Center for Junior Year

Xavier Thompson is a young leader and performer passionate about creating positive change in the world. He is an Actor, Leader, Dreamer, Achiever, Theater enthusiast, Student Senate Secretary, and member of the Black Student Union who strives to make his mark on the world through art and activism and bring his skills to the stage, senate, and beyond.

"The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed from one crescent moon to the next.

For Muslims who fast during Ramadan, the fast is broken each night with a feast called iftar.

Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the exact dates of Ramadan will differ yearly.

students are so outstanding and ambitious!

DeVonte Turner is from Chicago but grew up in Sauk Village. After attending Prairie State College in 2018, the choice to return to school stemmed from an interest in web development, specifically websites and coding. After completing his associate’s degree, he enrolled in his second semester at GSU. In his free time, he practices the piano, plays chess, and watches videos to learn about the latest software.

“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”

The Center for the Junior Year and the GSU Black Student Union is excited to feature Professor Chatham's Black Excellence bio!

Carla B. Cheatham, LCPC, NCC, is an instructor at GSU and a doctoral candidate with an M.Ed. in School Counseling with over 25 years of experience in school counseling. She is credentialed as a Global Career Development Facilitator and a Certified School Career Development Advisor. Professor Cheatham has expertise in school counseling, career development, advocacy and social justice, and cultural competency humility.

“My positive interactions and opportunities with the faculty at GSU contributed to my wanting to become a faculty member! I love the diversity of the staff and students!”

The Center for the Junior Year and the GSU Black Student Union is honored to feature Dr. Wrights Black Excellence profile!

Dr. Wright, PhD., LPC, NCC, is an Assistant Professor and the GSU MA in Counseling Program Coordinator. She earned Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Before becoming a counselor educator, she was a National Board-Certified School Counselor serving as a middle and high school counselor and a director of school counseling for 16 years.

“My purpose is to not only teach but to motivate and inspire my students.”

Happy International Women's Day 2023 from the Center for the Junior Year!

Our next spotlight shines on first-year student LaVonte Goodman.

LaVontae Goodman is a first-year college student majoring in Psychology. He graduated in 2018 from Chicago High School for the Arts. He hopes to practice music therapy with his degree, and his hobbies include singing and shopping, and his favorite snack is cookies.

“Change your attitude and your thinking, and you can change your entire life.”

Celebrating all the women of GSU!

This time of year can be a bit stressful for students...here are some tips to combat academic burnout.