Dr. Joy Shabandar has been named part-time counselor at Rogers State University’s Bartlesville campus. Shabandar began her duties on November 14, 2011. Her position falls under the Office of Student Affairs.
Unduplicated enrollment at RSU’s Bartlesville campus – students who take classes only in Bartlesville – has increased more than 25 percent during the last five years. When taking into account students in the Bartlesville area who take classes online or at more than one RSU campus, enrollment in Bartlesville exceeds 1,000 students.
“As our enrollment continues to grow at the Bartlesville campus and student participation in activities increases, there is an increasing need to meet not just the educational needs of our students but the personal ones as well. This position will allow our staff to refer students to the counselor to help with those identified student needs,” said Bill Beierschmitt, RSU Bartlesville provost.
The position at RSU Bartlesville was requested and approved at the beginning of the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
“This position allows the RSU-Bartlesville students the same services on our campus that are currently provided on the main campus in Claremore. When students have resources readily accessible, they are more likely to use them, thus strengthening their chances for retention and successful graduation,” said Ronda Riden, RSU Bartlesville admissions counselor.
Shabandar will be available on a part-time basis to see students for mental health counseling and will also provide advisement for undecided majors. In addition, she will conduct counseling related outreach presentations and programs. She has extensive experience in college counseling as a contracted provider for East Central University, as well as other counseling environments.
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Counseling from East Central University in Ada, Okla. and her doctoral degree from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn.
“If this valuable resource is utilized, then many student stressors can be managed in a positive way, thus enhancing the goal for successful degree completion. I am so excited to network in the community, make the campus counseling services accessible, and meet all the students at the RSU campus in Bartlesville,” Shabandar said.
For further information, please contact Shabandar at 918-338-8021, Jessica Heavin, Coordinator of Counseling Services, at 918-343-7845 or visit the RSU Counseling Services website at www.rsu.edu/counseling.