Patton College counseling professor and chair named to National Council on Rehabilitation Education Board

Photo courtesy of: Patton College of EducationMona Robinson

Dr. Mona Robinson, a full professor in The Patton College of Education’s Counseling and Higher Education program, was recently elected to the board of The National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE). She will serve a four-year term, beginning this October as second vice-president.

Formed in 1955, NCRE is a professional organization of educators dedicated to quality services for persons with disabilities through education and research. NCRE advocates up-to-date education and training and the maintenance of professional standards in the field of rehabilitation. The association represents more than 100 institutions of higher education and more than 450 members.

Robinson, who has been involved with NCRE for nearly a decade, says as a member of the board she wishes to provide transformative leadership to members who provide education and creative research activities within the rehabilitation counseling profession in order to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. 

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of a progressive organization that is concerned with the preparation and maintenance of professional standards for individuals who provide services to persons with disabilities,” said Robinson.

For 13 years, Robinson has served in The Patton College’s Counseling and Higher Education program. She has also been the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator for the past 10 years. While serving as chair of the department, she has lead the program through two CORE and two CACREP accreditations. She is currently the interim director of the George E. Hill Center for Counseling and Research.

“As a disability advocate, I am focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities,” said Robinson. “My extensive and varied experiences related to disability advocacy, academic programs, research, leadership, shared governance, and financial management position me to contribute significantly to NCRE’s mission and vision for the future.”

“Dr. Robinson is definitely an advocate for her field and highly deserving of this honor,” said Renée A. Middleton, dean of The Patton College of Education. “With her extensive experience and dedication, she brings a lot to the table. Her service in this capacity will elevate the association, improve best practices in education, and bring national attention to Ohio University and The Patton College.”

“I worked with Mona during a Commission on Rehabilitation Education accreditation visit in the spring of 2015,” said Dr. Michael P. Accordino, past-president of NCRE and chair of nominations and elections. “I was very impressed with her expertise and professional breadth. She had done many site visits and was very familiar with the rehabilitation counseling programs across the country. I could not think of a better candidate for second vice president than Mona. I look forward to working with her in this role.”  

Robinson said she welcomes the opportunity to work on increasing the NCRE membership by reaching out to new professionals, educators, and students.

“I believe that students are our future, and we need to make sure they are highly prepared to serve persons with disabilities,” said Robinson.