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| This issue's E-people feature focuses on Bruce Nelson, Elon's director of counseling. |
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By Jennifer Guarino '03 When Bruce Nelson arrived on campus to interview for the director of counseling position last April, he was won over immediately by the people and atmosphere. He says if he hadn't been hired, he would have considered enrolling as a student. "I saw Elon as a chance to be in a stimulating environment," Nelson says. From the stack of books on his desk, it looks like he found the right place. "I've found out how easy it is to check out books from the library," he says with a smile. "I have to stay away from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. It's hard to get out without buying anything." Nelson says he is such a book fanatic that his wife, Lauren, has asked him to move some books out of their home, as he has outgrown the bookshelf space. His office in the new R.N. Ellington Health and Counseling Center is lined with them. Nelson has put his love of reading to good use since he came to Elon. He spent the summer reading and developing standard practices for his staff to use when helping students through difficult situations. The counseling center specializes in one-on-one service. Students, faculty and staff can walk in or call the center for free, confidential service. The center is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and appointments can be made by calling 278-7280. More than 280 students received counseling last year from the center staff, which includes three part-time counselors and two local support members. Nelson says these students have one thing in common: They come to the counseling center to receive help meeting their clinical needs. The majority of the center's care is short-term oriented, but Nelson says the center has links with community resources to provide long-term care. "We're working to serve a whole array of problems and needs, anything that affects the lives of students," he says. These include problems with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, grief and loss, stress, substance abuse and eating disorders, among others. Elon offers Nelson a new set of challenges. In his last job, he treated at-risk children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, N.C. "Universities tend to have times when there is more stress than others," he says. "It's not uncommon for us to deal with freshmen with navigational issues." These navigational issues don't involve helping students find their classes. Rather, the center helps new students find their place on campus at a time when roles and support systems are changing. In addition to dealing with individual issues, the center offers support to the Elon community as a whole. From dealing with "critical incidents that impact the overall emotional health of the community" to providing support to organizations, Nelson and his staff hope to be an important resource to the community. By keeping meticulous records, Nelson wants to better understand Elon's needs. This year, he will track the services his staff provides to help prepare for next year. He also would like to see a support network set up for students dealing with similar problems. Nelson likes to spend his evenings and weekends outside. He loves outdoor adventures, from mountain biking to cross-country skiing. He has climbed Mt. Rainier and biked the Blue Ridge Parkway. His adventures give him insight that helps him deal with the issues he encounters at work. "I am interested in how people face extraordinary situations and meet those challenges. I see a lot of parallels in outdoor adventures and the office," he says. Nelson says he is a dreamer and his job is helping other dreamers. "I like working with people trying to realize their dreams," he says. "And whatever gets them stuck, I like to help them through those obstacles."
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