COEHD professor leads by example for peers and students

After crossing the country from Iowa to begin a new job at Augusta University in 2015, Meredith Rausch, PhD, has achieved an array of accomplishments. 

As an associate professor in the Department of Research, Counseling, and Curriculum with a focus on the Master of Education in Counselor Education program in AU’s College of Education and Human Development, Rausch takes tremendous pride in her work. 

With a varied background and career that includes commercial photography, public speaking, social work, a stint in improv and specialized personal training, Rausch’s journey to becoming a nationally recognized counselor has been untraditional. 

Recently selected for the National Board of Certified Counselors Servant Leadership Award in 2024, Rausch said she was a bit surprised when she learned the news.

“I was shocked, honestly. And in awe,” Rausch said. “I got the email and saw that I had received the award alongside someone I really look up to in the field, Dr. Christian Chan. I also saw that my mentor won the mentorship award and just felt so lucky to have been able to be nominated alongside these two incredible individuals.”

Colleagues and students working alongside Rausch over the years share the same enthusiasm and pride for the achievement and impact that it carries for AU. 

“This award is well-deserved as she dedicates herself to our students and community daily. We are fortunate to have her on our team,” said Alicia Becton, PhD, chair of the Department of Research, Counseling, and Curriculum.

It’s especially poignant as the NBCC awards were created for counselors by counselors to recognize individuals who exemplify professional excellence in counseling and whose contributions have significantly helped to expand access to mental health services, strengthen the profession and promote equity in health and education. 

“I really am passionate about advancing awareness, particularly for marginalized populations,” Rausch added. “I’ve always been a fighter against injustice, and sometimes that isn’t recognized as a positive trait. As cliché as it sounds, it really felt like all the hard work had meant something. The NBCC is our accrediting body – it felt incredible to be recognized out of all the thousands of professional counselors and counselor educators.”

As part of a collection of counselors working to advance the field of counseling and counselors domestically and globally, it’s a special honor for Rausch to know that her peers across the country hold her in such high regard.

COEHD Dean Judi Wilson, EdD, has worked alongside Rausch for more than nine years and shares the significance of this peer-designated honor. 

“This recognition is a reflection of her exceptional dedication to her students, our community, and the counseling profession,” Wilson said. “This award, given to those who exemplify professional excellence and champion equity in mental health and education, is a true testament to Dr. Rausch’s tireless efforts. Her achievements not only elevate her own work but also enhance the reputation of COEHD as a leader in preparing impactful professionals. We are honored to have her as part of our team, inspiring others to make a difference locally and globally.”

As an influencer, someone who leads by example and an exemplary one at that, Rausch is always looking to elevate those around her. Just like her philosophy on persevering and achieving your goals and dreams.

“I feel like I’ve heard ‘no’ so many times in my life, it just is expected at this point,” she said. “When I used to hear that I couldn’t do something or ‘no,’ I’d give up. Easily. Quickly. But after a while, I recognized that a ‘no’ is just a ‘no for now’ or ‘no’ from this person or group.

“The doors that closed in my face just meant I had to knock on another door or sometimes just open the darn door myself,” Rausch continued. “When I know that I’m working toward something meaningful, I just don’t give up.”

Those words of wisdom and living by example have led Rausch to a spectrum of success in ways that she never imagined. 

“I’m especially proud to support my students in achieving goals they never thought possible,” she said. “They say, ‘I’d like to try and get published,’ and I’m there to see them through. I think they see me as a good example, in the sense that ‘If Rausch is doing it, then I can do it, too!’”

Rausch shared a little about her methods for counseling in a way that encourages and helps others and incorporates those techniques into her own day-to-day life.

“My approach to counseling is I’ll show up exactly as myself – someone clients can hopefully trust, respect and know that I will return that favor,” Rausch said. 

“I want people to feel safe and comfortable figuring out who they are authentically in this world and then help them grow into that person and celebrate themselves,” she continued. “At my core, I’m a humanistic counselor. I believe in authenticity, empathy and unconditional positive regard. But I’m also a problem solver. Let’s figure this out together – what you want out of this life – and then I’ll help you develop tools and strategize ways to achieve it. And I’ll be alongside you, removing any barrier I can, cheering you on.” 

Offering insight and perspective for students at AU or anyone in the Augusta community who may be working through some recovery challenges post-Hurricane Helene, Rausch reflected on the experience.  

“It really shined a light on the impact of preparedness and connection. We saw who the natural helpers were when life hits you hard,” she said. “I think that, all too often, people think they’re alone in their thoughts or feelings. You simply aren’t. There are so many people who think the way you think or feel the way you feel. We just don’t know how to connect or we’re afraid to be vulnerable. Reach out. Connect authentically. Putting on a mask that makes it look like everything is OK is not strength. Vulnerability is strength. Support is strength. We all have different ways of caring for each other – we need to offer those ways to each other.

“This world needs your authentic self in it,” she continued. “Figure out who you are at your core. Who you love, what you value and what you believe – these are all part of you. Find your passion and your people. Be courageously yourself. The world needs YOU in it – the you that you ARE. What a gift that is to give to others and to yourself.”