A Tribute to Cameron Dean, Psy.D.

The Counselor’s Corner column originated in the fall of 2000 when Cameron Dean, a newly hired Clinical Counselor at the UIS Counseling Center, wanted to reach out to students by writing a column that covered psychological issues of interest to UIS students. He also wanted to ensure that students were aware of the counseling services that are available on campus and to make it easier for them to take those first steps toward getting help. Cameron Dean passed away on September 1, 2005, after an extended battle with cancer.

Throughout his time at the UIS Counseling Center, Cameron sought to help students by counseling them through their difficult times. He inspired students to look beyond their difficult circumstances and helped them obtain a different perspective, a more positive outlook on their life situations. He modeled this approach by overcoming so many of the obstacles he faced with his blindness. Together with his guide dog, Zach, Cameron accomplished a lot and made a difference in many people’s lives.

His Counselor’s Corner articles addressed the daily struggles of college students with titles such as “How to be Your Own Best Friend!” and “You Deserve a Break Today!” As the column grew, Cameron lined up other Center staff to write articles for the Counselor’s Corner. For those of you who may have missed Dr. Dean’s column or would like to revisit his encouraging words, you can read some of his columns on the Counseling Center web site. We will carry on the work that Cameron started, by continuing the Counselor’s Corner.

By Judy Shipp, Director, Counseling Center.