History of the Counselor Education Department

• Conceptual Framework

History

During the 1946-1947 academic year, ESU was authorized to offer a Master of Science degree in counselor training (secondary counseling).  The first Director of Counselor Training was Dr. George Comstock who served in this capacity from 1947-53. The Department was originally housed on the second floor of Plumb Hall. In 1953, the program name was changed to the Department of Guidance. The Department Chair from 1953-60 was Dr. Harry Waters.  Dr. Charles Basnik served as Chair from 1960-62; during this period Dr. Waters was given other administrative responsibilities in the University. In 1962, Dr. Waters returned full-time to the Department and the name changed to the Department of Counselor Education. In 1964, the Department moved its offices to the Education Building (now demolished) which was located between Beach Hall and King Hall.

During the summer of 1979 the Department became a Division and moved to the third floor of Visser Hall. In 1983, the Division's name was changed again to the Division of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs.  This name more accurately describes the present function and mission of the Division. In 2000, the name was changed again to the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs. In March of 1999 the Department moved into the current remodeled facility known as the Hammond Heights Complex at 1601 State Street.   On October 27, 2000, the building was officially dedicated The Earl Center.  In 2011, the department name changed to the Department of Counselor Education.

 

The Department's first degree, granted in 1952, was in secondary school counseling. In 1961, a program to prepare elementary school counselors was developed, and in 1966 a graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling was begun. In 1970, a program for preparing student personnel professionals for colleges and universities was initiated. In 1972, a graduate program designed to prepare community counselors was begun as was an undergraduate program in rehabilitation services. The Community Counseling program was changed to the Mental Health Counseling Program in 1996. The Department established a Counseling Clinic in 1997 to improve the educational experiences of current students to provide additional counseling services to members of the Emporia community.  Today the Department is named Counselor Education and remains at The Earl Center.  The Counseling Clinic, still housed at The Earl Center, is offically named Community Counseling Services.