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BRCHS Student Profile: Willie Stocker

Meet Willie Stocker, who is part of the inaugural cohort of the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program in the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences. Stocker is active-duty military, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.

What is your undergraduate degree?
My undergraduate degree is a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice from Limestone College.

Why did you choose this JU program?
I chose this JU program because of its versatility. The professors here are wonderful and they’ve put a lot into this program. The JU CMHC program puts a big emphasis on clinical hours and getting out into the community right away to start honing our skills as counselors. Another reason for choosing this programs was the opportunity for dual licensure as a License Mental Health Counselor and a Marriage and Family therapist. Lastly, getting the chance to be a part of the first Mental Health Counseling cohort in JU history was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up; it truly feels like I’m a part of something special.

What do you like best about the program?
Being on active duty in the military, my schedule can be tight, so finding a university that could accommodate my schedule was important. JU totally hit a home run with the hybrid format for the program. There were some online universities that I could have attended, but I feel I learn best in the classroom and in a small class setting. We meet once a week on Tuesday and the rest of the course context is online, so I get the best of both worlds. I can honestly say JU made it possible for me to attend college and work toward my goal of completing my degree in a way that works best with my learning style.

What made you choose to pursue a career in this area?
I chose to pursue a career in this area because I really want to help people. Mental wellness is such an important issue in our society, and being a licensed mental health counselor affords me that opportunity to help people and make a positive impact in our community. Leaving behind a positive legacy is definitely a goal of mine.

What do you hope to pursue after graduation?
I plan on working as a counselor in a family or private practice setting to hone my skills as a counselor. My long-term goals are to eventually have my own private practice.