"After completing the outstanding counselor education program at SHSU, I   felt confident in pursuing my new job as school counselor. The   opportunities for theoretical and experiential learning provided an excellent   background for understanding my role and responsibilities and how to   appropriately interact with students, parents, and staff members in the   school setting. My continued affiliation with the university via the Counselor   Education Advisory Committee has allowed me to remain in contact with   the SHSU professors and network with other counselors in the area. Sam   Houston's continued commitment to excellence in training prepares some   of the best counselors in the profession!"

Mary Gustafson completed a BS in education at North Texas and taught elementary and middle school in Dallas, Beaumont, and Humble school districts. After completing her master's, she counseled students at the middle and high school level. In 1999, she moved to the administration to oversee the guidance and counseling program as the District embraced the TEA model for a comprehensive PreK-12 program. In the spring of 2004, she became Director of Student Support Services, a department that includes guidance and counseling, health services, character development and a Teacher as Facilitator program. Mary Gustafson has been awarded the Spring Creek Counseling Association Outstanding Chapter Award from the Texas Counseling Association.