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Richmont Achieves 100% Passage Rate of the National Counselor Exam

Richmont’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program celebrates a 100% passage rate on the National Counselor Examination in 2022 – significantly exceeding the national average and poising graduates for incredible impact on the mental health field and within their communities.

“Each year, most graduating students in the School of Counseling elect to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) which is required for licensure in most states. We are very pleased to announce that, for the second time in fifteen years, Richmont students taking the NCE had a 100% pass rate in 2022. To put this in perspective, the national pass rate this year was 63%. The average score for Richmont students was 120 points while the average score nationally was 108 points. Since 2008, our average pass rate has been 97% for students taking the exam for the first time, which is much higher than the national average. These consistent results demonstrate the excellence of our program, the quality of our faculty, and the dedication of our students. We are immensely proud of these men and women for this accomplishment.”

  • Dr. Cara Cochran
    Dean of the School of Counseling, Richmont Graduate University

Richmont Graduate University Welcomes New Faculty Members

Richmont Graduate University Welcomes New Faculty Members

Seven New Members Join the Richmont Graduate University Faculty

Richmont Graduate University, a fast-growing, Christian graduate school hires seven new faculty members to join the team. Richmont provides master’s-level training in clinical mental health counseling, as well as ministry, in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and online. With a growing team of 18 full-time faculty, Richmont hopes to expand its footprint in the Atlanta and Chattanooga markets with these new team members.

Among these members are Jenny Chein, Laura Land, Brian Mesimer, Matt Casada, Stephanie Keane, Andrew Morse, and Emily Aikins. They will be joining Richmont Graduate University’s faculty staff, effective starting August 1, 2022.

“All of our professors are expected to be professor-practitioners and are expected to practice or supervise as an LPC, MFT, or Psychologist in addition to their teaching in the CMHC Counselor Education program,” said Dr. Steve Bradshaw, Dean of the School of Counseling at Richmont Graduate University. “This enriches our student experience in the classroom by having the ability to share confidentially real case studies in the learning process.”

Richmont Graduate University specifically looks for faculty members who are diverse, professionally-trained, and willing to integrate their faith into the content of counselor education training. 

“Richmont’s hiring process is rigorous, involving not just an online interview, but integration prompts, a teaching sample, and often a campus visit,” said Dr. Joshua Rice, Richmont Graduate University Provost. “Those who are ultimately considered have an obvious love for students and an approach to teaching counseling courses that integrates their expertise in the field with a committed Christian faith.”

See below for a biography and more information on each new faculty member:

Jenny Chien

Jenny Chien has served as an Assistant Professor of Counseling for Grand Rapids Theological Seminary since 2017. Chein received her Ph.D. in Counseling at Florida Atlantic University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is looking forward to joining the counseling team at Richmont Graduate University as an Associate Professor.

“I am thrilled to join the Counseling Program at Richmont Faculty,” said Chien. “What excites me most is to be working in a faith-based program that is both CACREP-accredited and values meaningful Christian integration.  I am looking forward to working with my faculty colleagues who are well-established in the field and getting to know the diverse student body.”

Laura Land

Laura Land has professional experience in teaching counseling and psychology since 2014 and has served as a supervisor since 2015. Land received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling and Counselor Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She brings six years of clinical experience to Richmont’s team and is looking forward to her new role as an Associate Professor.

“I love Richmont’s student-centered approach in the design of their counseling program so students feel empowered to choose a plan of progression that works for their stations in life,” said Land. “This speaks to another element I respect, which is a true care for and emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

Brian Mesimer

Brian Mesimer joins Richmont after serving as an adjunct instructor of counseling at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He received his doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Cumberlands in May of 2022. Mesimer holds a certificate in group crisis intervention and is a licensed professional counselor and National Board Certified Counselor. He is looking forward to joining the Richmont team as an Assistant Professor.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the faculty at a university which makes the integration of the Christian message in counseling a priority,” said Mesimer. “Richmont has a reputation for forming competent and compassionate counselors, and I am looking forward to being a part of that process.”

Matt Casada

Matt Casada joins the Richmont team as an Assistant Professor. Casada is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a qualified Clinical Supervisor. He received his doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. Casada is also a member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Creativity in Counseling, Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, and many more.

“I am thrilled to join the Richmont faculty where I can be part of a team of faculty and staff who are investing in the growth and development of our students, both personally and professionally,” said Casada. “I look forward to the opportunity to engage Richmont students in a relational and experiential manner.”

