Latasha Norman Center provides a safe haven for students

Octavis Lawson
Staff Writer
MC 301-01 Writer

Stress, grief, and homesickness are just a few of the issues students deal with on a regular basis at Jackson State University. Many students, however, are not aware that there is a place on campus that can help students handle these issues: The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability Services.

Jackson State has mourned the deaths of many students over the years, including the tragic losses of Latasha Norman, a junior accounting major from Greenville, Miss., who lost her life to domestic violence in 2007 and just this semester, the passing of James Shearer, a senior political science major.

The center, which was renamed in honor of Norman, serves as an outreach facility for students and also provides services to students with disabilities.

The center, staffed by Monica Wall-Jones, assistant director of Disability Services; Frances White, lead therapist; Terrence Johnson, therapist and Jackie Nash, administrative assistant; has counseled and helped many students. There are also three graduate students available to aid students in need of assistance.

“During the client’s initial counseling session, the counselors explain the services that the center provides and let the clients know that they have nothing to hide as everything is confidential,” said Johnson.
Students who have utilized the center’s services recommend that others visit the center if help is needed.

“The counselors are very open and warm; very understanding and gave great advice,” said Arekia Bennett, a junior physics major. “Going to get help is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Other students who are aware of the center state that they would not utilize its services.

“I would only use the center if I could not get help from anyone else,” said Brandon Smith, a junior accounting major at JSU.

According the Johnson, on average, the counselors have three to four students who come to them regularly each week. New clients are usually referred by Student Life staff, professors and significant others.
Some of the services provided include: University Success Outreach, Personal Support Counseling, Group Counseling, Anger Management, Cadet Outreach and Relaxation Training

In commemoration of the life of Latasha Norman, the center also hosts the annual Latasha Norman 5k Run/Walk which will be held on November 9th. To register online visit active.com, keyword: Latasha or call 601-979-0374.