Celebrate Josette Cline on Her Retirement After More Than 20 Years of Service to the U of A

The U of A community is invited to celebrate the service and contributions of the director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Josette Cline, who is retiring Jan. 3, 2025.   

The drop-in celebration is scheduled for 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, in the CAPS lobby on the second floor of the Pat Walker Health Center. Remarks will begin at approximately 4 p.m., and refreshments will be available. 

Cline started at the U of A in 2000 and has served as director of CAPS since 2014. Cline recently served as the lead of the Well-being Task Force, exploring the state of well-being and resources available for students at the U of A and recommending strategies and proactive approaches to mental health and well-being. Cline has led Counseling and Psychological Services through tremendous change, growing the department to its current staff of more than 20 clinicians serving students' needs, expanding services to include group therapy, embedded mental health services in residence halls and the addition of the Lane Marrs Relaxation Room.  

"Dr. Cline is a household name at the University of Arkansas. We don't talk about well-being or intention of improving mental health outcomes of our community without Josette. In all she has done, Josette has centered her work around the improved well-being of not only our students but the incredible team at CAPS," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs.  

"Josette's work has not only improved the lives of those that walk across our campus, but likely also is the reason some students were able to walk across the commencement stage. I'm incredibly thankful for Josette's energy and enthusiasm she brought every day to serve the campus," Battjes said. 

"Josette has been a steadfast advocate for students and their evolving needs, a trusted colleague and confidant for many, and has consistently been the consummate professional. She is a source of light and hope for those seeking support; the impact that has had on our campus community is simply immeasurable," said Monica Holland, assistant vice chancellor and associate dean of students, Student Affairs. 

Cline received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Indiana University and completed her clinical internship with both VA Medical Center in Northern California and the University of California-Davis, Department of Psychiatry. In addition to her time with the university, Cline worked as a psychologist for the Veteran's Administration Northern California Health Care System. Cline has served as a past board member for the Arkansas Psychological Association, the Arkansas Psychological Association Political Action Committee, the Crisis Center of Northwest Arkansas, the NWA Center for Sexual Assault, the Association for the Coordination of Counseling Center Clinical Services and Welcome Health, and is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

About Counseling and Psychological Services: Counseling and Psychological Services is committed to supporting University of Arkansas students by offering a wide range of mental health services. We offer critical mental health services such as short-term individual counseling, group counseling, 24/7 emergency mental health services, and case management. We promote student autonomy and empowerment in planning their care through our Care Matching Model and most of our services are covered by the Student Health and Wellness Fee, to ensure access to critical mental health services. Counseling and Psychological Services is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. Learn more at health.uark.edu. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.