MSED: Counseling: School

David Dietrich is a licensed psychologist who received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis. Dr. Dietrich has been a faculty member in the UTM counseling program since 2010. Prior to joining UTM, he was a high school counselor for three years, program director for a residential treatment facility for violent juvenile offenders for four years, and psychology professor for 11 years. This diverse professional background reflects his interest in both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, with a focus on counseling adolescents and young adults. Dr. Dietrich's conference presentations and publications have focused on counselor education and online pedagogy.

Dr. Dietrich has conducted numerous workshops for school counselors and teachers throughout his career. Common topics have included: working with difficult students; teaching and counseling students living in rural poverty; bullying; and the use of solution-focused brief counseling in school counseling. He teaches courses in theories of counseling, career counseling, assessment, crisis counseling, and practicum in clinical mental and school counseling.

Tabitha Cude is a licensed school counselor who received her Ph.D. in Professional Counseling from Amridge University. Prior to this, she received her master’s degree from the UTM counseling program. Dr. Cude has been a faculty member in the UTM counseling program since 2017. She currently serves as the School Counseling Practicum and Internship Coordinator. Prior to joining UTM, she was a school counselor for four years. Dr. Cude’s interests include school counseling, the connection between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling, and online learning and instruction. Her conference presentations have focused on the beneficial link between clinical counseling and school counseling.

Dr. Cude enjoys conducting workshops for school counselors on the use of solution-focused brief counseling in school counseling and on specific issues that school counselors see within their roles. She teaches the school counseling internship courses and courses in school counseling, group counseling, lifespan development, and multicultural counseling.

ZeVida A. Jones is a nationally certified counselor, a licensed professional school counselor, and a licensed professional counselor who received her Ed.D in Counseling Education from The University of Memphis. Dr. Jones served as the Secondary Counselor and Deputy Principal of Xiamen International School in Xiamen, China. Before moving abroad in 2018, She was an Adjunct Professor in the Counseling, Educational Psychology & Research Department at The University of Memphis and a high school counselor with the Shelby County Schools District and Gestalt Community Schools. Dr. Jones has over 15 years of experience in counseling, consultation, coaching, and academic advising.

Dr. Jones is the founding director of Finding The You Inside Youth Ministry (FYI), 501(c)(3), and the owner of Empowering Books Publishing House (EBPH). She is the author of “So You Call Yourself a Counselor?: High School Counselors’ Impact on First-Generation African American College Students’ Post-Secondary Aspirations.” Dr. Jones has also published two adult coloring books, “I Am Who I Say I Am” and “All The Things I Want to Scream,” under the pseudonym of DruSuan Z. DiJuan – the middle names of her daughter and son, and the first initial of her name.

Dr. Jones’ research interests include the experiences of first-generation African American college students, low-income and minority students, and the counselor-student relationship.

Dr. Smith is the current interim chair of the department which houses the Counseling Program. He is responsible for the administration of the department and supervision of the Counseling Program.

Dr. Smith is also the Program Coordinator of the BSEd in Special Education and Program Coordinator of the MSEd in Special Education.

Cynthia West is the Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences. She is responsible for supervising the Department of Educational Studies, within which the Counseling Program resides.

Dean West is also a social work faculty member and has taught in that department for a number of years.

Dr. Deborah Gibson is the College of Education, Health, & Behavioral Sciences Graduate Programs Coordinator. Mr. Ryan Lewis is the Graduate Program Student Services Specialist. In other words, the Graduate Programs staff serves both the program faculty and students in many ways. Together, Dr. Gibson and Mr. Lewis coordinate the Comprehensive Exam process, collects applications for practicum and internship, coordinates the logistics of the Residency Program, facilitates the process to make catalog changes, coordinates the admissions process, and provides guidance in navigating university policies and procedures. Without the College of Education, Health, & Behavioral Sciences Graduate Programs Office, the Counseling Program would not function.

The staff in the Graduate Programs Office cares about the university, our program, and you. That means they are always willing to help and answer your questions. But please contact the Graduate Programs Office with questions you have about any of the areas listed above, AFTER first contacting your Advisor.

Jenny Hahn is the Coordinator for Licensure and Certification for the Educator Preparation Program. For our program this involves school counseling students who are seeking licensure either through our endorsement program or the school counseling degree program. Jenny is a great resource for questions about being hired by a school prior to graduation/endorsement, or specific school counseling licensure issues.