Student Advocate, B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Positive Psychology Alumna

“Student Advocacy for Visible and Invisible Student Needs”

Paulding County native Tabitha Copeland is a student advocate working for Life University (Life U) who has a distinct ability to understand the challenges Life U students face, given that she graduated not once, but twice from the institution. Graduating in 2014 with a B.S. in Psychology, Copeland sought out to serve those around her and help them understand the inner workings of their thought processes and patterns.

“I think, as a kid, I’ve always wanted to know why. But once I got older, I just kind of saw how things were when I didn’t understand, and I knew there had to be a mental aspect to that. So, I kind of just stuck with that. I’m a lover of the why of psychology and a lover of the why of criminology,” Copeland said.

Copeland originally pursued Criminology at a previous college before pivoting and transferring to Life U’s psychology program.

“Psychology helps me understand myself, especially what I’ve been taught here. So, if I’m able to understand myself, then I’m able to let somebody else understand how I’m able to explain myself. And for them, to provide that space for them, to provide the structure for them,” Copeland said.

“Psychology makes me continuously want to think and want to figure out things. So, I think that was my passion always, just wanting to do for others, to see what could be hindering you or what is working for you, so let’s try to figure that out and the science basically.”

Copeland took the skills obtained in her undergraduate studies and applied them to real-world situations as a Community Support Specialist at Tanner Health System and later a Case Manager at Highland Rivers Behavioral Health. Those experiences were a true eye-opener to the breadth of human experience, including intense mental health challenges, substance abuse and trauma. Wanting to find a way to serve people in a more positive and personally enriching environment, Copeland found her place once again at Life U as a student advocate while also enhancing her skills with an M.S. in Positive Psychology degree.

College can be daunting for anybody, but especially those with additional challenges that might interfere with their ability to learn. Student advocacy serves as the “frontline” to bridge gaps that might occur related to disability.

“When it comes to the disability services, I’m such a cheerleader for anybody and in their corner. We have so many disabilities that you don’t see, so you would be so unaware of what people are going through.”

Some students are open and eager to discuss their challenges and needs, while others are more reserved and afraid of stigma. Regardless, the Disability Services Department serves all reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities and provides appropriate resources in a discreet manner. Copeland and her team members assist students to identify what they qualify for and connect them to resources that help them be successful. Referrals to resources in other departments are also common, such as to Counseling for emotional support and community resources as needed. The Disability Services office is located in RCCE 104, so students can come in during normal office hours to discuss needs or fill out a Disability Services application to begin the process. It typically takes 24-48 hours to receive a response.

Faces of LIFE is a story campaign that showcases members of the dynamic Life U community, including faculty/staff, students, alumni and health science professionals. Interested in being featured or nominating a candidate? We want to hear from you! Email Marketing@life.edu. Read more Faces of LIFE stories.