Stephanie Keane

Stephanie Keane is looking forward to her new role as Assistant Professor at Richmont. Keane received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Keane plans to put her skills to use at Richmont as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

“I believe that God has led me in my path as a counselor educator and brought me to Richmont Graduate University knowing I would be welcomed with open arms,” said Keane. “I feel as though I am already a part of the Richmont family and I am very excited to continue to get to know the faculty and students at this incredible institution.”

Andrew Morse

Andrew Morse received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University. More is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Prepare/Enrich Certified Facilitator. Andrew will join the Richmont team as an Assistant Professor.

“I feel so blessed to be joining the team at Richmont,” said Morse. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the faculty and staff to help students in their personal, spiritual, and professional development as they grow to become skilled and compassionate mental health counselors!”

Emily Aikins

Emily Aikins is in the process of receiving her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lee University. Aikins comes to the Richmont team with experience as an Adjunct Professor and is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. She is looking forward to her new role as an Instructor at Richmont Graduate University.

“As an alumna, I am thrilled to be a part of continuing the excellent training provided by Richmont,” said Aikins. “Walking alongside students as they become counselors and therapists while discovering more about who they are and who God is, is one of the most exciting elements of being a part of Richmont faculty.”

For more information on our faculty and staff, visit richmont.edu

Dr. Kathleen Bazile featured in The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Health and lifestyle journalist, Ebony Williams, recently highlighted an interview with Dr. Kathleen Bazile in an article about the client-therapist match.

Read the Article >

Dr. Steve Bradshaw Announces Retirement; Dr. Cara Cochran Appointed Dean of the School of Counseling

After 45 years in higher education, 18 years of teaching at Richmont, and seven years serving as Dean of the School of Counseling, Dr. Steve Bradshaw will be retiring at the end of this academic year.  “I plan to continue serving Richmont students ​and alumni by teaching some Internship classes and providing supervision for recent graduates in order to obtain licensure,” Bradshaw explains. “So, I am not going away – just changing my role at Richmont. I look forward to continuing to hear of the great things God is doing through Richmont and its students in the upcoming years.”  An opportunity for former and current students and staff to express appreciation to Dr. Bradshaw is currently being planned for the end of the semester.

Dr. Joshua Rice has appointed Dr. Cara Cochran as Dean of the School of Counseling for a two-year term. “With a long history as an administrator in higher education, including serving as our Assistant then Associate Dean over the last 6 years, Dr. Cochran is a standout choice for this vital role,” says Rice.  “She loves students, she is a vitalizer and we have a lot to do.”

“I am thankful to be part of a university community where faith and clinical excellence are part of our identity,” Cochran remarks. “To have the opportunity to lead, and to continue to dream alongside the faculty and students in the role of Dean of the School of Counseling is humbling and very exciting. I look forward to working together to strengthen our degree programs and certificates, and to increase our impact and influence in the realm of counselor education.”

Richmont Partners with Atlanta-Area District Attorney‘s Office on Restorative Justice Project

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. announces that the District Attorney’s Diversion Program will be the first recipient of Richmont Graduate University’s new Restorative Justice Program. The funding for Richmont’s program was made possible through a $35,000.00 donation provided to establish funding for this vital initiative. The program will allow eligible diversion program applicants, who choose Richmont for counseling services, to receive counseling sessions at reduced rates. Additionally, based on a case-by-case basis, the program would completely cover the fees of those unable to pay the reduced rates.

University President Timothy Quinnan noted: “Richmont strives to facilitate spiritual growth, mental health, and relational healing with our counseling services. We are thankful for the donation which allowed us to start our Restorative Justice Program. There is a redemptive power in counseling. We hope this program will help restore hope and opportunity for the participants. People should not be hindered from the healing they seek due to monetary constraints.”

District Attorney Broady stated, “This commitment from Richmont Graduate University is revolutionary for our diversion program. It will bring equity to many people seeking the benefit of recovery and positive changes in their lives.”

For more information, see the following press release:

https://cobbcountycourier.com/2022/04/cobb-da-announces-opportunity-for-diversion-program-participants-to-receive-reduced-or-free-rates-for-counseling-services/

Dr. Preston Hill and Dr. Samuel Youngs deliver keynote lectures in Theology and Trauma Public Theology Series

Dr. Preston Hill and Dr. Sam Youngs recently keynoted the Public Theology Lecture Series at The Mission Chattanooga.  Dr. Youngs’ address was entitled, “When Doctrine Hurts: Theology in Light of Trauma,
and focused on the effects of toxic theology.” Dr. Hill’s lecture, “In Search of Healing: Trauma in light of Theology,” focused on movements toward healing in a biblical and theological framework.

