SFA professor receives national, local accolades

Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson, Stephen F. Austin State University professor in the counselor education program and chair-elect of the Faculty Senate, has been named the American Association of University Women's Woman of the Year for higher education. Solmonson also was appointed as a trustee to the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson, Stephen F. Austin State University professor in the counselor education program and chair-elect of the Faculty Senate, has been named the American Association of University Women's Woman of the Year for higher education.

"I love what I do and feel a huge responsibility for shaping the future of my profession," Solmonson said. "Counselor education allows me to be a part of watching students grow personally as well as professionally. It is a very rewarding career."

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women is the nation's leading voice promoting equity and education for women.

Solmonson is active in her profession at the state level and is a former president of the Texas Counseling Association and will chair the TCA Advisory Council of Past Presidents next year. She currently serves as the president-elect for the Texas Counselors for Social Justice. Additionally, she served on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Deep East Texas for six years, three of those as president.

Solmonson also is a member of the First United Methodist Church where she sings on the Praise Team, assists with adult Bible study class and prepares meals. She is on the board of the Methodist Children's Home in Waco and also is a candidate in the current Nacogdoches Independent School District Board of Trustees election.

Additionally, she was appointed as a trustee to the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling, which is a division of the American Counseling Association that promotes greater awareness, advocacy and understanding of children and adolescents.

"Because I specialize in working with children and adolescents, this is a special place for me to serve. I have a heart and a passion for working with children and have devoted my career to this population," Solmonson said. "The national organization brings together mental health professionals who are invested in this population and provides resources and continuing education opportunities. Our goal is to support and promote research related to determining best practices for working with children and adolescents."

As a trustee, Solmonson will be part of the team providing organization oversight and governance. In addition, she will help coordinate continuing education opportunities and social gatherings at the American Counseling Association Conference.