More than 60 years of combined experience, focused on you.
Our counseling and career professionals are here to support your well-being, guide your career, and help you succeed at Allen and beyond.
Joseph Ray, Ph.D.
Counselor and Director of Counseling & PlacementA Spartanburg, SC native with 33 years as a human services executive, Dr. Ray brings deep experience in counseling, leadership, and student support.
Dr. Ray’s career spans alcohol and drug abuse services, public housing, and vocational rehabilitation counseling. He has held the academic rank of Associate Professor at Trident International University and served as Academic Program Director for Claflin University’s satellite campus at Fort Jackson. He has also taught at Springfield College, USC, Benedict College, Southern Wesleyan University, Webster University, Voorhees College, and Grand Canyon University.
His specialty areas are organizational management, organizational development, leadership development, and team building. He is a certified grant writer and reviewer, and twice received the “Excellence in Teaching Award” from Southern Wesleyan University’s Graduate School (2003 and 2005).
- EducationB.S., Psychology & M.A., Rehabilitation Counseling, South Carolina State University
- DoctoratePh.D., Human Services Administration, The Union Institute & University
- MembershipsAmerican Counseling Association · American Psychological Association
- Also a member ofSociety for Diversity · SC Association of Colleges & Employers
Karla H. Harper
Director of Placement and Career Services“A college or university should be student-centered in its academic programs and services outside the classroom.”
With more than thirty years in higher education, Ms. Harper understands the challenges and opportunities students encounter on their academic journey. She believes Student Affairs professionals must give students room to grow academically, personally, and professionally, inside and outside the classroom.
Before Allen, she served as Director of Career Services at Central State University and built admissions and outreach programs for the University of South Carolina, Morris Brown College, SUNY Albany, and Daemen College. She has also worked in Student Affairs at Alabama A&M University, Southeast Arkansas College, and Savannah State University, supervising Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, Health Services, and the Center for Leadership & Character Development.
- Experience30+ years in higher education
- PreviouslyDirector of Career Services, Central State University
We’re ready when you are.
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. In a crisis, call or text 988 anytime.