Dr. Susan Tipton, PhD

Dr. Susan “Hope” Tipton is an accomplished counselor educator, academic leader, and mental-health advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, student development, and the advancement of the counseling profession. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Troy University’s Fort Walton Beach campus, where she teaches, mentors, and guides future counselors with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and compassionate care. Prior to joining Troy University, Dr. Tipton served as an Assistant Professor and department chair at Mississippi College, becoming one of the youngest individuals in her field to hold such a leadership role. Her background includes extensive experience in public schools, national and international conference presentations, and professional involvement with organizations such as the Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood.

A licensed professional counselor, certified school counselor, and emerging scholar, Dr. Tipton’s academic and research interests center on counselor development, neuroscience, and crisis prevention and intervention. She is recognized for her program leadership, curriculum development, and commitment to student success, as well as her ongoing efforts to promote mental-health awareness in academic settings. Her colleagues describe her as hardworking, energetic, and deeply dedicated to training future counselors. Her passion for mental health stems from witnessing the growing need for advocacy and support—work she continually advances through teaching, research, and service. Throughout her career, she has been known for her hands-on approach: supporting students, sponsoring campus organizations, and contributing to institutional initiatives.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Tipton is grounded by a strong sense of family, community, and service. She is a proud mother of three accomplished daughters—a pharmacist, a pediatric nurse pursuing psychiatric nurse-practitioner training, and a military pilot—and a devoted grandmother to two young grandchildren. She also has a meaningful connection to the veteran community and enjoys supporting veterans through gaming and other outreach activities. Dr. Tipton’s journey reflects resilience, continued learning, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Whether in the classroom, in leadership roles, or through community engagement, she remains dedicated to reducing stigma, elevating mental-health awareness, and creating lasting positive impact.

• Licensed Professional Counselor

• Mississippi State University - PhD

• Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood