UW–Madison’s Pa Her, a clinical associate professor in the School of Education’s Department of Counseling Psychology and director of the Counseling Psychology Training Clinic (CPTC), has been awarded the 2025 Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) Regional TRIO Achiever Award. She received the honor on Nov. 17 at the 51st Annual EOA Professional Conference.
The Federal TRIO Programs are federally funded outreach and student services programs that serve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO’s eight programs help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students progress through the academic pipeline.
The TRIO Achiever Awards recognize former TRIO/Educational Opportunity Program participants who have attained high professional distinction, earned recognition for outstanding achievements in their field, and made significant civic, community, or professional contributions.
This year, Her was the Midwest region’s TRIO Achiever, representing 10 states. She was nominated by Julie Janiak, director of the Center for Educational Opportunity, in recognition of her leadership within the CPTC; her support of TRIO and other underrepresented students on campus; her advocacy for students’ mental health; her service in national organizations; and her many honors as a counseling psychologist.
In her nomination letter, Janiak described Her as “the embodiment of what we hope every TRIO student becomes.” She highlighted Her’s journey to the U.S. as a refugee at the age of eight and her success in learning English and adjusting to her new cultural environment. As a first-generation student at UW–Madison, Her joined the TRIO Student Support Services program, which became her “home away from home” and a key source of support on her educational path.
Janiak added that today, Her “tirelessly gives back by mentoring graduates and overseeing vital mental health services to college students and the broader community. She supports her student clinicians in discovering and building their clinical skills while meeting the needs of diverse students in TRIO and TRIO-like groups.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Her said, “This recognition is not just mine. It belongs to every mentor, every student support program, and every student who believes in their potential. I am honored to receive this award and remain committed to pushing for student success in higher education.”