Dr. Matthew Shupp ’00-’03M, professor of counselor education, is heading to Egypt in 2025 as a Fulbright Specialist. Shupp was named to the Fulbright Specialist roster in 2021 by the US Department of State. As a candidate on the roster, Shupp was eligible for placement on a variety of two- to six-week project-based exchanges with host institutions across the globe.
Shupp was honored to be named to the Fulbright Specialist roster and stated that now being selected as a candidate to assist Suez Canal University in Egypt is “one of the most exciting opportunities” in his professional career. He felt inspired to apply to the program because it allows professionals to work worldwide on “passion projects”.
During his term at Suez Canal University, he will assist with establishing its first-ever clinical counseling center. He acknowledged the importance of this duty and the obstacles he may encounter, but also recognized the potential that this project brings.
“This proposed partnership allows us to establish an ongoing relationship to assess present and future needs.” His first initiative will be to assess the clinical needs of the students at the university, and then from there, assess the infrastructure that is available at the university.
His extensive background in student affairs and clinical counseling makes him an excellent selection for this initiative. His professional career reflects the experience he can offer this project, having worked as both a college administrator and now a therapist, clinical supervisor, and counseling educator.
“I approach my work with both a clinical lens and a student development lens in order to successfully address college students’ needs. Hopefully, I’m able to provide both at Suez Canal University,” said Shupp.
During his term at Suez Canal, he anticipates various challenges and is mindful of the cultural conditions. “Cultural influences are all around us; and I’ll need to ensure that I’m not unintentionally infusing my westernized cultural values on members of the Suez Canal University community. Cultural humility will be key.”
Shupp also sees this experience as enhancing his work at Ship. He believes that higher education practitioners must follow ethical principles of advocacy and social justice, and is confident that his experience at Suez Canal will strengthen his cultural awareness and his worldview. Shupp looks forward to sharing his real world experience in the classroom.
He, with his previous research on inclusive supervision practices and the influence of intersecting identities, feels prepared for his upcoming experience.
“What we’ve found is that supervisees feel most supported in their place of employment when they can bring their true, authentic selves to their place of employment.” Shupp believes research can be further amplified when viewed through a cultural lens.
His appointment to the 2021-2025 Fulbright Specialist roster exemplifies his commitment to education and the betterment of mental health services, making him a valuable practitioner to have at both Shippensburg University and within global academia.
“I approach my work with both a clinical and student development lens in order to successfully address college students’ needs.”
