Q&A with Tyce Nadrich, Ph.D., LMHC-D, ACS, NCC ’14GEd, LEAD Honoree

The School of Education at St. John's University celebrates our outstanding alumni and faculty at our annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD).

Tyce Nadrich, Ph.D., LMHC-D, ACS, NCC ’14GEd, Associate Professor, Counseling Department, and Coordinator, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, at Mercer University will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education at the 14th Annual Leaders in Education Award Dinner (LEAD) on April 10 at the Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor. 

Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?

It’s quite surreal! When I received the call regarding the award, I was very surprised and was a bit fixated on who nominated me. Despite presenting my clinical and academic work regularly, I still have a good deal of discomfort with recognitions or accolades. I’m very appreciative that someone 1) knew about the work I do, 2) went out of their way to nominate me, and 3) I was selected among, what I assume were, an impressive list of St. John’s alumni.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession.

After living my entire life in the New York City area, I recently relocated to Atlanta, GA, for both personal and professional reasons. I am currently an associate professor of counseling and program coordinator of clinical mental health counseling at Mercer University in Atlanta. I am also fortunate enough to continue to engage in clinical work as a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor, along with a fellow St. John’s alumnus, at Balance Mental Health Counseling in Huntington, NY. In my profession, I’m privileged to be able to teach counseling classes, guide the direction of a clinical mental health counseling program, provide counseling services, conduct counseling research, and supervise the upcoming generation of mental health counselors.

How has a degree from The School of Education impacted your career path?

My master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling was the catalyst for my current career path. My degree resulted in my entry into the field of professional counseling. My experiences as a counselor resulted in my desire to pursue doctoral study, allowing me to be a direct participant in the counselor education process.

Also, pursuing my graduate degree from The School of Education is how I connected with multiple good friends, several of whom I currently collaborate with in clinical practice and academic research. It’s also important to share that even after I completed my degree, I’ve remained connected with some of the School’s faculty, who have provided support and guidance over the years, as well as collaboration on various academic endeavors.

Were there any professors in The School of Education who influenced your life? 

I must highlight both Robert K. Eschenauer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Counselor Education, and Heather C. Robertson Ph.D., Professor, Counselor Education. Dr. Eschenauer was the chair of the department when I was admitted. I often share that I believe he saw potential in me that I did not see in myself, and I’ll always be grateful for his resounding support and encouragement.

Dr. Robertson was, and continues to be, an immensely valuable person in my life. She helped guide me in my career as an alumnus, including my decision to pursue doctoral study. We’ve since collaborated on projects and I’m grateful to consider her as both a colleague and friend.

What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student in The School of Education?

It was studying and connecting with my peers during the program. There was a core group of five of us who did nearly all of our classes together, studied for our comprehensive exams together, graduated around the same time, and became licensed around the same time. Several of us continue to collaborate in clinical work today. We also went through similar life events and transitions together and around the same time: marriages, becoming parents, moving, home ownership, etc. With the benefit of hindsight, I clearly see that I was very fortunate to meet this group and to still be connected with them.

What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni? 

Make the most of your academic experience! I acknowledge it’s easier said than done, especially while you’re balancing academics and all the other obligations of life. I know it may be a bit cliché, but it really does go by fast! You’ll likely only realize how fast it has gone by when most of the experience, if not all of it, is behind you. So, try to stay in the moment, seize the opportunities that are accessible and realistic for you, and make the most of the experience.