Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science

Casey Barrio, Department Head
Spencer Olmstead, Associate Department Head
Sally Hunter, Advising Coordinator
Juli Dolezal, HDFS Practicum Coordinator

Professors
Barrio, C., PhD – North Carolina (Greensboro)
Cochran, J., PhD – Virginia Tech
Gibbons, M., PhD – North Carolina (Greensboro)
Johnson, E., PhD – Michigan
Olmstead, S., PhD – Florida State
Rauer, A.J., PhD – Michigan
Stolz, H., PhD – Brigham Young

Associate Professors
Diambra, J., EdD – William & Mary
Haselschwerdt, M., PhD – Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)

Assistant Professors
Coleman, J., PhD – Georgia State
Kim, H., PhD – Penn State
Westcott, J., PhD – Virginia Tech
Yan, J., PhD – Ohio State

Clinical Assistant Professor
Nownes, E., PhD – Tennessee
Dolezal, J., PhD – Tennessee

Clinical Associate Professor
Hunter, S., PhD – Tennessee

Affiliated Professors
Devereaux, M., PhD – Tennessee
Gordon, K., PhD – North Carolina (Chapel Hill)

Affiliated Assistant Professor
Wallace, H., PhD – Tennessee

Adjunct Associate Professor
Samuel, J., PhD – Tennessee

Joint Faculty Assistant Professor
Williams, D., PhD – Nebraska (Lincoln)

The mission of the Department of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science is to promote optimal development and holistic well-being across the lifespan through research and practice that honor the complexities of individuals, families, and communities. We strive to achieve this through:

conducting high quality scientific research to advance our disciplines and inform practice and policy;
developing professionals who possess knowledge and skills to work alongside individuals, families, and communities; and
engaging with campus and community partners to design and deliver culturally responsive services grounded in research and theory.

We value systemic and equity-oriented approaches that embrace the richness of human experiences. We pursue interdisciplinary rigor and excellence as we center relationships, integrity, humility, and co-creation in pursuit of our mission. The department is comprised of faculty members and degree programs in two disciplines: Counselor Education and Human Development and Family Science.

Our Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) undergraduate programs prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to help individuals and families face the different challenges of today’s complex society. Students complete an integrated curriculum that includes human development across the lifespan, family dynamics and interaction patterns, research skills, and interpersonal and professional skills needed in the workplace. The major course of study concludes with a field-based experience that empowers students to hone practical skills and knowledge in a work setting consistent with their personal and professional goals. Core coursework is complemented with a range of elective options that will give students a broad, general education as well as specialized knowledge in areas of their choosing.

HDFS graduates are prepared to work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings including agencies providing services to individuals and families and for-profit businesses. Many students continue their education with graduate study in disciplines such as counseling, human development and family science, psychology, ministry, social work, and law.

Additionally, our undergraduate offerings in counseling prepare students with understanding of holistic wellness practice alongside practical skills for developing strong and effective interpersonal and professional relationships. These foundation skills are essential for success and sought after by employers in many work settings. Undergraduate foundations in counseling also provide a strong starting point for those who wish to pursue graduate study in helping professions such as counseling, couple and family therapy, human development and family science, psychology, and social work.

Undergraduates

Graduate Students

Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science