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March 20, 2008

Doherty chosen as state leader for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists

Dr. Mark Doherty, associate professor in kinesiology and coordinator of instructional technology for the College of Education and Human Development at ULM, was recently approved to serve as the state leader for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.

The association is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary professional organization. In addition to sexuality educators, sexuality counselors and sex therapists, AASECT members include physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, allied health professionals, clergy members, lawyers, sociologists, marriage and family counselors and therapists, family planning specialists and researchers, and students in relevant professional disciplines. All of these individuals share an interest in promoting understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior.

In his new role as state leader, Doherty will be working to connect the professional members throughout the state, increase membership through the recruitment of students in appropriate higher education programs, and advocate for the promotion of statewide human sexuality education and healthy sexual behavior.

Doherty said, “I am looking forward to this new leadership position. Our state is hosting the 40th annual AASECT convention in New Orleans this summer, and I think it will provide wonderful opportunities for our state members to connect with each other and to gain a better sense of where we stand as a state with regard to sexuality education, counseling, and therapy. We have challenges, as does every state, with regard to promoting sexual health, but we also have a wealth of quality professionals in place throughout the state to help accomplish this goal. I’m proud to be serving them in this leadership capacity.”

The position appointment coincides with the creation of a new course at ULM—KINS 322 (Sexuality Education). The course is university-level and designed to enhance the student's understanding of basic human sexuality concepts and appropriate methods/materials when providing quality sexuality education in schools and in the community. It will be offered as an online class during the Summer II session and is open to all ULM students.

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