Alcorn State University has appointed Dr. Yolanda T. Robinson as the new director of counseling services. Dr. Robinson, a dedicated community leader with extensive experience in mental health, will oversee the university’s counseling program and focus on supporting the well-being of students and staff.
In her new role, Dr. Robinson will supervise counseling staff, develop treatment and prevention strategies, and ensure that services are delivered ethically and with cultural sensitivity.
“My vision for Counseling Services is an inclusive one, involving collaboration with other university departments and networking with community partners,” Robinson said. “It is my desire to ensure everyone feels welcome and heard, and that every individual who receives services from us walks away feeling empowered.”
Robinson’s immediate goals include establishing a sustainable foundation for Counseling Services, implementing electronic health records and telehealth services, and introducing weekly group sessions.
Dorothy Jackson Davis, executive director of Student Health & Well-being, expressed confidence in Dr. Robinson’s leadership.
“Dr. Robinson’s leadership can profoundly impact Counseling Services and student support by cultivating an environment where students feel heard, supported, and empowered,” Davis said. “She wants students to become more engaged and motivated to address their concerns to succeed academically and personally.”
Robinson brings more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health and developmental challenges.
“Working for Alcorn State University has always been one of my professional goals,” Robinson said. “As a proud graduate, this opportunity is a way of giving back to a community that has poured so much into me.”
Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Alcorn. She is an active member of Jackson Revival Center Church, where she serves as an elder and a liaison for the congregational recovery outreach program. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and believes in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, emphasizing the potential for self-actualization.
Upcoming initiatives under Dr. Robinson’s leadership include the implementation of telehealth services, enhanced 24/7 support, and training for university staff and students to recognize and respond to mental health emergencies. Counseling Services and the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Program will also increase their campus presence through various programs and workshops tailored to the evolving needs of the university community.
