Dr. Rebecca Pender Baum honored with Tim Robertson Advocacy Award

By Jillian Smith | Dec 17, 2024

MURRAY, Ky. — Dr. Rebecca Pender Baum, professor in the Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling Department at Murray State University, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Tim Robertson Advocacy Award by the Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA). 

The award recognizes Pender Baum’s outstanding dedication to advocacy within the counseling community.

Pender Baum said receiving this award was emotional and brought tears to her eyes.

“My advocacy work has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my career,” Pender Baum said. “To receive this award, especially one named after Tim Robertson, a figure synonymous with advocacy work, is a true honor. It was extra special having my 8-year-old daughter and husband there to see me get the award and witness that when mom is pulled away from home, she is doing important work.”

This is Pender Baum’s second time receiving the prestigious award, having previously been honored in 2022. She was nominated for the award by Jan Robertson and Angela Wilkinson, both former chairs of the KCA Advocacy Committee and key collaborators in Pender Baum’s advocacy journey. 

“Knowing that Jan and Angela, who have both previously been recognized with this award, felt I was worthy means more to me than I can explain,” Pender Baum said. “Their commitment to advocacy and their work has been a constant inspiration.”

The Tim Robertson Advocacy Award is named in honor of Dr. Tim Robertson, the first professional counselor licensed by the Kentucky Board of Professional Counselors. 

Pender Baum’s advocacy efforts have spanned both the state and national levels. One significant milestone in her career came in 2019 when she participated in the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Day on the Hill. 

During this event, she lobbied for the inclusion of licensed counselors and marriage and family therapists in the Medicare panel. This pivotal advocacy effort, which ultimately led to the passage of legislation, reinforced Pender Baum’s passion for legislative work and its potential to transform the counseling profession.

Another defining moment in her advocacy career was her leadership role in securing Kentucky’s participation in the Counseling Compact, a groundbreaking initiative that facilitates interstate counseling services. Kentucky became the ninth state to sign on to the Compact, joining 37 other states to date, thereby improving access to counseling services for individuals across state lines.

Pender Baum’s work as a counselor educator has also been instrumental in shaping the next generation of counselors. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and specializes in marriage, couple and family counseling. As a leader in professional organizations such as the ACA, KCA and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, Pender Baum has received numerous accolades, including KCA’s Mental Health Counselor of the Year (2017) and Counselor Educator of the Year (2016).

“Rebecca has dedicated her life to advocating for the counseling profession,” said her nominators. “She has been a leader in Kentucky and nationally, spearheading initiatives that impact counselors and clients alike. Her work in the legislative arena, particularly her role in the Counseling Compact, is a testament to her commitment to the profession.”

Pender Baum’s work continues to have a profound impact on the field of counseling, and she remains steadfast in her mission to advance the profession through education, legislation and advocacy.