Land becomes first W student to receive CFLE scholarship
Haleigh Land, who graduated from Mississippi University for Women during summer commencement, has become the first student in the history of the Department of Psychology and Family Science to receive the National Council on Family Relations’ Certified Family Life Educator scholarship which pays for half of her credentialing fees.
“Receiving the CFLE scholarship is such an honor, not only because it eases the financial stress of credentialing, but because it validates the time, effort and heart I’ve poured into Family Life Education,” said Land. “All of the late nights, the studying and the sacrifices I’ve made for my family, as a mom of three, were not in vain.”
Land also holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the W-Council on Family Relations scholarship, which pays the remaining half of her fees.
Founded in 1938, the NCFR is “the oldest nonprofit, nonpartisan, multidisciplinary professional association focused solely on family research, practice and education,” according to its website.
The CFLE credential was established in the 1980s, and is recognized in the United States and Canada for Family Life Education professions. It is a requirement for universities with NCFR approved programs to have at least one fully-credentialed faculty member. The W currently has three.
Receiving the credential can be beneficial even if the graduate is not pursuing a career in education though.
“This credential demonstrates to future employers and community partners that I have met a nationally recognized standard of practice in Family Life Education,” said Land. “It reflects my dedication to the field and my commitment to staying current as a professional.”
Land plans to pursue a career helping families, especially foster families, recognize their value.
“I want to be a steady voice reminding them that they’re not just filling a role, they’re shaping futures,” Land said.
She also wants to be an advocate for families and the needs they face on a daily basis. Having personal experience as a foster parent, Land is familiar with the struggles faced by families, especially foster families, and aims to help improve that experience in any way she can.
“By bridging my lived experience as a foster parent with my training in Family Life Education, I want to not only support families directly but also push for systemic changes that will keep more foster parents engaged and empowered,” she said. “Whether it’s through guides, workshops or influencing policy discussions, I want to be a part of building a system where foster families are truly equipped, supported and encouraged to thrive.”
Land feels that her time at The W have more than prepared her to achieve this and any other goals she may set for herself.
“My time at The W has been so much more than just classes,” Land said. “It’s given me the support, encouragement and confidence to grow in this field. My professors pushed me to think deeper and apply what I was learning in real, meaningful ways. They also helped me connect my personal experiences as a foster parent with the professional skills needed in Family Life Education. I truly feel prepared, not just with knowledge, but with perspective. The guidance and mentorship I’ve received here made all the difference in shaping my path forward.”