Faculty Honored as MD Counselor Educator of the Year

BSU Professor & a Recent Graduate Recognized by MD School Counselor Association

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – A Bowie State University professor and counseling professional was named Counselor Educator of the Year by the Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA) for her innovation and leadership in the profession. A recent Bowie State graduate was selected Maryland School Counseling Graduate Student of the Year.

Dr. Cynthia Taylor (‘89), who teaches in the Department of Counseling, was one of 17 outstanding professionals honored at the Maryland School Counselor Association’s first virtual gala on March 19. Having 15 years of experience in the profession, Dr. Taylor leads the school counseling master's degree program. She won an outstanding service award in 2015.

“It is quite an honor to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Taylor during the virtual gala. “It’s very enlightening to be able to share concepts… that our students will need to be successful... The ultimate joy is when they are gainfully employed as a professional school counselor.”

James Harris (‘20), a Charles County elementary school counselor and recent BSU graduate, was recognized as an excellent graduate student for his commitment to academic excellence and professional growth, while serving the academic and social-emotional needs of his students.  
 
“It is an amazing honor to be able to receive this award,” said Harris at the virtual gala. “I want to thank my teachers who continued to push me.” 

MSCA President-elect Dr. Nikki Ham ('20), who is also Bowie State’s associate director of clinical counseling and field experiences, expressed her excitement that the evaluators, representing parents, school administrators, counselors and teachers, selected two BSU-affiliated counselors for top honors. 

“I was extremely proud, as a graduate and staff member of Bowie State University, when the independent evaluators submitted their names of the honorees for this award,” said Dr. Ham.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.