RIVER FALLS – Caroline Baker, University of Wisconsin-River Falls professor and program director of the Counseling Program, was recently awarded the 2023 Wisconsin School Counselor Association’s Mary Gehrke- McAllister Leadership Award. The award recognizes professionals who have provided outstanding leadership within the school counseling profession in Wisconsin.

Baker will be ovcially recognized at the Wisconsin School Counselor Association’s Annual Conference in November in Wisconsin Dells.

Baker started at UWRF in 2010, becoming the program director of the Counseling Program in 2017. She has continued the tradition of purposeful leadership to maintain a best practice training program. Baker models the skills of listening, support, engagement and collaboration that her students are expected to use in their professional roles. If asked about their success, alums of the program pinpoint their time in the classroom with professors like Baker. Many even named her speci fically as having a profound impact on them while in the program.

Baker has served two years on the Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) board of directors as the post-secondary vice president under a previous leadership system. She currently serves on national committees focused on social justice and works closely with the Department of Public Instruction. She has authored two book chapters.

Each year, the WSCA recognizes professionals within the school counseling and educational fields who demonstrate a profound impact on the school counseling profession and the lives of their students. Nominations are rated by a committee of active and retired school counselors. One individual is selected based on their contributions to school counseling programs, leadership and service to their community.

For additional information about WSCA, visit www.wscaweb.org Submitted by UW-River Falls