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The next faculty profile is Dr. Lacy Overley, Assistant Professor of Counseling. Find out why Lacy chose A-State and how her career has been influenced by her experiences. Let's get to know her.

Dr. Lacy Overley

Place of birth?

Freeport, Texas

Why did you choose A-State?

We could stay near family, and I could incorporate play therapy and start a program.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

My mentor, Dr. Marilyn Snow. She gave me enough guidance and freedom to not only learn but surpass what I thought I was capable of doing. She also trusted me with opportunities to help her build a play therapy center and program, which helped guide my career.

What makes for a good student?

A student who takes the extra steps to find the answers and brings discussion to you and the class because of a desire to know more. This not only demonstrates a desire to learn but shows initiative. Also, it is understandable that things/life will happen, so a student who takes responsibility shows great character and potential for a great counselor and potential employer.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

Beach or mountains?

Both

What’s the value of a university education?

I think this depends on who you ask. For me, I believe if you take advantage of all the opportunities you have as a student, this is the time when you really come in to your own with not only your career path but your personal life as well. This is the time to explore and question and take it all in.

I wish I could...

travel the world.

Only my friends know I...

used to play the clarinet.

What does e3 mean to you?

Providing students with an all-encompassed education that is not just about filling our students with information but creating meaningful learning experiences that lead to lifelong learners.

My favorite motion picture is...

that is hard to say because I love movies in general and so many genres. I would probably have to list Garden State, The Notebook (I know cliché), and most any movie on TCM (Turner Classic Movies).

The television series I must TiVo...

The Walking Dead, and most shows on FX.

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

That as counselors our goal is to empower our clients so that we are no longer needed and we are not giving advice. Also, there is nothing wrong with seeking help from a counselor; we all have difficult times in life when we may need an unbiased ear.

My favorite trip was...

to Jamaica.

If I could travel anywhere it would be...

Italy.

What are you working on right now?

Finalizing accreditation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, developing a Play Therapy certificate program, and working on research toward tenure (specifically concerning play therapy with children diagnosed with autism and trauma, and concerning counselor education).

What music is playing in your car?

It is usually on constant rotation, but right now either Alabama Shakes, Shovels and Rope, or Tedeschi Trucks Band.

The last book I read for fun was...

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.

Four people I’d take to coffee at The Edge...

Virginia Axline (developed non-directive play therapy), Carl Rogers (developed person-centered therapy), Cary Ann Hearst (musician), and Audrey Hepburn (actor).

The best advice I ever received was...

don’t forget to live life because it is happening now, not five years from now.

My hobby is...

music (especially live music), college sports and anything outdoors (hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.)

My pro sports teams are...

New Orleans Saints, Houston Rockets and Houston Astros.

A perfect day is...

watching a live football game, then going to an outdoor concert and camp under the stars with my friends and family.

Dinner or supper?

Dinner

My favorite saying is...

"Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today." –James Dean