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Spotlight: Mark McLeod, Ph.d, Director Emory Counseling Center

Mark McLeod has worked at the Emory Student Counseling Center for over 25 years, and served as its Director for 15 years. He obtained his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Emory in 1982. Professional interests include interpersonal therapy, consultation, and the impact of study abroad experiences on self-esteem and self-efficacy. Recently, Dr. McLeod has been involved in the implementation of Emory’s Mental Health Task Force plan, approved by Emory’s President Wagner, which includes recommendations for community based efforts to identify and treat faculty, staff and students who may be struggling with mental health problems, and to reduce stigma across campus. Emory’s Board of Trustees recently approved a “Mental Health and Counseling Fee” to fund much of the recommendations as they relate to students.

Undergraduate Degree from: B.S. from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Doctoral Degree from: Clinical Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, C'81

Previous Post(s): Seems that I've been at Emory all my life.

Area of Specialization / Research: Area of Specialization / Research Clinical Psychology, study abroad experiences, interpersonal relationships, college students and college and university communities

Current Course Offerings: N/A

An Interview with Mark McLeod:

> How and when did you first become interested in your field of study?

Summer work at a learning disability clinic in Pensacola Florida when I was an undergrad at Tulane; a very special psychology professor at Tulane; always loved being with kids (dogs, too, could have been a veterinarian).

> What made you decide to pursue a career in higher education?

Both of my parents had obtained bachelors degrees or above, Mom went back to school at middle age to get a social work degree so I had those role models and expectations.

> Why did you choose to be a part of the academic community at Emory? I came here because Emory Psychology Dept trained child clinicians and I wanted to work with kids and families, but I found that I enjoyed working with college students just as much. I also have extensive family connections with Emory, dad, uncle, two older brothers are all graduates.

> What's the most enjoyable feature of the students, staff, of Emory?

The great joy of forming and maintaining caring relationships with others who are sometimes very like myself and often very different, its incredibly enriching. And so much fun to see the amazing change that takes place particularly in the undergraduate years. It is when I am engaged in these relationships with colleagues, clients and friends that I feel like I am doing what I was meant to do.

> What do you like about the university community?

See above.

>What University values, traditions or culture do you feel most connected or resonate most with you?

I find this university to be very accepting of diversity in all of its expressions, while also dedicated to excellence and caring for others.

> What special talents, contributions, service or insight do you bring to the community?

I believe that most of my talents have to do with human relationships, both my own and also an ability to help others in theirs. A lot of this comes from my professional training but I learned as much from my parents and wife. I believe that humans are wired to be in relationship with each other, and that the ability to engage in loving relationships (and I am not talking about sexual relationships at all here) is our highest achievement.