Troy University has been awarded three federal grants totaling $2,875,000 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to strengthen and expand its Rehabilitation Counseling and Rehabilitation and Disability Studies programs. The funding will provide full tuition scholarships and stipends for approximately 100 students over the next five years, preparing a new generation of professionals to serve individuals with disabilities and mental illness across the United States. 

The grants were secured by Dr. Rodney J. Maiden and Dr. Joshua D. Southwick, both associate professors in Troy University’s Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training, housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The programs will directly address a nationwide shortage of qualified rehabilitation professionals and counselors in state and community vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. 

“These awards allow Troy University to invest directly in students who are passionate about serving others,” said Dr. Rodney J. Maiden, CRC, LPC. “Our goal is to prepare highly skilled professionals who will help individuals with disabilities achieve independence, employment and inclusion in their communities.” 

Two of the three grants, totaling $2,000,000, support Troy University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Education (RCE) Program, which offers a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Troy University’s RCE Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Over the five-year grant period, at least 30 graduate trainees will receive full tuition scholarships per grant. The program provides academic and practical training to prepare rehabilitation counselors for public service and encourages collaboration across related disciplines. In addition to its core curriculum, the RCE Program offers five academic concentrations: Clinical Rehabilitation, Public and Community Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation and Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Services, Counseling Military Populations and Addictions Counseling. 

One of these projects, Training Rehabilitation Counselors for Public Service to Individuals with Mental Illness, led by Dr. Maiden with Dr. Paola Premuda-Conti serving as assistant project director, focuses on preparing counselors to specialize in serving individuals living with mental illness. The coursework is offered fully online, allowing students from across the country to participate while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. 

“This program gives us the ability to recruit students from any state,” said Maiden. “It’s an incredible opportunity to expand access to quality rehabilitation education and to reach those who want to make a difference.” 

The third award, Training Entry-Level Rehabilitation Professionals to Serve Consumers of Public VR, totaling $875,000, is led by Dr. Joshua D. Southwick with Dr. Sharon Weaver serving as assistant project director. This initiative will support the undergraduate Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program by providing full tuition scholarships for at least 30 students earning bachelor’s degrees in the field. The program prepares students for entry-level roles in both public and private rehabilitation settings and offers options for minors in applied behavior analysis, case management, criminal justice, interpreter (ASL) training, medical aspects and military operations. 

“These programs work together to create a pipeline of well-trained professionals ready to meet the needs of vocational rehabilitation agencies,” said Southwick. “We’re developing both undergraduate and graduate pathways that ensure our students are prepared to serve effectively in Alabama and beyond.” 

Together, the three federally funded initiatives mark a significant investment in Troy University’s mission to serve through education and workforce development. 

“This work reflects the best of Troy University’s values, service, leadership and commitment to others,” said Maiden. “Through these programs, we’re not only transforming our students’ futures but also strengthening the communities they will serve.”