduate counseling students with exceptional insight and understanding about the counseling profession and the work of professional counselors in mental health, private practice, community agency, agency, organization or related counseling settings. Her composition discussed the intersections of trauma and social justice in the counseling field, underscored by the global coronavirus pandemic. 

“I felt honored to have been chosen for the award out of all the many applicants ACA had,” Christine said. “I feel passionate about advocacy, trauma, and social justice in counseling, and I was grateful that my vision on these themes resonated with others in the profession. It is so important that mental health professionals be trauma-informed in all we do.”

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Dr. Jason McGlothlin, associate professor in the CES program, was also recently elected as the next ACA Midwest Region Chair. Dr. McGlothlin will assume this role July 2021. 

“First and foremost I am humbled by getting nominated by my state branch, the , to hold this position,” he said. “I have served as President of OCA and respect the leadership in this organization and am thankful they trust me to hold a larger office.” 

Among his various goals, Dr. McGlothlin hopes to create leadership development opportunities for first time and emerging leaders, enhance the unity of the profession amongst states in the region, and support legislation and current events.

The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.