BC Welcomes New Psychology Professor

Bluefield College has a new psychology professor, Dr. Chaka Ward-Hatcher, who brings an immense educational background and vast work experience to her position and to BC students.

Dr. Ward-Hatcher obtained a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Valdosta University, a master’s degree in clinical community mental health counseling from John Hopkins University, and a doctorate of health science from Nova Southeastern University.

Before Bluefield College, she worked as a wellness coordinator, researcher, and juvenile tracker for the Department of Justice. She also has experience as a nanny. 

Dr. Ward-Hatcher said she decided to join the Bluefield College family for numerous reasons, but the primary reason was that she “supports the mission statement” and she wanted “to work for an organization with values that she can support morally.”

She said she enjoys teaching and bringing a fervent approach to her position. She added she wants to help students grow educationally and professionally and by integrating her Christian values into her teaching help them grow spiritually while also enabling them to fulfill their calling.

In regard to goals for the future, Dr. Ward-Hatcher said her short-term goal is to fully bring “the psychology program into alignment with the American Psychology Association (APA) while integrating faith into learning.” Her long-term goal is to “develop a graduate program in counseling for students to be ethically trained as a professional counselor.”