The lectures can be downloaded here:

Dr. Samuel J. Youngs: “When Doctrine Hurts: Theology in Light of Trauma.

Dr. Preston Hill: “In Search of Healing: Trauma in Light of Theology.”

Richmont Partners with Sustainable Faith

Richmont Graduate University has established an exciting partnership with Sustainable Faith, a collective of pastors and spiritual directors working to create spiritually healthy cultures among leaders and their communities. The partnership is aligned with Richmont’s School of Ministry, which prepares men and women to fulfill God’s call to transformational ministry. Together, we are set to continue to equip more Christ-like leaders for God’s Kingdom.

The partnership allows Richmont to provide academic credit to Sustainable Faith students. Specifically, Richmont is providing 12 credits of Advanced Standing in our Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction degree to graduates of the Sustainable Faith program. The relationship between Richmont and Sustainable Faith is especially centered on our innovative cohort model of accredited training in the ministry of Spiritual Direction.

Dr. Joshua Rice, Acting Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont states, “We’re very excited to partner with Sustainable Faith. Our shared partnership in the ministry of spiritual direction makes this a natural fit. We expect that this agreement will bear fruit for each institution in the future.”

Students can begin receiving academic credit effective in the fall semester of 2022. Visit the Sustainable Faith at sustainablefaith.com.

For more information, please contact Dr. Joshua Rice at jrice@richmont.edu.

Dr. Doug Rosenau (1947-2022)

Richmont Graduate University extends our sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Doug Rosenau, who went to be with the Lord early on Palm Sunday, April 10th. Dr. Rosenau began teaching at Richmont (then PSI) in 2002, and his work through the Institute for Sexual Wholeness has equipped thousands of counselors to address God’s design for sexuality and to do so with excellence and compassion. Dr. Rosenau’s investment in the lives of Richmont’s students is a lasting legacy. His kindness and gentle demeanor exemplified Christ, and Richmont is the grateful recipient of his work, and of his compassion for others.

Dr. Rosenau’s full obituary can be found here:
Douglas Rosenau Obituary – Atlanta, GA (dignitymemorial.com)

Dr. Preston Hill Delivers Key Note Lecture Series at the St. Benedict Center for Spiritual Formation

The Lectio Series is a semi-annual symposium on spiritual theology hosted by the St Benedict Center in Knoxville, TN. Keynote speakers address varied topics on spiritual formation and the inner life. Dr. Hill’s series was entitled “Encountering Jesus in Darkness.”

The lectures can be accessed here.

Richmont Expands Partnership with Walton Communities Apartments

Richmont Expands Partnership with Walton Communities Apartments

For several years Richmont Trauma Center counseling has been available at specific Walton Communities locations and has had a positive impact on Walton residents. “When Walton Communities approached Richmont about also working with their Adventure Centers afterschool program, we were thrilled to explore the possibility. Walton Communities’ mission to create neighborhoods where people thrive is a natural fit with our mission to advance healing, restoration, and transformation in the lives of individuals, churches, and communities,” said Richmont President Timothy Quinnan.

For the 2022-2023 school year, Richmont will pilot Child-Centered Play Therapy Groups (CCGPT) as part of the Adventure Center programing at Walton Village, an affordable housing community. The Adventure Centers provide after-school enrichment and summer camp programs for students in K-5th grade in select Walton apartment communities.

The hope is to expand to other Adventure Center locations in future years. According to Renee Holdo, Director of Richmont’s Center for Play Therapy Education, “This program will provide an exceptional internship opportunity for Richmont students pursuing the Child and Adolescent Certificate while offering Richmont an avenue to contribute to the growing body of research on the impact of Child-Centered Play Therapy Groups. CCGPT is designed to be a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention for children utilizing play (the natural language of children) and the therapeutic relationship to learn and practice new social and coping skills enabling children to best navigate the world they live in. It is an exciting opportunity for all involved in the program and I look forward to seeing it grow.” Holdo has started conducting training for Adventure Center/Walton Communities staff ahead of the August start of the school year.