UNCP’s Jonathan Ricks Earns National Honor for Impact on Future Counselors
Dr. Jonathan Ricks believes the most effective counselors see people not as problems to solve, but as individuals with strengths, experiences and the capacity to grow.
That philosophy has guided his work with graduate students in UNC Pembroke's Counseling department for nearly a decade, shaping how future school counselors, play therapists and clinical mental health professionals serve children, families and communities across the region.
Now, Ricks' commitment to empathy, authenticity and human connection has earned national recognition.
Ricks, associate professor and program director for School Counseling and Play Therapy in UNCP Counseling, recently received the Humanistic Counselor Educator/Supervisor Award from the Association for Humanistic Counseling. The award was presented during the organization’s annual conference in New Orleans.
The national honor recognizes counselor educators who demonstrate a clear humanistic philosophy through teaching, advising, supervision and mentoring while making a positive impact on the development of students and new professionals in the counseling field.
Ricks believes the award reflects the values that have shaped his career as a counselor and educator.
“It is important to me to see my students as whole people instead of just as students or counselors in training,” Ricks said. “The award recognizes my beliefs and my emphasis on genuine relationships, empathy, authenticity and respect for people. Those qualities are really at the heart of the counseling profession, but also counselor education and supervision.”
Since joining the faculty in 2017, Ricks has taught graduate students in school counseling, play therapy and clinical mental health counseling while helping prepare future professionals to address the growing mental health needs of schools and communities throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Among his greatest sources of pride is watching students from the region return to serve the communities they call home.
“I'm proud that I have had a part in preparing counselors and play therapists to work in schools and communities,” Ricks said. “I am prouder that they are students from our region, learn and work hard and grow, then return to serve our region. It gives me the drive to continue to support and do what I do.”
Dr. Tracy Mulvaney, dean of the School of Education, said Ricks exemplifies the department's commitment to preparing highly skilled counselors.
“This national recognition is a reflection of Dr. Ricks' unwavering commitment to his students and the counseling profession,” Mulvaney said. “He leads with empathy, authenticity and a genuine desire to help others grow. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, as he prepares future counselors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our region.”
Ricks views the award as a reflection of the people who have contributed to his professional journey.
“I was honored to receive the award, especially on a national level,” he said. “But I was even more excited that it puts UNCP, my students and my colleagues out there to show that we are doing great things and training professional counselors at our university.”
Ricks hopes students leave his classroom remembering one lesson.
“I want them to remember the counseling skills and theories,” he said. “But most importantly, I want them to remember that when they are with a student or client, they are one human connecting with another human — and that connection is what matters most.”