May 2026 Recap

2026 Spring Stoling Ceremony

The CEPS enjoyed celebrating graduates this semester at the Spring 2026 Stoiling Ceremony in Merrill Hall.

Congratulations, graduates!

Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

Challenger Learning Center Grand Opening

Faculty and staff from the CEPS enjoyed being a part of the grand opening at Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. The facility is located in Rainbow City, AL, and provides students with hands on learning experiences.

Dr. Torsten Dryden Presents in Orange Beach

Dr. Torsten Dryden had a wonderful experience leading a team of presenters at the Alabama Employee Assistance Professionals Association Conference in Orange Beach, AL on May 5th, 2026.

Dr. Dryden's presentation was "Addressing Occupational Stress and Burnout: Holistic Counseling Strategies for Employee Well-Being."

Dr. Dryden's team included Ms. Katy Williams, MS, ALC, NCC; Mr. Emmanuel Rock, MS, LPC, NCC; and Ms. Clara Warren, MA, APC, NCC. Dr. Dryden, Ms. Williams and Mr. Rock are all Jax State alumni who proudly represent the spirit of JSU in the field of professional counseling and counselor education.

CERI

Double duty for the Breathe Free: Empowering Youth Through Education and Innovation Tobacco Prevention Program.

Dr. Ashley Turner, Dr. Niki Peel, and EngageEd Ambassador Ray Knox engaged both youth and adults who visited their vendor table during the Wellness Fair at Jacksonville Community Center. They spoke with attendees about the dangers of tobacco use, as well as nicotine and chemicals found in vapes and e-cigarettes. Participants explored the effects tobacco use can have on the mouth, tongue, and teeth by interacting with Mr. Grossmouth. They left with educational pamphlets to read or share with loved ones who are struggling with addiction.

Not very far away, Dr. Christie Calhoun and Mrs. Martha Dingler were doing much of the same work at Fair on the Square. Youth and adults were drawn to their vendor table out of curiosity after noticing a set of lungs on display (artificial, of course, though very realistic). Once there, they engaged in conversation about why one lung appeared healthy and pink while the other was dark, rough, and hardened. They learned that this contrast was the result of tobacco use. Visitors left with flyers to keep for themselves or to share with loved ones they hope to encourage to quit smoking or vaping.