Nicole Martin, right, assistant director of admission, presents the “Student of the Block” award to Joy Beeler
Joy Beeler of New Tazewell, Tenn., has been honored as the “Student of the Block” recipient for Block Three at Tusculum College.
Beeler, who is a senior with a double major in psychology and psychology education, was honored for her academic excellence and her leadership on campus with the award whose recipients are nominated by faculty and staff members. Beeler was presented the honor during a ceremony on December 9.
The Office of Student Affairs established the award to recognize students for their academic achievement, leadership on campus and contributions to the college community. A plaque recognizing Beeler’s accomplishments will be displayed in the Niswonger Commons and other campus buildings.
Described as a “modest yet impactful leader,” Beeler has aspirations to become a high school psychology and sociology teacher after she graduates and to continue her education in obtaining a master’s degree in counseling. Further in the future, she plans to earn a doctorate in psychology and to use her education and professional teaching experience in opening her own private practice as a psychologist, specializing in marriage and family psychology.
At Claiborne High School, Beeler was an active student and was honored with the special privilege of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery as a select honoree of the Presidential Classroom program.
When she came to Tusculum, she was ready to become involved in campus and did so, becoming a member of the Pioneer Dance Team, Community Standards Board, Venture Crew, Beta Sigma Phi and the Tennessee Education Association. She has also served as a vice president of the Psychology Club and is a student ambassador in the President’s Society, where her cheerful demeanor, outgoing personality and humble spirit make her an excellent representative for the college.
Nicole Martin, assistant director of admission and co-advisor for the President’s Society, nominated Beeler for the honor. “She has enthusiastically volunteered for tours, ushered for performances and stepped up to help out when needed,” Martin said in her nomination. “Joy has matured into a reliable and solid member of the organization. Families praise her tours as she creates relationships with each family she meets. Because of the Admission Office travel schedule, she has also stepped into the role of filling in during the current new member modules when both advisors are out of the office. She is not only an asset to the organization, but a trusted and reliable member as well.”
Beeler has maintained a vigorous schedule of campus commitments while maintaining and 3.6 grade point average in her academic coursework, which she considers to be of the utmost importance in her college career. She credits Dr. Bill Garris, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Deborah Callen, assistant professor of education, as instrumental in her academic success. “They both go above and beyond when a student needs help, even when we need a friend instead of a professor.” Her favorite course has been the Abnormal Psychology class she took under Dr. Brian Pope, professor of psychology.
She is appreciative that she has been able to maintain the balance between academics and campus involvement without being overwhelmed. “I am proud of the fact that I am able to attend college, be a role-model to my younger sister and know that I have made my parents proud. All of this would not have been possible without God in my life and a strong Christian faith.”
Beeler is the daughter of Michael and Robin Beeler and an older sister to Erin. She loves all things family and often helps with the family business on weekends. She considers her family to be her foundation and major support system. “My role models are my parents,” she said. “I want to be as strong willed as my mother and as hard working as my father.”
As she reflects on her time at Tusculum, Beeler says that Tusculum “has allowed me to grow intellectually into an adult ready for the working world. I have been given wonderful networks that I also consider friends in my professors and mentors. Tusculum has allowed me to meet other students that are not only peers, but have taught me just as much as the faculty.”
Her advice to her fellow students is to “put yourself out there. Join clubs, talk to strangers, just explore every avenue of college life. Stay focused, be yourself and enjoy the little things.”