Counselor Ed alum leads with purpose
Counselor Ed alum takes the helm at Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation.
Meagan Owen leads by listening first. She sharpened this mindset while earning her Master of Science in Counselor Education from Longwood University in 2007. Now, as executive director of the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation, she continues to draw on skills she developed at Longwood, especially a solution-focused approach that prioritizes relationships and values diverse perspectives.
“As a counselor I learned the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, fostering trust, and creating safe spaces for individuals to contribute,” Owen said. “I believe students, parents, families, community members, the school system, and community partners all have shared goals.”
As executive director, Owen works to deepen the connection between the nonprofit education foundation and Halifax County Public Schools. She facilitates collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations while supporting initiatives that directly benefit both students and educators.
“As a counselor I was trained to understand students’ developmental, academic, and social-emotional needs, as well as the systemic factors that affect their success,” Owen said. “This perspective helps me see beyond programs and funding to the real impact these initiatives have on individual students and educators. In my foundation work, I draw on my counseling experience to identify barriers to opportunity, advocate for equity, and ensure that resources are directed toward initiatives that make a measurable difference.”
Before stepping into this leadership role, Owen was a working professional searching for a flexible, accessible graduate program. Longwood’s Counselor Education, M.S., program provided that opportunity. She completed the community and college counseling track by attending Friday night and Saturday classes offered at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center while continuing to work full-time.
“It was important to me to take out as few student loans as possible,” said Owen. “Being able to complete my graduate degree while not having to take out additional loans for housing and attending classes outside of my full-time work hours were all very appealing to me.”
But accessibility wasn’t the only advantage. Owen found tremendous value in the connections she formed with faculty who were invested in supporting future counselors, as well as peers who shared her passion for helping others.
“I met many people in the counseling field through my classes, many of whom I still keep in touch with,” Owen said. “After completing my initial degree, I’ve gone back to take courses twice for additional licenses. Each time my circle of relationships has grown.”
The lessons Owen learned in the classroom continue to shape how she leads today. At the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation, she balances data-informed strategy with deep listening: two cornerstones of Longwood’s counselor education approach.
“My work has always been person-centered, and I think my educational background allows me to combine my understanding of development, motivation, and identifying individual strengths with system-level outcomes and how those outcomes are affected by equity and access.”
That same mindset fuels her passion for advocacy.
“Advocacy is also such an important part of counselor education, and I think I’ve been better able to advocate for individual students and community needs because of my training.”
Looking back, Owen sees Longwood’s Counselor Education program as a launchpad for a career rooted in empathy, equity, and impact. With accessible options, high academic standards, and a faculty committed to student success, the program continues to prepare professionals who are ready to lead with purpose.