Jordan Shuler selected to receive the National Council on Family Relations Honors Graduate Award

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Media Contact: Katie Lacey | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | katie.l.lacey@okstate.edu

Jordan Shuler is one of just 13 students from across the country selected to receive the National Council on Family Relations Honors Graduate Award.

Shuler recently completed a master’s degree in human development and family science with an option in marriage and family therapy at Oklahoma State University.

“I have a passion for learning and teaching and I can get lost in the work of understanding human and family relationships in all the beautiful forms they take,” Shuler said. 

Shuler said the most rewarding part of his research was working with a team to publish a qualitative research paper, entitled “Pornography and Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Examination of Individual Experiences”.

As first author, the paper was a major step into academia for Shuler and he said it was an honor to get a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of participants who had responded to the study.

Shuler said another rewarding part of his research was working to identify and disseminate research on mindfulness and stress management, along with a range of other topics, was a fantastic way to try and give more directly to rural communities who are under so much pressure.

Shuler has served on the student board of the Oklahoma Association for Marriage and Family Therapists and helped coordinate the students and new professionals conference in the Fall of 2020. He helped to orient and mentor new master’s students coming into the programs. Shuler was the Department of Human Development and Family Science honorary marshal during Fall 2021 graduation. 

“I love offering what I have learned to others, particularly if it's in a way that can make some difference in their lives,” Shuler said.

Shuler is now pursuing a doctorate in human development and family science at OSU and is preparing for the national exam for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy to become a candidate for licensure.