For Brandy Blount, Ph.D., division chair of The Chicago School’s undergraduate psychology program, growing the university’s undergraduate presence has been a true passion project. Says Dr. Blount, “Our undergraduate experience is now in its 10th year. Reflecting on this decade of growth makes me proud of how many students start with us as undergraduates and go on to complete other graduate programs with The Chicago School.”
Since the launch of The Chicago School’s first undergraduate program a decade ago, the university has thoughtfully invested in creating simple pathways between undergraduate and graduate programs, with more than 100 students reenrolling in other The Chicago School programs after completing their undergraduate degrees with the university.
Dr. Blount highlights that the undergraduate leadership team has learned a lot over the past decade that has helped it serve the unique needs of undergraduate students balancing work, school, and family.
“A few years ago, we hired our first undergraduate-specific academic adviser, and this made such a difference for our students,” Dr. Blount says. “Just in her first year of work, we saw undergraduate student retention increase by 20%.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Blount and her colleagues will continue to identify opportunities to offer students the most innovative, high-demand programs and experiences in the field of integrated health.
Dr. Blount also credits the advocacy of Michele Nealon, Psy.D., president of The Chicago School, for helping the university launch its first undergraduate program. According to Dr. Blount, “Dr. Nealon really understands the importance of undergraduate education in setting students up for future professional and academic success. We couldn’t have started these programs without her support.”
In the years since the earliest undergraduate program welcomed its first students, Dr. Blount and the rest of the undergraduate leadership team have focused on providing students with a diverse array of programs and support that meet their unique needs. For instance, the team has launched multiple undergraduate student clubs and a new undergraduate study abroad experience in both South Africa and Germany, all designed to build community within the university’s growing undergraduate population.
What continues to unite undergraduate and graduate programs across The Chicago School is a shared commitment to social change.
In Dr. Blount’s own words, “A Chicago School education is not about getting in and getting out with a diploma in hand. It’s about more than that. It’s about making a real difference for your community. Within the undergraduate space, we want to show undergrads the world and help them find that place of impact.”