COUNSELING PROGRAM EARNS ACCREDITATION

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program has earned an eight-year accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, something that is “almost unheard of,” according to Dr. Kelly Veal, Program Coordinator.

“The CMHC program was honored to obtain accreditation for eight years," said Dr. Veal. “The credit goes to the hard work put in by CMHC faculty members Dr. Dixie Powers and Dr. Justin Muller.” The accreditation process takes about two years, and the college met standards set by the CACREP board to achieve the status.

“Having that CACREP accreditation gives us the industry standard that we’re meeting the certain criteria that CACREP sets,” Dr. Veal said. “It also provides information that the students will be meeting certain industry standards and be eligible for licensure in our state or another state.” With the accreditation, students will be able to sit for the National Counselor Examination while still enrolled in the graduate program. Once the exam is passed, the student can apply for associate licensure upon graduation before applying to be a fully licensed counselor after being under supervision for three years.

President Susanna Baxter, far right, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey, second from left, congratulate Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty members Dr. Dixie Powers, Program Coordinator Dr. Kelly Veal and Dr. Justin Muller on earning an eight-year CACREP accreditation for the program.

COLLEGE RANKED IN TOP 10

LaGrange College continues its run as an outstanding institution in annual rankings released this fall by U.S. News & World Report.

LC was rated in the top 10 among 93 Regional Colleges in the South, the only Georgia college in the category’s top 20.

“It is always exciting to have an independent source like U.S. News recognize the value of a LaGrange education,” said college President Susanna Baxter. “It is also a validation of our mission of preparing students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.”

LaGrange College also was named a “best value,” a label the magazine says factors a school’s academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. “The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal,” the publication said.