UWG Counseling Student Creating Supportive Environments Through Hands-on Learning Share this page
Many people are familiar with the adage “success comes from hard work.” But success also comes from being able to grow and learn in environments where individuals feel valued and supported. These encouraging spaces are exactly what Daniel Asante, University of West Georgia graduate student, is consistently creating for African American males through his research and work in mental health.
Currently pursuing his master's degree in professional counseling, Asante has been recognized for his efforts and was selected for the 2024 National Board of Certified Counselors’(NBCC) Minority Fellowship. This honor allows Asante to benefit from training and networking opportunities from other industry professionals. After graduation, it will allow him to continue his commitment to making an impact in historically underserved areas.
“Dan is an incredibly curious and thoughtful student who is valued by both his peers and his faculty,” said Dr. Julia Whisenhunt, professor of counselor education. “He approaches his studies with intentionality and a sincere commitment to understanding the material in a complex manner that allows him to translate knowledge to practice. Through this prestigious fellowship, Dan will interact with other professional counselors and leaders, further strengthening his understanding of the profession and his professional identity.”
Asante also serves as the graduate assistant for UWG’s African American Male Initiative Program (AAMI). In this role, he creates meaningful, lasting relationships with students while working with community partners as well, including the Carroll County NAACP.
“My graduate assistantship helped me fall in love with my department,” said Asante. “It’s given me not only the flexibility to create a safe space while working with African American males here at UWG but also be an advocate for them. Through the AAMI program, I want them to get a sense of community and bonding that can last a lifetime.”
Additionally, Asante is a member of the professional organization Counseling Brothers of Atlanta Inc. (CBOA), in which he receives ongoing mentorship and strives to increase cultural competencies in the mental health industry. Asante even conducted a mental health seminar at UWG that CBOA participated in, creating yet another space for African American males to feel heard.
“It had a great turnout with over 50 people,” said Asante. “We were able to just talk, connect and get to know one another, and gain valuable resources about mental health and how we should take care of it.”
This experiential learning has helped Asante maximize his potential through participating in opportunities such as small group workshops and different speaking engagements.
“In our program, experiential learning is not limited to the field experience courses; it’s infused across the core curriculum,” said Whisenhunt. “Students are provided opportunities to practice their developing skills via mock sessions with classmates, in-class process groups and simulated counseling encounters using the College of Education’s UWGLive Simulation Lab.”
Additional opportunities include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, involvement with the Gamma Zeta chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International, and presenting at the Georgia School Counselor Association Conference and the Cobb School Counselors Association Mini-Conference.
Being driven and passionate about his work has earned Asante widespread recognition that demonstrates his dedication to what he does and to those he helps.
After his graduation set for December 2025, Asante plans to take the licensing exam with hopes of becoming a licensed professional counselor. His goal is to learn the inner workings well enough to one day open his own practice both in the U.S. and Ghana.
“In my home country of Ghana, we lack mental health resources,” said Asante. “I definitely want to be able to provide them with the knowledge and resources that I’ve learned during my studies over the years.”
Being a part of experiential learning opportunities through UWG has propelled Asante on a clear and definite path to pursuing his passion for creating supportive spaces for others. For students who may be undecided on what their path may be, Asante offers these touching words of counsel.
“Just follow your heart,” concluded Asante. “Learn about yourself and what motivates you. Follow your dreams.”