Georgia School Counselor Association Welcomes Two UWG Ed.D. Students into Leadership Positions Share this page
At the University of West Georgia, education goes beyond the classroom, becoming an immersive journey in which learning and real-world experience go hand in hand.
For Barbara Truluck and John Creger, UWG doctoral students enrolled in the College of Education’s (COE) Ed.D. in Professional Counseling and Supervision program, this approach has enabled them to advance their careers while pursuing their degrees. Thanks to the university’s emphasis on integrated experiential learning, they’ve not only balanced professional and academic growth but also stepped into leadership roles with the Georgia School Counselors Association (GSCA) in the process.
“GSCA is a wonderful organization that supports what school counselors do – advocating for the profession, providing professional development, professional learning for school counselors and networking,” explained Truluck. “Being part of the organization is important for your professional growth.”
Truluck now serves on GSCA’s leadership team as the school counselor coordinator’s liaison and is responsible for effectively communicating counselor education trends and more with its leadership and membership. Truluck noted becoming a leader for this organization was a personal goal established years ago.
“I was named Georgia School Counselor of the Year in 2019,” recalled Truluck. “I just felt like it was important to continue to pay it forward, participate and help the organization grow and become a leader. It's given me so much that I wanted to give back in that role.”
Creger now serves as the GSCA American School Counselors Association’s (ASCA) Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) chairperson and advocates for comprehensive school counseling programming throughout Georgia. Advancing to this role means a lot to Creger, who said it will help him grow both professionally and personally.
“I’m excited and eager to share my previous experience with other people,” explained Creger. “It helps me take a step in my leadership potential as a school counselor in the state of Georgia.”
Dr. Julia Whisenhunt, director of the Ed.D. program in Professional Counseling and Supervision, recognizes the importance of Truluck and Creger’s acquired leadership roles.
“Barbara and John are already established certified school counselors who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge with them to these positions,” detailed Whisenhunt. “Through their leadership roles, Barbara and John will expand their professional network, enhance their leadership and advocacy skills, and assist in promoting the continued improvement of school counseling within the state.”
Truluck and Creger note their appreciation for the integration of experiential learning embedded into their degree pathway, along with their appreciation for Whisenhunt.
“The assignments that [Whisenhunt] gives us are relevant lessons that we’re actually going to utilize in our careers,” said Creger. “She also respects us as professionals and individuals.”
“[Whisenhunt] is experienced. She’s knowledgeable. She’s inspiring,” added Truluck. “She’s someone who loves the school counseling profession, and I feel very honored to be in her program and learn from her.”
By supporting their student’s mental health and wellness, and the clients they serve through hands-on learning, these students help highlight the impact of the Counselor Education program at UWG.
For more information on the Ed.D. program, visit the COE website.