Idaho State University-Meridian will confer 195 degrees at May 7 commencement; renowned Boise physician Ted Epperly to speak

Melanie Person has always been fascinated with psychology.  When she graduated from high school in 1995, a teacher wrote in her yearbook, "I look forward to discussing psychoanalysis with you in the future, Dr. Person."

Well, she's ready for that discussion. Person is receiving her doctorate in counselor education and counseling Monday, May 7 during Idaho State University-Meridian’s commencement ceremony. It starts at 6 p.m. at the Boise Centre, 850 W. Front Street.  ISU-Meridian will confer 195 degrees—the majority in the health professions and health sciences.

Dr. Ted Epperly, the chief executive and program director of the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, will deliver the commencement address.

Person says completing her counseling doctorate is an important part of her professional journey.  "It means everything to me. I love what I do," she said, noting a doctorate will enable her to teach advanced courses in counselor education at the university level.

She is also one of seven ISU-Meridian students nominated for the campus' Student Excellence Award, which celebrates academic excellence, community service and research. Students are nominated by department faculty,  and the top honoree will be announced at commencement.

The other student nominees are:

• Darcy Ann Thie Aslett, pharmacy
• Lily Caywood, speech-language pathology 
• Sonya Crum, graduate nursing
• Sean Dahlin, athletic administration
• Stephanie Neid, undergraduate nursing
• Russell Singleton, physician assistant studies

Also recognized at commencement will be nursing student Michael Shafer, recipient of a 2012 Outstanding Student Achieve Award;  physician assistant studies clinical assistant professor Jared Papa, recipient of the university’s 2012 ISU Distinguished Service Award; and Galen Louis, director of ISU's Master of Public Health Program, recipient of a 2012 Outstanding Master Teacher Award.

Here's the breakdown of graduate, professional and undergraduate degrees: one Doctor of Philosophy; seven Doctor of Audiology; 24 Doctor of Pharmacy; 7 Master of Counseling; one Master of Education; nine Master of Physical Education/Athletic Administration; 30 Master of Physician Assistant Studies; one Master of Public Health; 46 Master of Science; 61 Bachelor of Science; and seven Associate of Science degrees.

Disciplines include medical laboratory science, counseling, nursing, communication sciences and disorders, sign-language studies and paramedic science. 

The ISU-Meridian Health Science Center offers more than 20 programs in the health professions. 

Visit www.isu.edu/meridian

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Media Contact: Contact: Chris Gabettas, ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, Marketing and Communication, 208-373-1806 (office), 208-861-3121 (cell)