Burnell named coordinator of EAP

The Employee Assistance Program at SUNY Plattsburgh helps college employees assess problems and can offer information and/or make a referral to a local provider. The program can help address a range of issues, the most common being emotional or physical, alcohol or other drugs, relationships or family. The program itself does not provide counseling or specific services.

"The goal of the position is to serve as a resource for all employees in terms of overall wellness," said Burnell. "I like the idea of helping others address issues that they face by connecting them with helpful resources. My first goal will be to meet with area service providers to introduce myself and understand the full range of the services they can offer."

Working under the aegis of the Employee Assistance Program Committee, Burnell will provide confidential assessments to employees, refer them to area providers for help, and conduct educational workshops on specific issues of concern and information about helpful resources. She will also work with the committee to develop new programs and improve the visibility of the program on campus.

"Dr. Burnell's academic credentials and experiences in counseling, crisis intervention and career development made her an ideal candidate to lead this important program," said Lawrence Mills, executive director for human resource services at SUNY Plattsburgh. "I'm delighted Bev has accepted the position and believe she can take this program to an entirely new level for the campus."

Burnell has served on the faculty since 1998. She will continue to teach but will reduce her course load by one to dedicate time to the EAP. A resident of Altona, N.Y., she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at SUNY Plattsburgh and her doctorate from Syracuse University.