Loreen Pearson awarded the scholarship commemorating the enduring legacy of Dr. Buckalew-Hedin, celebrating her impact on community and higher education

University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that Loreen Pearson has been awarded the inaugural Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin Scholarship. Valued at $2,500, the scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin, the late Clinical Director and Core Faculty member of the University's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Phoenix Chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the University's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, underscoring a shared dedication to celebrating Dr. Buckalew-Hedin's enduring contributions and fostering the development of future counseling professionals.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to have received the Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin Scholarship because of the meaning behind the award, specifically the admirable professional and personal qualities Dr. Jamie exhibited,” states Pearson. “On a professional level, my experience as a graduate student in clinical mental health at the University of Phoenix has been nothing short of exceptional. My instructors, mentors, and colleagues have expanded my vision for what I can contribute and who I can help going forward professionally. On a personal level, I am not the same person I was when I began the program in February of 2022. The decision to enroll and complete my graduate studies at University of Phoenix has been one of the best decisions of my life.”

After receiving her undergraduate degree 35 years ago, Pearson says she decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling because she wanted to give back to her community by helping others the way she had been helped. “Professional, committed, and caring counselors have been, and continue to be, a great support to me and my loved ones,” Pearson shares. In addition to her studies at University of Phoenix, Pearson serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Counseling Association where she helps put on an annual conference every October.

"I am honored to announce Loreen as the first scholarship recipient and am pleased we have the opportunity to offer her this well-deserved award in memory of our colleague Dr. Jamie Buckalew-Hedin,” shares Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Christina Neider. “Loreen is deeply dedicated to her profession and community, and we look forward to continuing to support her as she pursues her educational goals.”

Dr. Buckalew-Hedin, an experienced counselor educator, earned her Doctor of Education with a focus in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her passion for mental health and substance abuse counseling had a significant impact on those she served. In 2020, she took on the role of Clinical Director at the University of Phoenix, directing the Counseling Skills Center at the Phoenix campus, offering free mental health services to the community and training future counselors.

University of Phoenix has a longstanding relationship with the NSLS and established the annual scholarship opportunity in collaboration with the local chapter of the organization. Last year the University Chapter received the NSLS Success Distinguished Chapter Award. The University of Phoenix chapter was one of just three to be awarded this distinction in 2023. Through the chapter's leadership team and active engagement of its members, the University of Phoenix Chapter of NSLS has consistently demonstrated the organization's core values.

Learn more here about University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences degrees.

About The National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the nation’s largest and only accredited leadership honor society, with over 2 million members from more than 800 colleges and universities. The NSLS is on a mission to build leaders who make a better world by providing transformational leadership development programming that propels students on a path to success.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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