Leann Brown of Douglas is Valdosta State University’s 2023 Graduate Assistant of the Year.
Brown began working as a graduate assistant for the VSU Counseling Center in May 2022. She provides administrative support to clients in the clinical counseling setting, particularly scheduling and checking students in for appointments; collaborates with staff counselors; assists with planning and coordinating events; and provides a variety of marketing services, including social media content and creative design services.
“I will never be able to thank Heidi O’Connor, assistant director of the Counseling Center, or Lee Yarbrough, administrative coordinator, enough for all the time and encouragement that they have poured into my life over the last year,” she said.
The VSU Counseling Center focuses on providing short-term, solution-focused therapy in a safe, judgment-free zone. It is a free resource that allows VSU students the opportunity to examine personal, family, social, and academic concerns. Counselors uphold the five core values for trauma-informed care — safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this group as they always provide a positive atmosphere and truly are ‘work family,’” Brown added. “Everyone in the office is always supportive of each other’s accomplishments, whether they be through work or in our personal lives. Everyone is always eager to help in any way they can to step up for a task or to cover for someone else.”
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders from VSU in 2022 and anticipates graduating with a Master of Education in Communication Disorders in December. She hopes to pursue a career working with pediatric clients as a speech-language pathologist in either a private practice or school system setting.
When submitting the nomination for VSU’s Graduate Assistant of the Year Award, Yarbrough referenced Brown’s reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness.
“Leann is well-known in the office for her high quality of work,” Yarbrough wrote. “She is always conscientious of the needs of others and is self-motivated to adapt to what is required of her. She is also extremely detail-oriented, and the entire office relies on her.
“Leann has a high expectation of excellence for herself and is able to work without extraneous supervision. She aims to go above and beyond with the quality of her work, which can be seen in the way she approaches tasks. She will often volunteer to go an extra step beyond what is asked of her. In addition to her standard duties, Leann brings a high level of attention to every aspect of her work. She is very solution-focused and will expand upon even small policies and procedures to assist the office. Leann consistently takes initiative to prevent problems and provide solutions.”
Yarbrough said that Brown goes above and beyond to ensure she is providing the highest level of care for VSU’s students and counselors.
“I would like to thank my friends and family who have supported me, not only in the last five and half years at VSU but also for having a hand in shaping me into the person I am today,” she said. “I would not be where I am today, receiving this award, or representing this exceptional university without them. I would also like to thank God for giving me the strength and courage during this time at VSU to complete my education. All glory goes to Him for any and all of my accomplishments. I am abundantly grateful for his endless love, mercy, and grace.”