About

Sandra Gilliland is a highly accomplished professional with a Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where she maintained a GPA of 4.0. Her dissertation, titled "Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Formation Scores as Predictors for College Freshmen at Risk for Dropping Out," reflects her dedication to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by students.

With extensive teaching experience, Sandra currently serves as a Professor of Counseling at Ouachita Baptist University, where she is passionate about shaping the next generation of therapists. Her commitment to education is evident in her previous roles as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Assistant Professor of Psychology at LSUA. Sandra's expertise extends across various psychology and counseling courses, including Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology.

In addition to her teaching career, Sandra is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Louisiana and Arkansas. Her clinical experience includes private practice in Pineville, LA, and Claremore, Oklahoma, as well as working with Family and Children's Services in Tulsa, OK.

Sandra's contributions to academia go beyond teaching and therapy. She has taken on leadership roles such as Program Director for the MA in Counseling at Ouachita Baptist University and Director of CORE (Center for Opportunity, Research, and Experiential Learning) at LSUA. Her initiatives include developing programs to engage students in experiential learning, such as the CORE Skills Badge Program and The Oak Leaf (Undergraduate Research Journal).

Sandra is an active researcher and has several publications to her name, addressing topics like smartphone usage, mental health stigma, and the role of emotions in Christian counseling. She has also presented at numerous conferences, sharing her insights on subjects like working with interfaith couples and supporting students in crisis.

Furthermore, Sandra is EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained, emphasizing her commitment to trauma-informed therapy. She holds certifications in Prepare/Enrich and Within Our Reach Marital Enrichment Curriculum, showcasing her dedication to enhancing the quality of relationships.

Recognized for her contributions, Sandra has received various awards, including the McCann Teaching Enhancement Fund Award and the Carolyn Cole Sanders Endowed Professorship. Her involvement in professional associations, such as the Arkansas Counseling Association and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, underscores her commitment to staying abreast of industry developments.

With a multifaceted career spanning education, therapy, research, and leadership, Sandra Gilliland exemplifies a holistic approach to making a positive impact on individuals and communities.