The Office of Student Development is pleased to announce the hiring of Connie Elkins and Brandy Smith as the inaugural directors of the newly-established Center for Counseling & Wellness. The Center will enhance Bluefield College’s holistic approach to educating the mind, heart, and spirit of our students by supporting the mental health needs of the student body. Students will be able to receive therapeutic services from licensed professional counselors without the need for insurance or incurring any out-of-pocket costs. They can also participate in professionally-led groups and workshops that provide them with the life-skills necessary to thrive as students at Bluefield College and beyond. Services are scheduled to begin on October 1. Students may request services by visiting the Center for Counseling & Wellness in the Student Development House and in the future students will have the ability to request appointments online.
Connie Elkins is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and a nationally certified counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors. Additionally, Elkins serves as the current president for the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Counselors Association. She holds a Master of Science degree in counseling and human development from Radford University in Radford, Virginia and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in counselor education and Supervision at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.
Brandy Smith is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and a National Certified Counselor. Smith serves on the executive board of the Virginia Counselors Association. She is the immediate past president of the Virginia Alliance for School Counseling. She is an alumna of Bluefield College, holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education, and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Both Elkins and Smith will continue to teach courses as faculty members in the School of Education and Social Sciences. The Center for Counseling & Wellness advances the mission of Bluefield College and the Office of Student Development through programs and services that promote student success within the context of a transformative faith, living, and learning community.
For more information on The Center for Counseling & Wellness, please contact the Office Student Development at 276.326.4206 or by emailing [email protected].