About the SESC Department
- Conceptual Framework / Identity / Missions / Mission Statement
- Philosophy & Values
- Employment Opportunities
- Curriculum Electives
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.
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 the Special Education and School Counseling Department and remains at The Earl Center. The Counseling Clinic, still housed at The Earl Center, is offically named Community Counseling Services.
Last Updated September 22, 2009