By M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff
The R. Kelley Thueson Graduate Fellowship supports graduate students in a helping profession while they complete a practicum or similar experience. Eligible programs can include clinical psychology, communication science and disorders, counseling, and social work. The fellowship, named for the donor who endowed the scholarship, will support students whose training in an applied setting primarily serves children or adults with a high financial need.
Zeina-Ramadan
Zeina Ramadan, a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student from Beirut, Lebanon, received the fellowship in its inaugural year.
“When I saw the email subject, I was nervous to open it and know the determination of getting the fellowship! When I saw the word ‘congratulations,’ I was speechless, and I remember smiling for the rest of the day,” Ramadan said. Noting the significance of the moment amidst a busy semester, she added, “I made a promise to myself to always remember to be grateful during difficult times.”
Ramadan is completing a practicum at Communicare, a Mississippi Department of Health Agency in Northern Mississippi. As a student therapist, she provides mental health care to those from vulnerable populations. Specifically, Ramadan works with individuals who are dependent on Medicaid or unable to pay for mental health services. She has a passion for helping others, and the fellowship affords her the opportunity to impact the lives of those who otherwise might not have access to crucial mental healthcare.
“…I have been more attuned, present, and effective with my work. The fellowship has also felt incredibly validating and has further encouraged me to always be connected to my work and find meaning in helping others,” Ramadan said.
As an international student, she feels especially grateful for the opportunities the psychology program has given her. As she pursues her dream career, she appreciates the department’s unwavering support throughout her journey at UM.
“The department’s constant support and guidance has been instrumental in my journey. The climate present in our department is the most important factor I considered when accepting the offer,” Ramadan said.
Todd Smitherman.
Dr. Todd Smitherman, Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training, nominated Zeina Ramadan. He was motivated to do so because of her outstanding community projects and dedication to providing mental health services to underserved communities. He remarked upon her proactiveness and efforts to bring awareness to the psychology field.
“She helped advance opioid risk awareness and prevention efforts across multiple countries…and her long-term goal is to provide clinical services to underserved individuals and also teach young scholars to help expand the field,” Dr. Smitherman said.
Ramadan’s commitment has not gone unnoticed, and Dr. Smitherman was thrilled to see the recognition she earned for her hard work. He emphasized that this scholarship is a special honor because it explicitly celebrates a recipient who engages with communities needing help the most.
“[This scholarship] recognizes students in applied fields who are directly engaging with those in the community who have the greatest need for services…She has been a role model of hard work and giving back, and she has an incredible international perspective and team player mentality,” Dr. Smitherman said.
Ramadan’s success is a reflection of her hard work and the support of those around her. She expresses her gratitude towards the Department of Psychology, to the mentors who have countlessly helped guide her in achieving success, and to the donor of the R. Kelley Thueson Graduate Fellowship for making this opportunity possible. She hopes to pay it forward one day. Congratulations to Zeina!
