For over two decades, Dr. Leslie Anderson, a professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Missouri State University, has dedicated her life to education and mental health.
Her contributions as an educator, mentor and advocate have touched and inspired countless lives, including present and future leaders in education and mental health.
Anderson will step into a well-deserved retirement from her job at Missouri State soon.
“Retirements are bittersweet and Dr. Anderson’s retirement is no different,” said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS). “We’re excited for her new adventures, but we’ll absolutely miss her passion and dedication to the profession and student success.”
Connecting with people
Anderson’s early career and love for discovering people’s stories brought her to counseling and mental health.
“At first, I taught art education to K-12 students, where I realized I was more interested in the life stories in their art than I was in their techniques,” Anderson said. “That led me to explore how I could support and understand people on a deeper level.”
So, she decided to pursue a doctorate degree in counseling psychology for a more targeted career path. She started her doctoral studies at Oklahoma State University in 1997.
Her journey into counseling brought her to Missouri in 2000 for a pre-doctoral internship at Burrell Behavioral Health. Then in 2002, she joined Missouri State as a faculty member.
“I hope to have made a difference in the lives of those I’ve taught – individuals who are now making their own impact in the world; it’s a ripple effect,” said Anderson.
Her commitment to fostering empathy, critical thinking and inclusivity has made her a beloved figure among students and colleagues alike.
“Anderson retires with a legacy of compassion, mentorship and dedication to diversity and inclusion. Her work has inspired countless counselors and colleagues to lead with integrity and transform lives,” said Dr. Marjorie Shavers, associate dean in MSU’s College of Education.
The power of caring for others
Anderson’s teaching and mentoring created a student-centered culture of kindness, empathy and care within the MSU community. She found her time at Missouri State deeply rewarding, particularly her interactions with students.
“The students have been the greatest joy of my career,” she said. “Watching them grow, learn and make a difference in the world has sustained me through every challenge.”
She encouraged students to think critically, act with kindness and create positive change in their communities. Her philosophy of nurturing healthier communities through meaningful connections continues to inspire growth and learning.
Beyond teaching, Anderson strengthened the Center City Counseling Clinic by building community partnerships and expanding student clinical training opportunities.
Her efforts were pivotal in preparing the clinic for its next chapter as an integrated multidisciplinary facility. Currently based in downtown Springfield, it is set to return to Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall in 2025.
Prioritizing your well-being
Anderson believes well-being is a holistic endeavor, involving both mental and physical health.
She advises “making self-care an integral part of daily life, especially during the holiday season when stress levels often rise.”
She offers some useful tips:
- Focus on self-care: Engage in activities like mindfulness, exercise and intentional breathing.
- Set healthy boundaries: Be realistic about your commitments and avoid overextending yourself.
- Foster positive relationships: Spend time with people who bring joy and positivity into your life.
- Take breaks: Recognize when you need a moment to recharge and give yourself permission to step away.
“Sometimes, we feel pressure to do everything for everyone, especially during the holidays,” Anderson said. “But it’s important to listen to yourself, step away when overwhelmed and take time to reset. These small moments of mindfulness can make a big difference.”
The next chapter begins
As she prepares for retirement, her connection to students remains at the heart of her work, something she will deeply miss in the next chapter of her life.
“I plan to offer continuing education for counseling professionals, including MSU students and graduates,” Anderson said. “I will also provide Sandtray therapy instruction, mentoring and supervision for provisionally licensed graduates pursuing full licensure in Missouri.”
Looking ahead, she plans to spend more time with her family and explore meaningful ways to contribute to her local community.
MCHHS thanks Anderson for her years of dedicated service and contributions. Her advocacy for education and mental health will continue to inspire future generations.