Meredith Starling earned a bachelor's in human development and family studies from Samford University, a MSSW from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, and a Ed.S. in Play Therapy from the University of Mississippi. She joined the SOE Board of Advisors in Fall 2024.
Meet Meridith Starling
What led you to want to serve on the School of Education Board of Advisors?
Educators and Education are the foundations of all things learning, growing, and producing individuals into all industries across the world. The SOE at Ole Miss provided me the opportunities to grow in my field of mental health that led to my ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Play Therapist. The leadership, guidance, support, and friendships formed have been transformative for me personally and professionally.
Why did you choose to attend UM and the School of Education?
My K-12 school's mascot in Nashville, TN was a Rebel, and back in 2014 Ole Miss was also a Rebel so it seemed vert fitting to me as a social worker that I would once again be a Rebel. But truly, I had an amazing opportunity to further my education with a legitimate and accredited online program that I could attend regardless of living in Wisconsin at the time. I also had a few friends that highly recommended this play therapy program.
Tell us about your favorite professor(s) at the School of Education? How did they make a positive impact on your professional and personal pursuits?
enjoyed all of my professors, but Dr. Franc Hudspeth really stands out for me. I was in his Psycho Pharmacology course, as well was, he was my professor for the week long "on campus" portion of the program. His stories and his ability to bridge the world of medications and clinical practice based upon his own education background were inspiring. His depth of knowledge and understanding of the mind-body connection, coupled with his sense of humor and expertise made his class and supervision/practicum very enjoyable and educational. I felt validated in the fact that one does not need to settle for their original plan/degree and that I was not alone in that I kept chasing my own passions in life and continue schooling.
Tell us about your proudest moment in education.
Oh goodness. I would like to say this was having perfect attendance in grade-school, but that is so silly. I have a few, but one of my proudest moments was being accepted to every college/university that I applied in spite of the school guidance counselor telling me that a few were "reach schools". Flash forward almost 28 years later and having two graduated degrees I chuckle when thinking that my 17 year-old self was being told to settle.
Do you have any advice for our current students?
Live life to the fullest and do not take opportunities for granted. Take that coffee meeting or interview because you never know where life may lead you. Do not be afraid to ask for help and advice, you are not alone and there are people willing and ready to help! Stay open to learning and exploring. Do not settle! Keep asking yourself what your "why" is and then go after it. It is ok and completely normal to have a change of heart. Changing majors and switching up your previous plans is not a failure, it is honoring where you are in your career path. Find a mentor or group who supports you. And call your parents/caregivers- they miss you :)