Staussa Ervin, professor of psychology at TCC Trinity River, received the Molly Gerold Human Rights Award at the recent Texas Counseling Association’s Professional Growth Conference. The award, given out once annually, is presented in recognition of the recipient’s contributions in one or more areas of human rights.
“Dr. Ervin is a fitting recipient of the Molly Gerold Human Rights Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to human rights,” said TCC Trinity River President S. Sean Madison. “Named in memory of Molly Gerold, a dedicated counselor in San Antonio, this award celebrates individuals who, like Dr. Ervin, exemplify unwavering commitment and impactful strides in advancing human rights. Dr. Ervin’s dedication resonates with the spirit of Molly Gerold, emphasizing the profound impact of her work at TCC and in the broader community.”
Ervin’s work in human rights is extensive. In addition to being president of the North Central Texas Counseling Association, she has served on the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission for three years, with a recent re-appointment ending in October 2025.
As a commissioner, she has moderated several of the Movies that Matter Films and served on the transportation committee. “As a member of the transportation committee, I learned about TCC’s partnership with Tarrant Transit Alliance and now, my Psychology students, as part of my project-based learning classroom, ride The Dash Bus to explore possible relationships between public transit and mental wellness,” she said.
Ervin’s work in human rights is extensive. In addition to being president of the North Central Texas Counseling Association, she has served on the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission for three years, with a recent re-appointment ending in October 2025.
She is secretary on the Board of Directors for Fort Worth Sister Cities International. In the last year, she was a curriculum writer for the International Leadership Academy and home-hosted a federal prosecutor from Kazakhstan who was in Fort Worth to work on stricter laws against domestic abuse violators. She has led eight international exchanges to Italy, Japan (twice), Germany, Africa (four times), and Indonesia.
At TCC, Ervin created the Association for Mindfulness & Well-Being, a registered student organization operating now at the TCC Trinity River. “So far this semester we have had two meditation sessions and one mindful crochet event, and we still have one more meditation session and a gentle yoga/action painting session this semester,” Ervin said. Four times per semester she hosts Meditation Mondays through the TCC Learn Center for faculty and staff.
“What I seek to express through these activities is to apply the principles of psychological society to local and global communities,” she offered.