UNCG’s Counseling Program Achieves National Recognition
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) has received notable recognition for its Department of Counseling and Educational Development (CED), which has been ranked fourth in the nation and first in North Carolina in the Student Counseling specialty by U.S. News & World Report for 2026. This accolade underscores the department’s long-standing position among the top 15 counseling programs in the United States for over three decades.
According to Kelly Wester, Ph.D., chair of the CED, the department’s success can be attributed to its comprehensive training model, hands-on clinical experiences, and the faculty’s dedication to equipping students for the evolving landscape of the counseling profession.
A Focus on Full-Time Training
CED distinguishes itself from many other programs by offering full-time, daytime training in both its master’s and doctoral counseling programs. This approach allows students to cultivate essential skills needed for professional practice. The department provides master’s degrees in school counseling, couple and family counseling, and clinical mental health counseling, alongside a PhD in counseling and counselor education. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various environments, including schools, healthcare, and community organizations. The program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Wester emphasized the department’s immersive approach, stating that it helps students become aware of their role as counselors and the impact they can have on the world.
Clinical Experience Through the Vacc Clinic
An integral part of the training includes practical experience gained through the Nicholas A. Vacc Counseling and Consulting Clinic. This facility not only provides students with supervised clinical training but also enhances access to affordable mental health services for the Greensboro community. The clinic offers low-cost counseling and assessments, both in-person and via telehealth, serving children and college students. Master’s students practice their counseling skills here, while doctoral students learn clinical supervision.
Distinguished Faculty Contributions
The faculty at CED includes several nationally recognized experts who contribute significantly to the program’s esteemed reputation. Their achievements in research, professional service, and clinical practice bolster UNCG’s standing in the USNWR rankings.
Prominent faculty members include L. DiAnne Borders, who specializes in clinical supervision, and Carrie Wachter Morris, who has held leadership roles in professional organizations and is recognized for her contributions to school counseling. Other notable faculty include Rebecca Matthews, who focuses on mental health support for healthcare professionals, Christian Chan, editor of a peer-reviewed journal, and Jennifer Niles, who researches school counseling and counselor well-being.
Adapting to Evolving Needs
Wester noted that faculty routinely assess their curriculum to ensure it addresses the needs of both students and the counseling field. This adaptability has become increasingly critical as policies and professional standards change. Recently, CED has broadened its coursework to include an undergraduate minor in mental health literacy and wellness, along with post-baccalaureate certificates in Mental Health in Children and Adolescents and Addiction Treatment.
Alumni Highlighting Program Success
The influence of the program extends well beyond graduation. Alumni like Lindsey Umstead, who earned both her master’s and PhD from UNCG, exemplify the success of the program. Specializing in eating disorder treatment, she manages a counseling practice in Raleigh and teaches in the same department that shaped her career. Umstead has observed that UNCG graduates are highly regarded in the field, stating, “I can objectively say that the folks who come out of UNCG’s Counseling and Educational Development are truly some of the strongest in the field.”
Source: UNC Greensboro
