Southern University Counseling Center

Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Counseling Center Staff

ValaRay J. Irvin, Ph.D,
Counseling Center Director
Dr. ValaRay J. Irvin is a licensed psychologist in the State of Louisiana. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern University Baton Rouge and her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989. She became director of the University Counseling Center in 1998. Her clinical orientation is influenced by system’s and cognitive-behavioral theories. Her interests include female depression, victims of past sexual abuse and loss issues.

Shantelle Richardson Jacobs, M.A.
Mental Health Counselor
Shantelle Richardson Jacobs received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She also earned a master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Nicholls State University. Ms. Jacobs is a registered LPC counselor intern and is expected to receive licensure in 2010. Her theoretical orientation is a blend of interpersonal, systems and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her clinical interest includes relationship issues, stress management, relational and family problems, depression, women’s issues, life transition and adjustment difficulties, trauma and recovery, anger management, and disaster mental health. She is member of American Psychological Association, Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and Louisiana Counseling Association, Ms. Jacobs has been a counselor at the Southern University Counseling Center since Fall of 2008.

Melanie M. Washington, GSW
Mental Health Counselor
Ms. Washington earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University Baton Rouge in 2001 and her Masters of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University Baton Rouge 2005. Upon graduation, she successfully passed the Graduate Social Work (GSW) exam, and expects to sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam by summer 2009. She is a Sexual Assault Victims Advocate (SAVA) and a Safe Space Ally. Her interests include working with underprivileged youth and young adults, overall personal welfare, child and family therapy, advocacy, social development, and social change. Ms. Washington has been a counselor at the University Counseling Center since July 2008.

Durward P. Craig, Sr., M.A.
Mental Health Counselor
Mr. Craig earned his B.S. in Psychology in 2003 and a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling in 2008, both from Southern University. He is registered with the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Board of Examiners as a Counselor Intern and expects to become licensed in 2010. Mr. Craig is a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association. His clinical focus is mental health issues in adults including but not limited to mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Mr. Craig has a special interest in relationship/marriage and family therapy. He also has eleven years of experience working specifically with college student – athletes. Mr. Craig joined the UCC family in the Fall 2008.

Franklin Gregory Harris, M.D.
Staff Psychiatrist
Dr. Harris is a physician specializing in the practice of psychiatry. He received his bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med Microbiology from Louisiana State University. His Medical degree was earned from Meharry Medical College. He has been practicing since 1989. His residency in General Psychiatry was obtained through the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans, La. He has since practiced in and around the Baton Rouge area via inpatient and outpatient resources in various disciplines. These include General Adult, Child and Adolescent, Dual Diagnosis, and Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Harris is a member of the National Medical Association, The American Medical Association, and the American Psychiatrics Association. He has provided consultation and medication management at the Southern University Counseling Center since Spring 2009.

Sandra Jordan,
Administrative Assistant II
Mrs. Jordan is the administrative assistant for the University Counseling Center. She is most times the first point of contact for a student at the center. Mrs. Jordan has been employed with Southern University for five years and with the University Counseling Center since 2004.