University of North Texas 
The University of North Texas College of Education is proud to celebrate two Counseling and Higher Education faculty members who have received national recognition from the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). These prestigious recognitions highlight the dedication, leadership, and impact of UNT faculty members in advancing counselor education and supporting the counseling profession at the national level.
Dr. Dalena Dillman Taylor, professor and Interim Associate Dean of Research and Community
Engagement, was selected to receive the 2026 ACES Distinguished Professional Service/Leadership Award, one of the organization's highest honors recognizing excellence in leadership, service,
and professional contributions to the counseling profession.
Dr. Caitlin Frawley, assistant professor of Counseling and Higher Education and Co-Director
of the PLAY Lab, received the 2026 ACES Outstanding Early Career Faculty Member Award. This award recognizes exceptional promise and achievement during the first years
of a counselor educator's faculty career, including contributions to research, teaching,
mentorship, service, and professional leadership. Particular emphasis is placed on
impactful scholarship that advances counselor education and the counseling profession,
alongside excellence and innovation in teaching, mentorship and supervision, service
to the profession, involvement in professional organizations, and contributions to
advocacy and professional identity.