About Us
The mission of AARC is to promote and recognize excellence in assessment, research, and evaluation in counseling.
Our Purpose
The Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) is an organization of counselors, educators, and other professionals that advances the counseling profession by promoting best practices in assessment, research, and evaluation in counseling.
AARC is positioned to fulfill six fundamental purposes for counselors, clients, and other stakeholders:
- Professional Development: to promote professional development which enhances competence in assessment, research, and evaluation
- Professionalization: to advance the professionalization of counseling through the appropriate use of assessment, research, and evaluation
- Research and Knowledge: to develop and disseminate knowledge regarding assessment, research, and evaluation procedures used in counseling
- Human Development: to advocate for optimal human development through culturally competent assessment, research, and evaluation practices
- Public Awareness: to support public policies and legislation that advance the ethical use of assessment, research, and evaluation
- Collaboration: to enhance communication and collaboration among AARC, leadership within ACA and its divisions, and other professional organizations that address common, assessment, research, and evaluation concerns.
What Our Members are Saying
Membership in AARC is a great way to become involved in the counseling profession. As a graduate student, AARC was one of the first counseling organizations I joined. Its members were quick to make me feel at home and let me know that my voice and participation were welcomed. In addition to meeting many colleagues whom I now call my friends, AARC helped me become a better advocate for the counseling profession.”
Joshua C. Watson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS
What Our Members are Saying
As a member of AARC for over 10 years, I have had the opportunity to network and collaborate with emerging and seasoned scholars who are interested in advancing the world of research, program evaluation, assessment, and diagnosis to benefit counselors and their clients. I believe I am a stronger researcher and evaluator due to my membership and the benefits it affords. AARC is a great way to get involved in this profession, no matter your degree of "expertise" in assessment and research!”
Danica G. Hays, PhD, LPC, NCC
2024-2025 AARC Executive Council
President
Ching-Chen Chen, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
President-Elect
Ryan Cook, Ph.D., Clemson University
Past President
Stephanie Crockett, Ph.D., James Madison University
Treasurer
Amanda Rumsey, Ph.D., Clemson University
Secretary
Nayoung Kim, Ph.D., New York Institute of Technology
Member-at-Large Membership
Patrick Mullen, Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University
Member-at-Large Publications
Erika Schmit, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Member-at-Large Awards
Peitao Zhu, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
ACA Governing Council Representative
Casey Barrio Minton, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Graduate Student Representative
Brian Lusk (2023-2025), James Madison University
Scarlett Iglesias Hoyos (2024-2026), Penn State University