Tempest Anderson describes her time as a graduate student in the master鈥檚 in counseling program at 91短视频 (91短视频) as 鈥渁mazing and life-changing,鈥� and now as director of the , she is again investing herself in the campus community.
A Richmond native who graduated from Mary Baldwin University鈥檚 social work program in 2010 and from 91短视频鈥檚 graduate in 2016, Anderson has ample experience in the higher education environment: She has interned or worked at Shenandoah University, Bridgewater College, James Madison University and 91短视频.
At a time when among college students, Vice President of Student Life says the director of counseling provides 鈥渟ervices that are crucial to the health and well-being of our students.鈥�
鈥淲e did an extensive search, and the committee was unanimous in our selection of Tempest,鈥� Smucker said. 鈥淪he has shown herself to be invested and proactive in working with students in the higher education environment, and we think her leadership in providing existing services and establishing new services will make a great contribution to the campus community.鈥�
In her role, Anderson is responsible for administrative coordination of all counseling services provided to students, faculty and staff. In addition to providing direct clinical services, she will facilitate a that includes partnering with the master鈥檚 in counseling program to place interns and practicum students in center-based clinical training.
Among other initiatives, Anderson envisions 鈥減orch programming鈥� 鈥� literally, on the Suter House porch 鈥� for students to get to know the center staff.
Drawn back by ‘family feel’
While working in child protective services at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services from 2010 through 2013, Anderson was often asked by colleagues about pursuing a counseling degree.
Eventually she did start looking into graduate programs, and, with encouragement from a co-worker, decided to visit 91短视频. She attended an addictions class that she remembers was 鈥渆nlightening,鈥� and that same day spoke with Teresa Haase, director of the master鈥檚 in counseling program.
鈥淚t was a conversation that was very life-changing,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淪he really spoke to my vision for life, and my hope and joy that I have in empowering and encouraging people. She encouraged me to apply, and I was like, 鈥楥an I do it today?鈥� It just felt very much like a family.鈥�
That feeling of 鈥渇amily鈥� is one that drew her back to 91短视频, and has shaped her work with young adults. Belonging in a community is the basis for thriving, Anderson said. 鈥淚t is in community where you learn how to establish healthy relationships, explore mentorship, and learn to grow to your fullest potential. We are not meant to live this life alone. We are meant to live together, love one another, support one another, and affirm each other in our purposes.鈥�
‘A greater future’
听Anderson sees working with people in hard times as a mission of hope. 鈥淗ope does not mean ignoring your present circumstances. On the contrary, it dares you to embrace them with faith that there is a greater future in store,鈥� she said. Her previous work experiences at different universities, she believes, gives her a 鈥渇resh perspective鈥� about running a college counseling center and responding to students鈥� needs and desires.
鈥淐ollege is such a time of exploration, discovery, and transformation,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a time of vulnerability but also amazing opportunity. My hope as a director is to provide a safe space for students to take advantage of this great opportunity and learn healthy ways of establishing their identities.鈥�
Anderson and her husband Marcus both provide leadership at n Harrisonburg. Marcus is also the chaplain for JMU football and men鈥檚 basketball programs.