Alicia Becton

Dr. Alicia Brown Becton is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina where her roots grounded in social action and justice activated. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation. Dr. Becton serves as the Graduate Programs Coordinator for Kremen School of Education and is a core faculty member of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program.  She has over 15 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, mental health and addictions counseling. During her tenure Dr. Becton has worked in community mental health facilities and state/federal agencies including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, specifically working with individuals of highly stigmatized (i.e., minorities, veterans, women) groups. She has taken an active interest in advising students and community members who seek to further their education. Her pedagogical techniques reflect the diverse needs of the student body which will essentially have a positive impact on the quality of their educational experiences. Ensuring cultural competence among all stakeholders has always been an essential component of her background. As a mentor for first generation youth in the education system, Dr. Becton was driven to impact individuals on an even larger scale by educating, motivating and promoting cultural proficiency.

As indicated in her curriculum vitae, Dr. Becton has been acknowledged with numerous awards (i.e., Outstanding Faculty, Provost Award, Justin Dart National Alumni Award) and recognitions. She continues to be involved in campus initiatives which promote diversity, universal design for learning and student success. She strives to equip students with the tools necessary to make the best decision for their unique situation in order to maximize their experience and leverage the opportunities afforded to them. Advising is a critical component of professional development and Dr. Becton prides herself on adhering to the unique needs of students. In order for any exchange to be productive, she ensures the environment is open, all-encompassing, and inviting for students. Key aspects of her philosophy stem from shared responsibility, connectedness and empathy.

Moreover, Dr. Becton has provided service in various capacities centered on social justice, empowerment and advocacy of policy change. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Resources for Independence Central Valley (RICV), a center for independent living services and disability resources. Nationally, Dr. Becton has served in multiple roles for the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA), the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) and the National Association of Multicultural and Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC).  She has presented on special topics related to counselor implications for dual diagnosis, student veterans and transition issues, and the effects of disability on the family system. Recent presentations at national conferences consist of "Trauma and Recovery among African Americans," "Factors Leading Minority Americans with Disabilities to Employment," and "Postsecondary Educators Awareness of Cultural and Institutional Barriers Impacting Black Students with Disabilities." Overall, Dr. Becton’s research, service and teaching commitments are rooted in her passion for liberation, diversity and inclusivity. She not only talks about the importance of leveraging differences, she displays it in her actions and has infused multicultural competency, social justice, advocacy, and cultural humility in all endeavors in which she engages.