Verl T. Pope

Dr. Verl T. Pope serves as Professor of Counseling and founding Program Director for the Counseling Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP), where he also chairs the Department of Professional Counseling. With over 25 years of academic leadership experience, he previously held roles including Counseling Program Chair at the University of Phoenix (Utah Campus), Chair of the Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership at Northern Kentucky University, and Associate Dean of the College of Education at Southeast Missouri State University.

He earned his Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling from Idaho State University, establishing foundational expertise in the field.

Dr. Pope's professional focus spans Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Accreditation, and Leadership in Counseling Programs. His clinical work includes extensive agency experience in public and private sectors, with specialized consultation for Probation and Parole departments, juvenile offices, schools, and courts on assessment methodologies and therapeutic interventions. He further provides accreditation guidance to universities and agencies nationwide.

Holding dual state licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) in Utah and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri, he maintains national certifications including National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). His committee service includes seven years on the Missouri State Committee for Professional Counselors alongside active engagement in national professional organizations.