Barry University’s Counseling and School Psychology department announced notable achievements at the 76th Annual Florida Counseling Association (FCA) Conference this past weekend. Two faculty members were recognized with major statewide awards which are especially meaningful because the FCA serves as Florida’s branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the profession’s leading national organization.

Dr. Lauren Shure received the FCA Advocate Award, honoring her leadership, professionalism, and efforts to re-energize the Public Policy & Legislative Affairs Committee. She is widely regarded as a committed advocate and leader who navigates both micro and macro-level systems to support the counseling profession.

Dr. Shure has also contributed to multiple initiatives, including her involvement in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) efforts at Barry University, co-authoring a paper offering strategies for Florida counselor educators and coordinating the FCA Day on the Hill. She also represented FCA in advocacy planning for the American Counseling Association’s 2025 Conference in Orlando.

Dr. Raul Machuca was honored with the FCA Member of the Year Award. A Past President of FCA and an active board member of the Florida Counseling Association Foundation (FCAF), Dr. Machuca was recognized for his exemplary leadership and sustained commitment to advancing the counseling profession.

His contributions include strengthening collaboration among statewide counseling organizations, supporting initiatives that reinforce FCA and FCAF’s core missions, and ensuring that counselors across diverse professional backgrounds feel represented and supported. His vision and service have had a lasting impact on both the association and the broader counseling community in Florida.

Achievements like these highlight the ongoing presence and influence of Barry’s faculty within the counseling community. Faculty continue to lead, contribute and elevate the profession.

To learn more about the Counseling program, click here.