Amy W. Upton

Amy W. Upton, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Professional Studies (School Counseling) at the University of South Alabama's College of Education and Professional Studies. She holds certifications as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). Her roles include teaching, research, and community outreach.

Education:

• B.A., Theatre Arts, Old Dominion University, 1989
• M.Ed., School Counseling, Old Dominion University, 1998
• Ph.D., Counselor Education, Old Dominion University, 2012

Research Focus: Dr. Upton specializes in school counselor professional identity, best practices in school counseling, principal-counselor collaboration, multicultural competency, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Her work emphasizes fostering self-authorized decision-making in future counselors through constructivist teaching methods.

Outreach & Engagement: She collaborates with local/regional school districts and the Alabama State Department of Education to bridge academic and community needs. Prior to academia, she spent 16 years as a middle/high school counselor, transitioning to full-time faculty in 2013.

Teaching: Courses include Foundations of School Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Counseling Children, and Data-Driven School Counseling. Her philosophy centers on student-centered learning and facilitation of knowledge construction.

Labs/Teams: Active in USA's School Counseling program, contributing to curriculum development and practicum supervision.