Campus News
May 28th, 2019
GC alumna to join Sheppard Pratt Health System
Birmingham earns Bachelor’s degree at Bucknell University
Birmingham, a 2017 graduate of Garrett College, is pictured at her recent commencement at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa.
Kelsey Birmingham, an alumna of Garrett College recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology degree from Bucknell University on Sunday, May 19th. She also obtained a minor in sociology.
In May 2017, she earned an associate in arts degree in arts and sciences, with a concentration in psychology. She was awarded the prestigious and extremely competitive two-year transfer scholarship to Bucknell University beginning in the fall of 2017. This scholarship covers tuition for two years of full-time enrolment at Bucknell University, a private liberal arts institution in Lewisburg, Pa.
As a Bucknellian, Birmingham has kept busy conducting research in the area of multicultural health psychology. She was granted the opportunity to present her findings at the Eastern Psychological Conference in Philadelphia, Pa. in 2018. She also performed research with the United Way - Sunbury, Pennsylvania, in finding a measurement to appraise the teen impact programs in the local communities.
As an intern at Behavioral Specialist, Inc., a mental and behavioral health services community organization for children and adolescents in central Pennsylvania, she provided intensive group therapy sessions for physically and sexually abused children. Her sessions focused on strategies for anger management and coping skills. She also directed a play about diversity and friendship for children in the Lewisburg, Pa. community using Bucknell theatre majors as the actors.
Following graduation from Bucknell, Birmingham will join the Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, Md. as a mental health worker. In this position, she will work with individuals with mental health disorders or disabilities, providing compassionate care, support, therapy, and assistance. After gaining some career and industry experience, she plans to return to higher education to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology or a master’s degree in social work.
As part of the transfer scholarship requirements, Birmingham participated in the rigorous Summer Scholars Program in 2016. During that six-week academic program at Bucknell, she excelled in two writing-intensive college courses, The Biology of Stress and The Psychology of Attraction and Close Relationships. She maintained commendable grades in her two courses, all while residing on-campus and participating in organized activities every week.
“I had no doubts that Kelsey’s path in life would lead her somewhere great. She has made an enormously positive impression on the faculty and staff during both her summer experience as well as the previous two years,” said Ashley Ruby, director of advising and academic success at GC. “Kelsey was one of Garrett College’s brightest and most ambitious students. I am so proud of her many accomplishments and excited for her new journey with Sheppard Pratt.”
The Bucknell Community College Scholars program is designed for high-achieving, low- to moderate income community college students who aim to earn their associate’s degree and wish to take their education further.
Garrett College is one of only six community college partners of this program.
After meeting the academic and financial criteria, potential scholars must apply and attend the summer program immediately prior to community college graduation. Students then return to the community college to complete the associate degree, and are eligible to apply for the two-year transfer scholarship to Bucknell.
For more information about the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program including transfer opportunities available at Garrett College, contact Ruby at Garrett College at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
