Rachel S. Loving, Ph.D. – Owner/Director/College Counselor
Education (beginning with most recent)
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Ph.D. Education – Educational Leadership Track
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Post-Master’s Certificate in College Student Personnel Administration
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
M.Ed. Counselor Education
- Jack A. Duncan Scholarship Award
Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia
B.A. Psychology Minor: English Writing
- Cum Laude
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Honors Program Graduate
- Psi Chi Award for Academic Achievement
Collegiate School, Richmond, Virginia
College Preparatory Diploma
Licensure
Virginia licensure in Pupil Personnel Services: K-12 School Counseling with specific training in Gifted Education
Biography/Credentials
Dr. Rachel Loving began her career in education two decades ago as a tutor for psychology and writing in the Higgins Academic Center at Randolph-Macon College. After graduating with honors from R-MC, she enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University in order to pursue a career in school counseling. While at VCU, Dr. Loving worked in educational research and taught an undergraduate course which assisted college freshmen with their recent transition.
Upon completion of her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education, Dr. Loving began working as a school counselor at Caroline High School, where she was eventually appointed Guidance Director. She also held a part-time position as an Adjunct Instructor for VCU’s School of Education.
Additionally, Dr. Loving spent a year working as Welcome Center Coordinator at James Madison University. While at JMU, she learned the ins and outs of college admissions from “the other side” of the process.
Dr. Loving earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership through Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 and is currently employed as a Senior/College Counselor at Maggie Walker Governor’s School.
Dr. Loving’s passion is working with students of all ability levels and circumstances, and she strives to deliver quality, personalized college admissions services to her clients. She founded 1st Choice College Counseling in 2009 with this goal in mind.
Photo: Mary Otanez Photography