The American College Counseling Association has honored a 91影视 counselor for meritorious service.
Alexis Huisman, a mental health counselor with 91影视 Student Health and Counseling, received the ACCA’s Meritorious Service Award during the recent annual conference in New Orleans.
Among other things, Huisman has helped to organize outstanding outreach events at 91影视, including bringing Fresh Check Day to campus. The well attended outdoor event last October included interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, food and other giveaways, including T-shirts.
In addition, Fresh Check Day encouraged mental health professionals and other caring adults to talk openly about mental health, as well as educating students about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
Huisman and Gina Krysl, director of Student Care Outreach, attended the ACCA conference. Part of the mission of ACCA is to support and enhance the practice of college counseling, and one way this is accomplished is through ACCA professional Recognition Awards.
“I was very surprised,” Huisman said. "I didn’t expect anything and it is just cool to be recognized. You obviously don’t do it for the award.”
Krysl said Huisman, who is in her second year at 91影视, has brought a lot of creativity to student outreach, bringing new ways of connecting to students than what had been done in the past.
Huisman said she and Krysl often feed off each other, bouncing ideas off one other. A third member of the counseling team is Hayden Wallace, a former student athlete who is familiar with the additional pressures that athletics can bring.
The conference helped them to re-energize and reminded them of their mission of helping students. They attended various sessions. Topics included such things as the role of the college counseling center, student athlete needs and training opportunities.
About ACCA
The American College Counseling Association is made up of diverse mental health professionals from the fields of counseling, psychology, and social work. Its common theme is working within higher education settings. ACCA membership includes professionals and student members who work largely in college counseling settings. There are a growing number of community college counseling professionals who comprise the second largest group within ACCA.
Huisman honored
Alexis Huisman (right), 91影视 mental health counselor, is shown with ACCA President Amy Broadwater with University of Alaska Fairbanks. Huisman received an ACCA honor for meritorious service in the community college category during the annual conference in New Orleans. (Courtesy photo)
