ATLANTA, GA & CHATTANOOGA, TN – JANUARY 19, 2017 – What an exciting time to be a member of the Richmont family! From CACREP accreditation to a new president, God is leading us forward in his work and bringing us new people to join the cause.

Along these lines, we are pleased to announce Dr. Mary Plisco will be the new Director of Research at Richmont starting in July. She replaces Dr. Tim Sisemore, who is stepping away from teaching responsibilities in order to focus on his practice. The thesis program at Richmont excites Plisco, and she looks forward to engaging with students and faculty who take on research projects to advance Kingdom work in the field of counseling. Says Plisco, “I’m thrilled to accept this role, to work with everyone in the Richmont family who is enthusiastic about research. I aim to serve as an approachable mentor and consultant who can help our students and faculty refine their ideas into effective research that will inform the counseling community.” Plisco invites students to visit or email her with any thoughts or questions that come to mind as they consider the role of research in their academic and professional careers.

Additionally, two prospective faculty members will visit the Richmont’s campuses in the coming days. The first is Paul Swindle, ABD, who will join Dr. Sutherland’s Social and Cultural Issues class on Tuesday, January 24, for a sample lecture. Swindle anticipates graduating from her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision in May 2017, having completed a dissertation on spiritual abuse. The second potential faculty member is Tyler Rogers, PhD. Those in Dr. Slater’s Psychopathology course will hear a sample lecture from Rogers on February 7. His Marriage & Family Therapy degree is from Reformed Theological Seminary, and he graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2013 with a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. We invite everyone to visit these classes and experience the teaching styles of these two candidates.

Finally, it is with deep regret that we announce the resignation of Dr. Ryan Thompson as clinical faculty member and therapist at Henegar Counseling Center. Richmont is a stronger place thanks to Thompson’s investment in the lives of his students and clients. He was instrumental in bringing Parent Child Interaction Training (PCIT) to the Richmont community and to the Child and Adolescent Certificate Program. We wish him well in his new teaching venture at Eastern Mennonite University. Thompson states, “Richmont has been foundational for me as a former PSI student and currently as a professor and clinician. The students here are compassionate, hopeful, and diligent, and working with the faculty has been deeply meaningful to me. Henegar also has been an amazing place to learn from gifted colleagues, to serve the local community, and to develop incredible friendships.” Thompson’s resignation from the faculty will take effect after the spring 2017 semester, and his practice at Henegar will conclude on July 28, 2017. “My prayers for Richmont and Henegar will continue, as Richmont is a special place to me. I will always be grateful to have been part of this team.”