Commencement Spotlight: LaTia Alexander

Commencement Spotlight: LaTia Alexander, Master of Science in Counseling Education with a concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

Future Plans: Superintendent, Metro Transitional Center, Georgia Department of Corrections

LaTia Alexander, a 35-year-old native of Macon, Georgia, will graduate on May 9 with a Master of Science in Counseling Education with a concentration in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from the Albany State University College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies. 

Alexander’s graduate journey reflects a powerful balance of academic achievement and executive leadership. While completing her degree, she simultaneously served in a senior leadership role with the Georgia Department of Corrections and was promoted to Superintendent of the Metro Transitional Center. In this role, she oversees facility operations, staff, and the rehabilitation of more than 200 residents, contributing to the center’s achievement of 100% accreditation.

Her academic training and professional responsibilities are closely aligned, with a focus on supporting justice-involved individuals through mental health services, rehabilitation, and successful reentry into society. Through her counseling internship experiences with the Georgia Department of Corrections, she further strengthened her commitment to advocacy, accountability, and second chances.

Alexander’s leadership and dedication exemplify resilience and purpose, as she successfully navigated the demands of graduate study while managing the complexities of correctional administration, including staffing challenges and high operational demands.

Following graduation, Alexander plans to continue advancing her career within the Georgia Department of Corrections while expanding her impact in rehabilitation, mental health, and reentry services. She also aspires to pursue a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, further positioning herself to influence both clinical practice and systemic change.

Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, leadership, and service, and serves as an inspiration to future Golden Rams striving to lead with integrity and impact.

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
My motivation comes from a deep passion for helping individuals transform their lives, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. Working in Corrections exposed me to the gaps in mental health, rehabilitation, and reentry services. I wanted to be part of the solution, not just managing systems, but actively helping people change. That desire led me to pursue counseling education so I could better understand behavior, provide meaningful interventions, and lead with both structure and empathy.

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because of its strong commitment to developing leaders who serve their communities. The Counseling Education Program aligned perfectly with my career goals, and the flexibility allowed me to balance a demanding leadership role while continuing my education. ASU also provided a supportive environment that challenged me academically while reinforcing my purpose.

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most is the ability to create real change both individually and systematically. In my role, I don’t just oversee operations, I have the opportunity to influence lives, develop staff, and create environments where people can grow. Combining leadership with counseling allows me to hold people accountable while also understanding their experiences and helping them move forward.

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
The biggest impact on me has come from a combination of mentors, supervisors, and life experiences that challenged me to grow into leadership. At ASU, my professors played a critical role by pushing me to think critically, apply theory to practice, and maintain ethical standards in counseling.

What are you passionate about outside of your education?
Outside my education, I am passionate about mentorship and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I am also deeply committed to my family and strive to model resilience, discipline, and success for my children.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
Stay focused, stay disciplined, and don’t let your circumstances define your outcome. There will be challenges but consistency is key. Take ownership of your journey, ask for help when needed, and remember why you started. Your hard work will pay off.

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
I would tell a high school student that ASU is more than just a place to earn a degree, it is a place where you are developed, supported, and prepared for real-world success. ASU provides an environment where faculty genuinely care about your growth, and where you are challenged to become the best version of yourself. If you are looking for a university that will invest in you academically, professionally, and personally, ASU is the place to be.