Dr. Julio F. Madrigal Receives Prestigious Counseling Award

Dr. Julio F. Madrigal, Director of Special Programs at Texas A&M International University, has been named the State's Outstanding Counselor Supervisor for 2000-2001 by the Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (TACES).

Dr. Madrigal received the prestigious award "in appreciation for [his] dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the counseling profession."

He was nominated for the award by former A&M International faculty member Dr. Todd Russell. Additionally, eight students mentored by Dr. Madrigal submitted recommendation letters to the TACES in support of his nomination.

In his nomination form, Russell noted that Dr. Madrigal "has been a dominant and active force in Counseling Education in the South Texas border region for over 25 years. He has been recognized by several state and regional Hispanic and Mexican American organizations for his outstanding contributions to the fields of counseling and education. He has personally touched the lives of hundreds of students, both graduate and undergraduate."

A letter to TACES from one of Dr. Madrigal's former students, Gabriel Holguin, now a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Training Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, praised Dr. Madrigal for his "balance between professionalism and camaraderie" and "concern and drive for student development."

Holguin credited Dr. Madrigal for inspiring him to pursue his educational dreams.

"[Dr. Madrigal] was of paramount influence in my decision to pursue a clinical psychology degree. [He} generously gave of his time, expertise, patience, and knowledge, allowing me to gain insight into . . . my career goals ," wrote Holguin.

Dr. Madrigal joined the University in 1972 as Associate Director of Teacher Corps and became Director of Computer Services September in 1974. After completing doctoral studies, he took a teaching position at A&M International. In addition to his faculty position, he worked with the Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP) program when it began in 1986. He became TexPREP director in 1990 and has also directed the University's "Bridge to Success" program since its inception in 1997.

He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified LPC Supervisor. He is actively involved in the Texas Counseling Association and its divisions, the Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision and the Texas School Counselors Association. Dr. Madrigal has also been an innovative and energetic leader in the local Border Counseling Association, having served both as president and senator. He maintains an active interest in research and writing.

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