02.19.18 – Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of Northwestern State University’s College of Education and Human Development, right, and Stacy Peoples of Mansfield High School, left, welcomed about 100 students from six regional high schools to NSU for the regional conference of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Friday. Peoples is FCCLA regional vice president of public relations and state vice president of STAR Events. NSU’s Child and Family Studies program serves as the university sponsor for FCCLA, a national student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education. The conference was held in conjunction with national FCCLA Week. The mission of FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.  NSU’s Child and Family Studies program hosted the conference to expose high schoolers to career opportunities in psychology, social work and child and family studies.