3 minute read
Counseling & Human Development
Eileen Estes ’91, ’02, retiring this summer after 34 years with the college, has been instrumental in shaping art therapy students.
Joining as a graduate assistant in 1990 and later becoming a faculty member in 1998, she has served as the director of the art therapy program since 2006.
As she completed her education as an art teacher in Madison, Wisconsin, Estes transitioned to art therapy at UofL on the recommendation of her professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I had an immediate connection with Louisville, because the program invested in its students which crossed over to the community,” said Estes.
Beyond her teaching role, Estes practices art therapy at Gilda’s Club and the Brown Cancer Center, demonstrating to her students the importance of community engagement. She views the art therapy program at UofL as a continuous, reciprocal flow of energy between the college and the community.
Estes’ legacy lies in her students, who carry her teachings back into the community. She finds fulfillment in seeing her students grow beyond the university. Even after retirement, Estes plans to do the same by continuing her clinical work in Louisville. “I want my students to see my experience and know that this is a field to be passionate about,” she said.
Susan Longerbeam has been an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development since 2016, with a 40-year career spanning five public universities.
Her research focuses on how culture and campus climate impact college student success. Throughout her career, she has consistently emphasized the need to work with students as whole people, with unconditional positive regard. Despite a decline in public support for higher education, it remains critical that universities invest in programs and staff that focus on the complex challenges experienced by college students.
“We should not look for shortcuts to human development when the world is becoming increasingly complex.”
Longerbeam co-runs the master’s and doctoral college student personnel programs with Amy Hirschy. Naturally, her proudest moments have been in her work with students.
“The doctoral and master’s students I’ve worked with have graduated and are doing well in their careers in higher education across the country,” she said. “I haven’t lost any doctoral students along the way.”
Upon retirement this summer, Longerbeam plans to spend more time with her teenage son and volunteering with a dog rescue organization and a homeless services organization.
WATERFRONT WEDNESDAY
Last year, Art Therapy program faculty Eileen Estes and Marybeth Orton left their mark at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday.
Attendees and their children immersed themselves in expressive activities like coloring pages and a community art project.
This summer, we’re excited to reconnect with the local community and share the transformative power of art.
Come see us at the UofL tent on July 31 from 4:30 – 7pm by the Big Four Bridge!
