Calhoun to Offer Full-Time Mental Health Services for Students, Faculty, and Staff with the Hiring of New Counselor

In a significant effort to provide mental wellness services to its campus, Calhoun Community College is excited to announce the hiring of Leslie Shelor as the college’s first full-time mental health counselor. This new position expands the college’s mental health services for students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing Calhoun’s commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive campus environment.

This initiative comes on the heels of a system-wide push launched this past summer by Neil Scott, Vice Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), to address the growing mental health needs of students across the state. As part of this system-wide effort, Calhoun is proud to be expanding its services to ensure that students, faculty, and staff have access to comprehensive mental health support.

Leslie brings a wealth of experience to her new role as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S). She holds a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama and has over 20 years of experience providing individual and group counseling services. Shelor has worked with a diverse range of populations, including students, faculty, and staff, to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress management. Prior to joining Calhoun, Shelor served as an Upper School Counselor at Randolph School in Huntsville, where she was responsible for the mental health and emotional well-being of over 300 students. She has also worked in various counseling roles, including as a Health Services Counselor at Alabama A&M University and a Private Practice Counselor at Cornerstone Counseling Center.

“Having Leslie on staff will not only provide critical support for our students, but it also ensures our faculty and staff have access to the resources they need to maintain their own mental wellness, which is an exciting development that will positively impact everyone at Calhoun,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. “Leslie’s expertise will be invaluable as it will help those who take advantage of the opportunity to navigate the challenges of balancing their academic and professional life. We are proud of the steps we are continuing to take across campus to create additional resources for a more comprehensive approach to campus wellness,” Hodges adds.

Shelor will provide confidential counseling services, including individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and wellness workshops to help students and staff manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Her work will not only provide direct support but also foster a culture of openness and support, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues on college campuses.

This expansion of mental health services reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness in higher education. With nearly 40% of college students nationwide experiencing mental health challenges each year, the need for accessible, professional support is crucial.

"As a leading institution, we are proud to be the first community college in Alabama with a full-time mental health counselor dedicated to serving our campus community,” says Dr. Brandon Brown, Director of Student Disability, Counseling, and Support Services. “These are the vital roles that are necessary to help create a safe and welcoming atmosphere that shows everyone on campus that their mental health is both a priority and matters. We are hoping that the steps we are taking will help set a new standard for colleges across the state that are not yet offering such services,” adds Brown.

To learn more about Calhoun’s mental health services, as well as other free resources for our students, such as the free grocery store through the Calhoun Cupboard, the free professional attire closet, and emergency funds assistance, please visit Calhoun Cares at www.calhoun.edu/studentservices.  

Media Inquiries
For all media inquiries, please contact Calhoun’s public relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.