FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Kristi Perryman, University of Arkansas assistant professor of counselor education, recently received the 2014-15 Counselor Advocate of the Year award from the Missouri School Counselor Association.

Perryman was honored at the association’s fall conference in Osage Beach, Missouri. She taught at Missouri State University in Springfield until joining the faculty of the College of Education and Health Professions at the U of A in August.

A graduate of the U of A counselor education doctoral program, Perryman was selected for this recognition based on a variety of criteria including support and promotion of guidance and counseling services, implementation of new or additional services in guidance and counseling, and improvement of current services. The award is the highest honor given in the school counseling profession.

“School counselors are integral to the emotional, academic and career success of students," said Sharon F. Sevier, professional recognition chair for the Missouri School Counselor Association. “They are the one professional who truly sees and works with the whole child. Dr. Perryman, as an educator of school counselors, works tirelessly with her students in ensuring that they are fully prepared to step into the world of school, students, teachers and families. Dr. Perryman has demonstrated an innovative approach to course offerings, and her students continually cite her on-going support well beyond graduation.”