By Jerry Leslie, University Counselor | We are pleased to announce the addition of an additional part-time University Counselor to the Student Life Health Services.
As the University Counselor for the past three years I quickly realized that our students were being underserved since a female counselor was not available. While the majority of my counseling at Howard Payne has been with the female students, I know that there are issues and concerns that are just better addressed by a female counselor. I am quite sure Mrs. Thomas is going to be a very valuable asset to all of our students, especially those ladies who are just more comfortable talking with another woman.
Kim is a genuinely warm and compassionate Christian woman. She has an engaging smile and humor that compliment her experience and ability as a trained counselor. Coming back to Howard Payne to serve her Alma Mater is a special treat for her. She welcomes any who just want to come by for a quick visit, to get acquainted or to establish a counseling relationship.
Mrs. Kimberly Thomas began serving the students of Howard Payne University on Monday, September 16, 2019. Mrs. Thomas provides the following information about herself:
“I graduated from Howard Payne University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s in Education. After graduation, I taught Pre-AP English II and English II in the panhandle of Texas for 7 years at Muleshoe High School and 8 years at Frenship High School. During my career as a teacher, I also taught Speech Communications and Theater, sponsored Speech and debate teams, coached cheerleaders and gymnastics, and directed One-Act Plays. When my husband retired from the Lubbock Fire Department, we moved back to Brownwood (2014) to be closer to my extended family and to be closer to our five children, their spouses, and our ten grandchildren, who are our pride and joy! However, I quickly determined that retirement was definitely not something I could enjoy. Christ has called His people to “always seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV). I felt retirement would be a waste of my time and resources; therefore, I sought my Master degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University. While at Capella, I completed my Practicum and part of my internship at TrueCore Behavioral Treatment Center here in Brownwood by working with incarcerated male juveniles. At the same time, I began working with my State Supervisor Athena Bean, Ed.D., LPC-S, through her private practice. Although I thoroughly loved my work at TrueCore, it became impossible to continue working the hours required at the treatment center. As always, however, God opened a door, and I am thrilled to be working here at Howard Payne as an intern in the counseling department with Jerry Leslie, LPC-S…….. Without doubt, I have come full circle, and life is never dull when God is at the helm!”
Both Kim and I are most invested in helping each Howard Payne student have a good, enjoyable and successful experience while obtaining a quality education. Feel free to come by the Health Services office located behind Jennings Hall, call or e-mail either of us. We will respond immediately and find a time to meet with you and begin helping in any way we can.