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
2018-2019 AARC Executive Council
President
Donna S. Sheperis, Palo Alto University
President-Elect
Catherine Chang, Georgia State University
Past President
A. Stephen Lenz, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Treasurer
Kelly Emelianchik-Key, Florida Atlantic University
Secretary
Elizabeth Prosek, University of North Texas
Member-at-Large Membership
Philip Gnilka, Virginia Commonwealth University
Member-at-Large Publications
Abigail Conley, Virginia Commonwealth University
Member-at-Large Awards
Stephanie Crockett, Oakland University
ACA Governing Council Representative
Donna Gibson, Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate Student Representative
Isanely Kurtz, University of Texas-San Antonio