Heidi A. Larson

Heidi A. Larson serves as Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Development within Eastern Illinois University's College of Education. She holds key leadership roles including School Counseling Graduate Coordinator, Vice Chair of the Council of Graduate Studies, and faculty advisor for Chi Sigma Iota International Honors Society.

Her educational background comprises:

• PhD in Counseling Psychology, Indiana State University (2005)
• MS in Community Counseling, Eastern Illinois University (1998)
• BA in Psychology, Eastern Illinois University (1996)

Dr. Larson's research centers on group counseling methodologies, school-based mental health interventions, and peer mentoring systems. With over a decade of clinical experience, she specializes in test anxiety treatment and student empowerment frameworks, particularly through community outreach initiatives targeting high school populations. Her work bridges theoretical counseling models with practical educational applications.

Analysis of her 2018-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on student transition support (especially freshman programs), inclusivity frameworks in educational settings, and quantitative assessment of peer mentoring efficacy. Recent outputs demonstrate evolving emphasis on intersectional approaches to student excellence through community care models.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Achievement and Contribution Award (Teaching) (2024)
• Graduate School Research/Creative Activity Grant (2024)
• Mentor of the Year Award, TRIO Department (2024)
• 2010 King-Mertz Award of Excellence in the College of Education

Dr. Larson actively mentors graduate students in thesis development, clinical supervision, and research publication. She has secured competitive research funding including the 2024 Graduate School Research Grant, supporting her work on student mental health frameworks and mentoring program efficacy. Her supervised students regularly present at state and national conferences.

She directs the Freshman Connection Mentorship Program and B.I.O.N.I.C. (Believe It Or Not, I Care) initiative, fostering collaborative teams focused on student transition support and community-based counseling interventions within Midwestern educational systems.