Rogers State University’s Department of Psychology and Sociology recently named the Rogers County Drug Abuse Program as the 2022-23 Internship Partner of the Year. Pictured: RSU Psychology and Sociology Department Head Brian Andrews (from left), RCDAP Director Donna Seymour, RSU Professor of Psychology and Sociology Christi Mackey, licensed counselor Donita Smith (with “Stevie”), and outpatient therapist Lance West.
Rogers State University’s Department of Psychology and Sociology has named the Rogers County Drug Abuse Program as the 2022-23 Internship Partner of the Year.
The presentation of the award was made Thursday, Aug. 31, at the RCDAP facility, aka “The Cabin,” in east Claremore, with program director Donna Seymour on hand to receive the honor.
“To be selected to receive this award is an honor, but for us, the greatest honor is to be able to provide an environment for students to learn about addiction, about treatment, that people have the ability to change their lives,” Seymour said. “To be recognized as ‘Internship Partner of the Year’ is a great compliment, obviously, and a reflection of who we are, what we do, and the importance of us sharing that with the student interns from Rogers State University.”
This award is given in recognition of an outstanding internship partner organization that exemplifies the mission of enhancing student learning through pre-career experience in environmental, community and human services work.
The award recipient agency must demonstrate a dedication to working cooperatively with RSU psychology and sociology students, providing exceptional oversight and mentorship, and impacting students’ learning and development to promote career readiness.
The Internship Partner of the Year Award recipient is selected via committee based on the following criteria:
- Demonstration of dedication to working cooperatively with RSU’s Department of Psychology and Sociology students, staff and administrators.
- Provision of exceptional oversight and mentoring to internship students in the Department of Psychology and Sociology.
- Documentation of an impact on student learning and development that promotes career readiness.
One of the more interesting aspects of the partnership program with the Rogers County Drug Abuse Program is that it is open to undergraduate students, says RSU Professor of Psychology and Sociology Christi Mackey.
“Something unique about this internship program is that it lets undergraduate students shadow counselors in a group setting. It gives them a very ‘hands on’ experience, which is something not allowed by all organizations,” Mackey said. “There are few organizations that permit students to do this without being a master’s level prep counselor, so this gives the students the opportunity to determine whether this is something they want to pursue as a career or not.”
Community support is integral to the effectiveness of the partnership, according to assistant professor and RSU Psychology and Sociology Department Head Dr. Brian Andrews.
“The success of our department’s students would not be possible without the strong community support of organizations like the Rogers County Drug Abuse Program,” Andrews said. “The real-world experience and training provided by the internship process is a critical part of our students’ education, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to make lasting contributions to our community.
“We look forward to continuing to build such relationships with important organizations like the Rogers County Drug Abuse Program, and we sincerely thank them for their investment in our students,” he said.
Internships benefit not only RSU students but the host agencies, including the provision of additional resources to clients and impacting the future through guiding experiences and generating new ideas.
One of the nominating students noted “Rogers County Drug Abuse Program is welcoming to all students and eager to teach you.”
Rogers County Drug Abuse Program is an outpatient drug addiction treatment center based in Claremore, treating alcohol and other drug addictions in adults, adolescents, and children.
Previous years’ Partnership of the Year recipients include Grand Lake Mental Health, Inc. (2021-22), Volunteers for Youth (2020-21), Rogers County Youth Services (2019-20), 12 & 12, Inc. (2018-19), and Safenet Services Inc. (2017-18).
RSU’s Department of Psychology and Sociology’s mission is to assist students in developing knowledge and understanding of social, cultural and psychological issues and to operate effectively in today’s social and culturally diverse community.
Degrees and majors available include a Master of Science in Community Counseling, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Community Counseling, B.S. in Elementary Education, B.S. in Social Science, B.A. in Environmental Studies, A.A. in Elementary Education and A.A. in Social Science.
Each student majoring in psychology, sociology, community counseling or environmental studies will complete two internship experiences before graduating. Internships are blended courses which means students will have some time in class meetings and graded assignments as well as time with a host agency or internship site.
For more information about RSU’s Department of Psychology, visit www.rsu.edu/ps.
For more information about Rogers County Drug Abuse Program, email [email protected].