Assistant Professor | Angelo State University | United States
Based on the detailed information provided, Tamra Kelly, Ph.D., CSC, NCC, LPC Associate, demonstrates significant qualifications and accomplishments that could make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Here’s an evaluation focusing on her strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:
Strengths for the Award
- Comprehensive Academic and Professional Background:
- Education: Tamra Kelly has a robust educational background with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and multiple certifications and licensures relevant to her field. Her academic performance is exceptional, with a GPA of 4.0 and membership in prestigious honor societies.
- Professional Experience: She has extensive experience in higher education, including her role as Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator. Her responsibilities cover teaching, curriculum development, and student support, indicating a well-rounded professional profile.
- Significant Research Contributions:
- Publications: Kelly has several peer-reviewed publications and presentations in reputable journals and conferences, focusing on relevant topics in counselor education and mental health. Her research on rural school counselors and online learning reflects both depth and timeliness.
- Collaborative Research: She engages in collaborative research, which indicates her commitment to advancing knowledge through teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Active Service and Leadership:
- University and Community Service: Her service includes roles such as editorial board member, committee participation, and community outreach. This broad involvement illustrates her dedication to both her institution and the wider professional community.
- Professional Service: Kelly’s service to professional organizations, including conference organization and board membership, showcases her leadership and commitment to advancing the counseling profession.
- Innovation in Curriculum and Teaching:
- Course Development: She has developed and revised numerous courses, reflecting her innovative approach to curriculum design and commitment to maintaining high educational standards. Her use of technology in course development is particularly noteworthy.
- Awards and Recognition:
- Awards: The Blackboard Exemplary Course awards and other recognitions highlight her excellence in teaching and course design. These awards underscore her effectiveness in delivering quality education.
Areas for Improvement
- Increased Research Funding and Grants:
- While Kelly has published extensively, securing research grants and funding could further enhance her research capabilities and impact. Pursuing larger research grants could support more extensive studies and collaborative projects.
- Broader Dissemination of Research:
- Expanding her research dissemination to include international conferences or journals could increase her visibility and influence in the global academic community.
- Enhanced Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Engaging in research that crosses disciplinary boundaries could provide new perspectives and foster innovative solutions to complex problems in counselor education and mental health.
- Mentorship and Development of Emerging Researchers:
- Increasing her role in mentoring junior researchers or students interested in research could help build the next generation of researchers and expand her influence within the academic community.
Conclusion
Tamra Kelly is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive academic qualifications, impactful research, innovative teaching practices, and active service to both the university and the counseling profession make her a standout candidate. Her strengths in research, course development, and professional service are particularly commendable. By focusing on securing additional research funding, expanding the reach of her research, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations, she could further enhance her contributions to the field. Overall, Kelly’s dedication and achievements position her as a deserving recipient of the award.
Short Bio 🌟
Dr. Tamra Kelly is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Angelo State University, where she also serves as the Program Coordinator for the MA in Professional Counseling. With a robust background in counseling and education, she specializes in counselor education, counselor development, and adolescent mental health. Dr. Kelly’s work emphasizes the integration of technology in education and the promotion of counselor wellness practices.
Profile
ORCID
Education 🎓
Dr. Kelly earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Texas Tech University in December 2021, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4.0. Her dissertation focused on the job performance and preparedness of professional school counselors in rural areas. She also holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (2009) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (2007), both from Angelo State University. Additionally, she has certifications in School Counseling and various teaching credentials.
Experience 💼
Dr. Kelly has been an Assistant Professor at Angelo State University since January 2016, where she also coordinates the MA in Professional Counseling program. Her role includes curriculum development, student advising, and course revisions. Previously, she was an adjunct instructor at Angelo State University and has extensive experience in public education as a counselor and teacher in various roles, including Dual Credit Coordinator and Alternative School Counselor.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Kelly’s research interests include:
- Counselor Education
- Counselor Development and Career Preparation
- Counselor Wellness Practices
- Adolescent Mental Health Concerns
- Instructional Practices in Higher Education
Awards 🏆
Dr. Kelly has received several accolades, including Blackboard Exemplary Course Awards for her courses in “Intro to Crisis, Trauma, and Mental Health Concerns” (2023), “Group Counseling” (2023), and “Individual Counseling” (2022). She was also a nominee for the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award in 2020 and received the Concho Valley Electric Cooperative Scholarship in 2020.
Publications 📚
- Kelly, T.K. (2023, June). Rural school counselors’ perceptions of job performance. Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory & Research. Link
- Atwood, A. M., Heron, A., Kelly, T.K. (2022, January). Pouring from an empty cup: Online learning in higher education and its toll on mental health. Educator Perspectives Journal, 1(1). Spring 2022 Issue
- Kelly, T.K. (2020, May). Promoting resiliency in school counselors through boundaries. Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC). Spring Newsletter, 7(1), 11-12.
- Kelly, T.K., Atwood, A.M. (2019, November). Integrating technology and education: A look at the implementation of advanced technology to diversify online learning and teaching. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).