Terrence Jordan2015 Rising Alumni
Terrence Jordan is currently completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Georgia State University and is the current president of Georgia State’s Counseling Psychology Organization and a member of The Metro-Atlanta Association of Black Psychologists. His current doctoral work regarding PTSD is on the cutting edge of the intersection of trauma, neuropsychology, and behavior. Terrence’s strong commitment to multiculturalism and social justice is exercised by providing individual and group therapy services in various settings throughout his local community including community mental health centers, university counseling centers, and forensic settings.
Employer
Doctoral Student
Georgia State University
CEHD Degree
B.S., Kinesiology;
M.A., Educational Psychology
What's your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
One of my favorite memories of the University of Minnesota was my experience as a General College (GC) student. GC created a space where I felt supported by faculty, staff, and peers. Not only did it enhance my development as a student, but I also found it to be a unique multicultural environment that served as a protective factor to my learning experience. It was through GC, where I met lifelong mentors, friends, and fraternity brothers.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
My educational experience in CEHD served as the foundation to how I see myself today as a scholar, researcher, and clinician. Professors, peers, the challenging coursework, and programs such as McNair Scholars provided me with the opportunity to constantly engage in critical thinking.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly, it was hard not to see myself as a professional basketball player, largely due to the fact I shared the same last name with the greatest player of all time – Michael Jordan. I pretty much grew up idolizing him. I also thought it was cool to wear sneakers with my name printed on them. Clearly, my talents were better suited for academia and the field of psychology.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD)?
As an undergraduate student, my time spent in the School of Kinesiology was influential. Particularly, courses taught by Dr. Nicole LaVoi and Dr. Diane Wiese-Bjornstal exposed me to the idea of obtaining a graduate degree in sport psychology. I went on to obtain my first master's degree in this discipline; however, I found myself returning to the Twin Cities to obtain a second master's in the area of counseling. My advisor, Dr. Thomas Skovholt played a large part in my success as a graduate student in CEHD.
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
I find networking to be very important! Getting involved in local and national organizations, volunteering, traveling to conferences, and staying up to date with the latest literature within my field contributes to my professional growth.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
Some skills that are important to succeed as an emerging professional today are courage, hard work, authenticity, loyalty, honesty, persistence, and open-mindedness.