Indianapolis, Indiana – Dr. Megan Flinn, an assistant professor and practicum and internship coordinator in the Department of Counseling, has been honored with the 2025 Distinguished Counselor Educator Award by the Indiana Counseling Association (ICA). The award recognizes educators who have made exceptional contributions to the counseling profession through innovative teaching, mentorship, and dedication to student development.
Each year, the ICA gathers counselors, educators, and mental health professionals from across Indiana for its annual conference — a statewide event focused on advancing professional skills, promoting mental health awareness, and strengthening the counseling community. The Distinguished Counselor Educator Award is among the organization’s highest honors, presented to an educator whose work has made a lasting impact on both students and the field of counseling.
Dr. Flinn’s recognition is a reflection of her deep commitment to helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and capable counseling professionals. As a practicum and internship coordinator, she plays a vital role in bridging academic learning with hands-on experience, ensuring students are prepared to support clients and communities with empathy and professionalism.
“What has been most delightful about receiving this award is knowing students nominated me,” said Dr. Flinn. “I don’t know exactly who, but the fact that they took that extra step is incredibly humbling. I see how hard they work in our program, and I’m deeply proud of how they carry classroom ideas into the counseling services they provide in the community. Their excitement and passion for counseling make teaching at UIndy very fun!”
Her approach to teaching blends academic rigor with real-world application, encouraging students to think critically about the human experience while maintaining a focus on care, ethics, and inclusivity. Through her mentorship, many students have found their footing in the counseling profession and have gone on to serve schools, hospitals, and community centers throughout the state.
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The Indiana Counseling Association’s mission centers around four key goals: continuing education, networking, mental health advocacy, and professional development. Dr. Flinn’s work embodies each of these values. Her dedication to fostering student growth and her commitment to innovative classroom practices have not only elevated her program but also strengthened the counseling profession across Indiana.
For Dr. Flinn, the recognition is not just a personal achievement — it’s a celebration of the students and colleagues who share her passion for improving lives through counseling. Her enthusiasm and compassion have left an indelible mark on the University of Indianapolis and on the many future counselors whose journeys she has helped shape.
