Haley Wikoff has been on a serious hot streak. In 2024, the College of Education alumna has garnered an impressive three major awards in higher education. 

In the last year, Wikoff, who earned her doctorate in Rehabilitation Counselor Education with a subprogram of Counselor Education and Supervision, has been bestowed with the following:

• Provost's Award for Academic Excellence in Multicultural Teaching from Western Illinois University (WIU)
• Impact Award from the Illinois School Counselor Association
• Award for Outstanding Diversity from North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (NCACES)

“I feel incredibly honored and humbled to have received this professional recognition,” says Wikoff, who is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education at WIU. “To me, these awards are not just a celebration of personal achievements, but a testament to the collaborative efforts of the colleagues, students, and community partners who inspire and support me. Their recognition fuels my commitment to continue advocating and putting my best self forward in all that I do, while exploring innovative ways to make a positive impact on the field.”

“As the College of Education and Human Services, our focus is on service and that focus comes with a commitment to serving our students, regardless of who they are or from where they come. Dr. Wikoff's teaching (and other activities) exemplifies this focus on serving students and creating a sense of belonging for each and every one of them,” says Eric Sheffield, interim dean at WIU’s College of Education and Wikoff’s nominator for the Provost’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Multicultural Teaching.

Growing up, Wikoff always knew that she would pursue a PhD, but was unsure what that path to obtain that degree would look like. 

Things became clearer during her 10th year as a school counselor when she was asked to adjunct a course in the counselor education program at her alma mater, WIU. 

“I loved working with the next generation of counselors, specifically school counselors, and knew that Iowa’s PhD program was the next logical step in my career,” says Wikoff. “While working as a school counselor in the trenches, I knew that I was making a difference for students and their families, but I wanted to have a larger impact. I wanted to focus on the future of school counseling and ensure that future school counselors would leave their programs inspired and passionate about the field.”

Wikoff knew that getting a PhD would help her make the biggest impact, allowing her to work full-time at the graduate level while making significant contributions to school counseling. 

To fulfill her academic and career ambitions, Wikoff turned to the University of Iowa College of Education to achieve this terminal degree—a decision that more than exceeded her expectations. 

“I absolutely loved my time at Iowa and my coursework in the Counselor Education and Supervision program. The faculty members were incredible mentors who pushed me beyond what I believed I was capable of achieving,” she says. “I 100% believe that my program strongly impacted my career. I felt prepared for my work as a faculty member and knew that I had the tools and resources to be successful. In addition, I knew that I had support from my professors, who are now colleagues and friends, as I started my career.”

For students who are considering a PhD in counselor education Wikoff strongly recommends that these prospective school counselors gain experience in the field, first. 

“While it is not mandatory to have experience in the trenches prior to earning a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, I think it’s such a bonus. You experience so many different scenarios that you can draw upon. It really helps you understand the reality of the field from a practical sense.”