University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Announces Scholarship in Memory of Esteemed Clinical Director, Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin

In collaboration with the Phoenix Chapter of the NSLS, this scholarship commemorates the enduring legacy of Dr. Buckalew-Hedin, celebrating her impact on community and higher education

University of Phoenix is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity open to qualified graduate students within the institution who also hold membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success. The scholarship, valued at $2,500, is specifically designed for a University of Phoenix student currently enrolled in one of its graduate Counseling programs within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This initiative is a collaborative venture between the Phoenix Chapter of the NSLS and the University's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, aiming to pay tribute to the College’s late Clinical Director and Core Faculty member, Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin.

"I am privileged to announce this new scholarship opportunity for our graduate counseling students,” shares Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Christina Neider. “The scholarship is particularly special to us as it is dedicated to honoring the legacy of our late Clinical Director and Core Faculty member, Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin, who touched the lives of so many with her dedication and service.”

Inspired by previous tributes to former employees through scholarships, Neider and her colleagues took the initiative to extend a similar honor to Dr. Buckalew-Hedin. Recognizing the positive impact of such initiatives, Neider reached out to University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies Dean of Operations, John Ramirez and College of Health Professions Program Chair Dr. Rich Schultz, to explore the feasibility of creating this meaningful scholarship.

With the collaboration of John Ramirez, Dr. Rich Schultz, and the Phoenix Chapter of the NSLS, the team worked to craft the scholarship's details. Drawing on the extensive knowledge of College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate Dean Dr. Sheila Babendir and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Chair, Dr. Kelly King, the team worked to ensure that eligibility requirements for aspiring students were thoughtfully designed to align with the values of the College, and those that Dr. Buckalew-Hedin held dear.

Dr. Buckalew-Hedin, an experienced counselor educator, earned her Doctor of Education with a focus in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her passion for mental health and substance abuse counseling had a significant impact on those she served. In 2020, she took on the role of Clinical Director at the University of Phoenix, directing the Counseling Skills Center at the Phoenix campus, offering free mental health services to the community and training future counselors.

“We are deeply moved to participate in honoring the memory of Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin through this scholarship. It is a privilege to support students who exhibit the same passion and dedication to counseling that she did. This scholarship is more than financial assistance; it's a symbol of our collective belief in the transformative power of education and leadership in the counseling field,” said Tierney Wade, President (Core), Chief Operating Officer of the NSLS. 
 
Scholarship applicants must be a University of Phoenix National Society of Leadership and Success Member currently enrolled in one of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduate Counseling programs (either the Clinical Mental Health (MSC/CCMH) program or the Marriage and Family Therapy (MSC/MFCT) program). Graduate students must be an active University of Phoenix student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.85 and at least 50 percent course completion, and the opportunity is open to all NSLS members who have completed at least one step of their foundations of leadership training towards becoming a fully inducted member.

University of Phoenix has a longstanding relationship with NSLS, and last year the University Chapter received the NSLS Success Distinguished Chapter Award. The University of Phoenix chapter was one of just three to be awarded this distinction in 2023. Through the chapter's leadership team and active engagement of its members, the University of Phoenix Chapter of NSLS has consistently demonstrated the organization's core values.

The deadline to apply for the NSLS Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin Annual Scholarship is Friday, March 1, 2024, and the winner will be announced on April 8, 2024. The Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin Annual Scholarship is now open for application. 

Learn more here about University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences degrees.

About The National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the nation’s largest and only accredited leadership honor society, with over 1.9 million members from more than 800 colleges and universities. The NSLS is on a mission to build leaders who make a better world by providing transformational leadership development programming that propels students on a path to success.

About University of Phoenix 

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu.