Calvin Craig IV, originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, graduated in 2019 from Appalachian State University with a M.A. in professional school counseling. He earned a B.S. in business administration from Fayetteville State University.
Craig’s experience as a student in the professional school counseling program at Appalachian has “given me the confidence and determination to be an innovator and leader in this profession.”
“I chose Appalachian State University because Appalachian chose me. I came for a First Friday preview event before I applied and fell in love with the university and school counseling program. I learned about all amazing opportunities I would only get at App State, such as the chance to take exams to gain licensure in school counseling as well as mental health, enroll in innovative and exciting courses such as equine therapy, play therapy, and expressive arts, and the opportunity to go through my program with a cohort.”
“I was given multiple opportunities to sharpen my leadership skills by serving as a graduate school ambassador, the first Black male president of the Alpha Sigma Upsilon chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society, and presenting research with Dr. Glenda Johnson at the North Carolina School Counselor Association Conference in 2017,” he continued. “These leadership opportunities coupled with the love and support of my professors helped reassure me that this is the profession I was always destined to be in.”
Currently, Craig is a school counselor at Swansboro High School in Swansboro, North Carolina. He works with students in the 10th and 11th grades.
“In my role as a school counselor, I am in charge of making sure I am available to my students to provide social and emotional support, help them in the process of college and career exploration, as well as advocate for them,” said Craig. “I like to introduce and incorporate mindfulness when meeting with students.”
Impacting Education in His Community
Craig is making an impact on education in his community. “My goal as a school counselor is to make sure every student I come across feels seen and represented,” said Craig. “In order to do so, I am very intentional about programming and building a comprehensive school counseling program that is reflective of the student body I serve.”
“Because Appalachian took a chance on me, I am in a profession I love.”
By analyzing the data of his school’s population and surveying students, Craig has accomplished the following:
- Planned programs to promote diversity and inclusion, including implementing programming and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month; and
- Partnered with universities such as Fayetteville State University, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Appalachian State University to provide spaces for students to explore post-graduation pathways with higher education professionals.
Calvin Craig
