Then and Now: Audra Ellis, Government and Justice Studies

Audra Ellis ’95

B.S. Criminal Justice
B.S. Psychology
Lincolnton, N.C. 

THEN:

Ellis’s four and a half years at Appalachian helped her to explore outside of her small hometown and really get involved, which involved being exposed to things I’d have otherwise not had access to.” She notes that the faculty and staff she encountered were always “helpful, open and challenging to help me step out of my comfort zone.” With those around her encouraging her success, Ellis remembers the opportunities to learn and grow in multiple areas during her time at Appalachian. 

Her internship coordinator, Mona Brandon, was the most influential mentor for Ellis.

“She saw potential in me that I sometimes didn’t see in myself. She would listen, offer suggestions and just be a friend in general to help me figure out what the best fit was for me in this field.”

Any regrets for Ellis? She says, “Not a one.” She would come back in a heartbeat and hopes that her son, a high school senior, might end up at Appalachian and share her love for the university. 

Photo of Audra Ellis and friends from her time at Appalachian State University. Photo submitted.

Photo of Audra Ellis and friends from her time at Appalachian State University. Photo submitted.

NOW:

After graduation, Ellis worked as a social worker for the Cleveland County Department of Social Services for four and a half years before entering into her current position as a Juvenile Court Counselor. In addition, Ellis also works as an adjunct instructor in the Psychology Department at Gaston College and she has worked part-time as a mental health clinician at a drug and alcohol detox/crisis center for the past seven years. 

Ellis has served as an Intake Court Counselor for nearly 15 years with the N.C. Department of Public Safety (Juvenile Justice). She processes all delinquent and undisciplined juvenile complaints and determines outcomes that both meet the need for public safety as well as what best meets the needs of the juvenile. Ellis has dedicated her career to at-risk youth. 

“Every child needs someone in their corner. Someone who believes in them. I have always felt that it has been my purpose to be an advocate for the kids who society, in general, deems as a lost cause or not worth the effort.” 

She values flexibility, pride in  accomplishments, empathy, acceptance of criticism and ability to grow in her coworkers. To Ellis, “Being able to admit mistakes and remain open to make changes to correct it is important.”

For future or current students, her advice is to seek learning opportunities outside the classroom or textbooks; the real learning happens from experience!

Current photo of Audra Ellis. Photo submitted.

Current photo of Audra Ellis. Photo submitted. 

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About the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at https://psych.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Government and Justice Studies
Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at https://gjs.appstate.edu.

Compiled and written by Barclay Ann Blankenship and Ellen Gwin Burnette
March 31, 2020
BOONE, N.C. 

Audra Ellis ’95 B.S. Criminal Justice, B.S. Psychology from Lincolnton, N.C. Photo submitted.
Published: Apr 14, 2020 12:17pm

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