Jim Felty

After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a psychology minor, Jim planned on attending graduate school to become a counselor. However, he wanted to take a year or two off to work and pay down his bills. What he intended to be a short-term financial solution turned into a 15-year career in the corporate world. After six years in upper management, Jim needed a change and decided it was time to pursue his original dream career. He enrolled in graduate school and earned his master’s in counseling, marriage, and family therapy. 

Jim and his family moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to their extended families, and he entered private practice. He also worked at a residential, inpatient treatment program for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders. While the hard-won successes in addiction disorders were awe-inspiring and fulfilling professionally and personally, Jim wanted to find something that accommodated his growing family’s needs. When it came time for him to move on, he focused his search where he felt he would have the most impact. At LVC, he enjoys working with the students, especially their promise for change and growth.   

Arriving on campus in 2019 as a counselor, Jim became the director of counseling services just a year later. He thinks LVC students are remarkable, noting, “I get to work with dynamic young people who want to grow their potential, improve their well-being, and achieve their goals.” Jim also enjoys working with student-athletes to help them realize their performance and team objectives. Beyond counseling students who may have difficulty adjusting to college life, he specializes in helping those with anxiety, relationship issues, and addiction. 

When not at LVC, Jim’s focus is on his loved ones. He and his partner, Melissa, appreciate a trip to a new destination. While he enjoys kayaking and camping with his son, Jim and his daughter are live theater enthusiasts, taking in Wig and Buckle productions whenever possible. He also enjoys playing golf with his father, fishing, and playing board games with family and friends. 

Jim is a member of the American Counseling Association and American College Counselors Association. He earned a Level-One Rational Living Therapist designation from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.