Dr. Diana Virgil is a distinguished professional, holding the prestigious title of the 2024 School
Counselor of the Year as conferred by the American School Counselor Association. She is
recognized as an ASCA-Certified School Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor,
National Certified School Counselor and has held a school counselor certification in the states
of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
With an academic foundation rooted in Psychology and Biology, Dr. Virgil earned her Bachelor
of Science degree, followed by a Master of Education in School Counseling and an Education
Specialist in Counseling, all from Mississippi College. Her academic journey culminated in a
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a Leadership emphasis from the University
of the Cumberlands in 2023. Her doctoral dissertation delved into the intricate dynamics of
middle school counselors responding to cyberbullying incidents within social media.
Dr. Virgil brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served as a school counselor,
associate licensed counselor, and adjunct instructor at various universities. She has imparted
knowledge in several courses, including counseling diverse populations, introduction to school
counseling, group counseling, legal and ethical issues, and human growth and development.
Her professional journey spans nine years in the field of education and school counseling.
Beyond her accomplishments, Dr. Virgil has actively contributed to the counseling community.
She has served as the Region Liaison for the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA),
participated in various committees for GSCA, engaged in focus groups for ASCA, and
contributed to groups/committees for the Mississippi School Counseling Association. Her
commitment to mentorship, publications in esteemed outlets like the Beacon, ACT’s Leadership
Blog, Forbes, and recognition as the 2022 Secondary School Counselor of the Year and later
the 2023 Alabama School Counselor of the Year by the Alabama School Counseling
Association showcase her dedication to the profession. In addition to her roles and accolades,
Dr. Virgil currently serves on the Alabama School Counselor Association Board of Directors.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Diana finds her passion in providing counseling services to
individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, and more. Diana also enjoys photography,
travel, and spending time with her family. Dr. Diana Virgil stands as a beacon of excellence and
leadership in the field of school counseling, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve as
your National 2024 School Counselor of the Year.
