Faculty Profile: Shontell Zenon

Dr. Shontell Zenon is an assistant professor in counselor education who became a faculty member in the College of Education in the fall 2025 semester.

Can you share a little about your background (degrees, former job, etc.) and what brought you to ECU’s College of Education?

I was born in Durham, North Carolina and raised in Danville, Virginia. I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Youth and Social Innovation and Sociology, followed by master’s degrees in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. In 2024, I completed my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at William & Mary.

What are your primary teaching and research interests?

My research interests center on school counseling, group counseling in schools, and the integration of Womanist principles into school counseling practice. This semester, I’m excited to be teaching Group Procedures and Internship I.

What excited you most about joining the College of Education?

What drew me to ECU was the strong culture of community that permeates the College of Education. I’m thrilled by the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with colleagues and students across the college and beyond.

What do you hope your students will take away from your classes?

I hope my students experience feelings of safety and community in my classes. I believe these elements are essential for students to engage deeply and authentically in their learning.

What’s something fun or unique you’d like people to know about you?

I’d like people to know that my school counselor identity is very important to me. The research I do keeps me connected to schools and communities, and I look forward to continuing that engagement throughout my time at ECU.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and staying physically active. But my favorite way to unwind is curling up on the couch with my husband and watching TV after a long week!