Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Blake To Graduate From SAU In Magnolia

While many students approach graduation with the excitement of being through with school, Linda Blake is looking forward to one more degree.

Blake, a graduate student at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, will graduate this spring with her degree in agency counseling. And her plans are already set for the Rosston native with her acceptance into the doctoral program at the University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," said Blake, who also received her undergraduate degree from UA. She plans to work on a Ph.D. in public policy with an emphasis on family policy. "I hope to teach and work on policy issues that will better people's lives," she said. "Counseling and policy are very similar in that they help people. I think I'll have a better understanding of people and what they need for their lives."

Blake feels her education at SAU prepared her well for her work on her Ph.D.

"I've learned a lot from the counseling faculty at SAU," said Blake. "The faculty here is really wonderful. I've really enjoyed my experience at Southern Arkansas University."

Dr. Dan Bernard, associate dean of Education for Graduate Studies and assistant professor of Counselor Education, was happy for Blake and felt her experience spoke well of the graduate program at SAU.

"The application process for doctoral programs, particularly at reputable research institutions like the University of Arkansas, is highly competitive," said Bernard. "We are proud and excited about her acceptance by that program. Linda has been an excellent graduate student and graduate assistant for the past three years. We are confident that she will be equally successful in her doctoral work."

Blake received her undergraduate degree in 1994 and has since worked as a reporter with the Hope Star and as a grant writer for the Oak Grove Learning Center. While working toward her master's degree at SAU, she served as an intern with the Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center.

"That was a good experience," Blake said. "I think meeting people from various backgrounds will give me a better understanding of what people need in their lives. I think the internship was a very valuable experience."

Blake is the daughter of Ervin and Mary Blake of Rosston.

"I just want to thank God for the opportunity to further my education and I thank my parents for all their support throughout my life," she said.