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It’s a Mississippi College homecoming for James Strickland. He goes to work in August as a new professor at the MC School of Education.
A 2006 MC graduate, Strickland will serve as the new coordinator of the university’s Clinical Mental Health Program. He will teach counseling classes to graduate students.
“I am really excited to be reconnecting with my MC family as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.”
The 33-year-old Mississippian is a 2002 graduate of Brandon High School. As an MC undergraduate, James remained active in the Baptist Student Union, the Shawreth men’s civic club and Psi Chi.
“The values and standards are what attracted me to Mississippi College when I began my undergraduate career,” Strickland said. “And these same values and principles brought me back.”
Strickland is delighted to work at a Christian institution “where I can integrate my personal values with my professional values.” It’s a place where he pledges to help students figure out the best road as they get started on their careers.
The MC alumnus received his master’s in counseling psychology in 2008 at the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his doctorate in counselor education and supervision at the University of Mississippi in 2017.
“I learned so much throughout my academic journey and each institution played a vital role in shaping me into the professional I am today,” he said.
“Dr. James Strickland comes to us with a wealth of experience in Clinical Mental Health,” says Jan Lemon, who chairs the Psychology and Counseling Department. He will oversee the design and development of the MC program’s courses. He will create partnerships with mental health agencies for recruiting and promoting the department.
Strickland was recently chosen as a national Emerging Leader in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. It’s a division of the American Counseling Association.
“We are very thrilled to have someone of his experience and knowledge join our department,” Lemon said.
Strickland worked as a clinical therapist at the University of Mississippi Counseling Center on the Oxford campus. And he’s been a school based clinician at Pine Belt Healthcare Resources in Hattiesburg.
With orientation for MC faculty members starting August 14, Strickland is moving from Oxford to live in a residence near the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Other changes in the School of Education include the selection of Martha D’Amico as interim chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Martha back to MC,” said School of Education Dean Cindy Melton. “She has proven to be a capable and effective leader.”
D’Amico served as a longtime school principal in Mississippi and worked as an MC education professor several years ago.
There were other major developments for the Mississippi College School of Education. Its early childhood care and development program recently received national accreditation. The bachelor’s program on the Clinton campus was endorsed by the Washington-based National Association for the Education of Young Children.
MC President Lee Royce, Graduate Dean Debbie Norris and others offered their congratulations for the achievement for the Baptist-affiliated university.
“We have excellent leadership in the program,” Melton said. “Seeking this accreditation was one more step in staying true to our calling and ministry. That is preparing effective and impactful teachers for every classroom.”
Photo: School of Education Dean Cindy Melton
