Dean of DSU\u2019s College of Education and Human Sciences Dr. Leslie Griffin said that while the format may be new, the conference\u2019s high-quality experience remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Woodall Conference has historically been a highly attended conference with an outpouring of positive feedback from recipients as to its benefits to their respective careers,\u201d said Griffin.\u00a0 \u201cIn characteristic fashion, the CED faculty have stepped up to produce this conference in a quality and viable online format. On behalf of the College of Education and Human Sciences, I welcome this year\u2019s prospective attendees!\u201d<\/p>\n
The conference began in 1981, under the direction of Dr. Fred E. Woodall, a former highly admired professor at Delta State. Since its inception, the conference has provided professionals in a variety of helping fields the opportunity to attend interesting and informative workshops at a nominal cost.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted that the Woodall Conference will be held virtually at DSU this year as it provides such a wealth of knowledge and training to counselors and others in the helping professions,\u201d said Dr. Merideth Van Namen, chair of DSU\u2019s Division of Teacher, Leadership and Research.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Counselor Education faculty work diligently each year to ensure that the conference runs smoothly and efficiently for all attendees and presenters, and the same is true for this year\u2019s virtual conference. Delta State is so very fortunate to have such a cohesive faculty and staff dedicated to helping others improve their practice and better our community,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
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Dr. Gerard Lawson<\/p><\/div>\n
This year\u2019s virtual event will be highlighted by a keynote address, entitled \u201cThe Counselor\u2019s Journey of Wellness and Resilience,\u201d by Dr. Gerard Lawson.<\/p>\n
Lawson is a professor in the School of Education at Virginia Tech and was the 66th President of the American Counseling Association, serving from July 2017 to June 2018. He is also past-president of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) and past-president of the Virginia Counselors Association.<\/p>\n
Lawson earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in human development from Virginia Tech, a master\u2019s in counseling from Longwood College and a doctorate in counselor education from the College of William and Mary. He is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, a national certified counselor and an approved clinical supervisor.<\/p>\n