Mississippi College Psychology Chairman Stephen Southern Wins National Award

Dr. Stephen Southern, chairman of the MC Psychology and Counseling Department, is delighted to join doctoral recipients from South Texas at MC's August 2015 commencement.

American Counseling Association leaders will honor Mississippi College professor Stephen Southern with a national award.

Dr. Southern will receive the organization’s 2015 ACES Legacy Award at the group’s October 7-11 conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The award goes to members making a significant and lasting impression on the organization or the counselor education profession.

With over three decades of clinical experience in marital, couple and family therapy, Dr. Southern serves as chairman of the MC Psychology and Counseling Department on the Clinton campus. He remains the editor of “The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families.”

In addition, Dr. Southern launched the Christian university’s successful doctorate in professional counseling that enrolls 120 students. He welcomed 19 mental health professionals traveling from South Texas to receive their doctorates at MC’s August commencement.

The ACES Legacy award goes to members opening the doors of opportunity for other counselor educators and supervisors.

“I am very blessed with this honor,” Dr. Southern said.

Last year, the MC professor was elected a Fellow in the American Counseling Association. This newest honor adds to the recognition for his many years of service.

Considered to be a “legacy” among the USA’s counselor educators “means to me that my contributions to our profession have lasting merit and could improve opportunities for future generations of students and trainees,” Southern said. “I am glad that my work has value and God has used the gifts invested in me for a higher purpose.”

MC leaders offered their congratulations.

President Lee Royce noted the Legacy award goes to a Mississippi College educator with “a lifetime of amazing service” to his profession.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Ron Howard agrees. “This is indeed a huge honor, one well deserved by someone who has given of his life to his students and the profession.”

The Mississippi College family, he said, is “so very proud of Dr. Southern and all his good work for MC and his many students.”

Dr. Southern has been licensed as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist and psychologist. He’s active in several professional organizations.

MC psychology professor Fangzhou Yu applauds his colleague’s accomplishments. “It is so heartwarming that Dr. Southern’s dedication to the students and outstanding service to our profession have been recognized nationwide.”