Alumni Spotlight

We continue our new feature that shines light on some of our recent alums. Read below to hear what they are up to and advice they have for current students!

 
Meet Dr. Brian Lusk (he/him)

What year did you graduate and from what JMU Counseling Program?
I completed my dissertation defense on November 1, 2024, and officially graduated in December 2024 from James Madison University’s Counseling and Supervision doctoral program.

What was your motivation to become a part of the Counseling and Supervision program?
I was motivated to join the Counseling and Supervision program because I wanted to challenge myself to grow both professionally and personally. Education is a lifelong journey, and pursuing a PhD was a way to deepen my skills, broaden my perspective, and keep opportunities open in the counseling field. I didn't want any doors in my career to be closed just because I hadn't taken the step to earn a doctorate.

What future do you see for yourself, utilizing your Ph.D.?
Looking ahead, I want to continue my career in higher education administration. Over the past six years in leadership roles, I have seen how essential it is to have professionals with a background in mental health shaping the student experience. Higher education is starting to recognize and value trauma-informed, holistic approaches, but there is still a long way to go in changing culture and mindset. My PhD allows me to contribute to this shift in meaningful ways. At the same time, I hope to stay connected to teaching by adjuncting in graduate programs whenever possible. Teaching has become an unexpected passion, and I find great meaning in mentoring future counselors and supervisors.

What are/were your particular research or practitioner areas of interest?
My interests focus on translating theory into practice, primarily studying how interventions work in real-world settings. My dissertation examined the effectiveness of EMDR in lowering performance anxiety among college athletes, an area where clinical techniques can have immediate effects on performance and well-being. Additionally, I am interested in improving the supervisory experience for those pursuing licensure and exploring ways to enhance counselor preparation and professional growth. More generally, I am dedicated to research and practice that directly benefits the counseling field and leads to better outcomes for the students and clients we serve.

What advice do you have for current students of the program?
My advice to current students is to fully embrace the challenge and lean into moments of discomfort because that's where the most growth happens. Take the program one day and one course at a time, keeping your eyes on the final goal but not so focused on the end that you miss the importance of each step. It's a journey that is both demanding and rewarding, and while finishing will feel exhilarating, you might also be surprised at how bittersweet it is when it’s over. Appreciate the struggle, celebrate the progress, and enjoy the ride.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
For prospective applicants, I would advise entering the program prepared for it to be challenging, rigorous, and sometimes overwhelming, but also genuinely rewarding. Crossing the finish line and hearing “Doctor” in front of your name for the first time is a moment that makes every sacrifice worthwhile. More importantly, you will not be the same person at the end as you were at the start. The program pushes you to develop in ways that transform you both personally and professionally, and you emerge as a stronger, more polished version of yourself in almost every aspect of life. My additional advice is to approach the program with humility and openness, rely on your cohort and mentors, and remind yourself often why you started. It is not a journey you undertake alone, and the relationships you build along the way are just as meaningful as the degree itself.