One moment you’re fully engaged in your master’s program studies, and the next you’re supporting state and federal agencies in managing an unexpected natural disaster.听
That was the life for Mason Poythress, a graduate student pursuing his Master鈥檚 degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), when Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina and he was called to a State of Active Duty (SAD) by the North Carolina Army National Guard. Poythress is currently a Captain (CPT) in the North Carolina Army National Guard, the commander of Detachment 1, B Company, 2-151 Aviation Regiment, and served as a part of the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) State Emergency Response Team (SERT) Air Branch during efforts to support North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.听听
The responsibilities of the Air SERT Team are to coordinate aviation assets to support local missions that include search and rescues (SAR), supply distribution, and air movements. At the peak of the support effort for Hurricane Helene he helped to coordinate more than 50 military aircraft from other states and military branches to increase reach and capacity to help the many affected communities. In his role, he collaborated with federal agencies like Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deconflict the airspace and ensure safe aviation operations, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to understand supply needs and coordinate deliveries to Western North Carolina.
Balancing military duties and graduate school is not easy, but Mason was supported by his program faculty to do what he does best: help those in need. Once the immediate crisis of the hurricane passed, he returned to his classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this time with a renewed sense of pride about his service, and an increased awareness of the critical needs for care within many North Carolina communities. His experiences as an Army officer, helicopter pilot, and his recent service coordinating emergency relief efforts deepened his commitment to mental health care, not just for service members, but for everyone who needs it. Mason cites that his experiences in the National Guard and working with soldiers from diverse backgrounds have guided his focus to pursuing a helping profession. He also states the CMHC program at 黑料网-Chapel Hill has been instrumental in preparing him for his future civilian career as a mental health counselor. 听
鈥�The CMHC program has been such an incredible launching point for my career as a counselor,鈥� said Mason. 鈥淲e’ve learned so much about the diversity of theoretical orientations and counseling modalities that I feel confident in how I want to develop a counseling approach that is both authentic and evidence-based.鈥�听
As he prepares for graduation in May, Mason reflects on his academic journey in the CMHC program, his military experiences, and how they have helped shape his identity as both a military officer and a future mental health counselor. The blend of academic rigor and real-world applications in the CMHC program has allowed him to explore new dimensions of leadership and empathy, both traits that were already deeply ingrained by his military service. Whether it is in uniform or sitting with a client in a counseling session, Mason says his goal remains the same: to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose. After graduation, he plans to continue supporting individuals in need of mental health resources through support, connection, and validation. 听