Rumbidzai Mushunje

Rumbidzai Mushunje

Assistant Professor
Counseling
704-687-2190
Mebane 232

Rumbidzai Mushunje (she/her) is an active scholar whose work is driven by a deep passion to uplift others through evidence-based and socially responsive practices. Her main research interests include social determinants of health, African mental health and gerontological counseling. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Mushunje brings valuable clinical experience serving varied populations across the lifespan. As an affiliated faculty member of the Gerontology Program at UNC Charlotte, she offers her specialized training in mental health care treatment for older adults. She also has a background in field placement coordination and supervision of counseling students. Her commitment to the profession extends across teaching, research, supervision, and leadership — embodying the values of a well-rounded and engaged counselor educator.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – The Ohio State University 

Master of Arts (M.A.)  – The University of Cincinnati 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – The Ohio State University 

Teaching 

  • Internship in Counseling 
  • Group Counseling 
  • Theories of Counseling 
  • Counseling Older Adults
  • Doctoral Clinical Supervision in Counseling 

Areas of Interest and Research

  • Mental Health Help-Seeking Patterns
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Gerontological Counseling
  • African Mental Health
  • Global Education 

Select Publications

Johnson, K., Mushunje, R., Norris, M., DeWitt, J., & Marulli, T. (2024). Evaluating Social Determinants of Health Competency of Clinical Rehabilitation Staff and Students and the Relationship to Patient Care. Journal of Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education. https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrre/early/2024/08/23/re-23-16.abstract

Mushunje, R., Dockery, N., Lin, M., Johnson, K., Toole, K., Henry, S., & Grantt-Howrey, A. (2023). Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health to Improve College Access, Retention and Completion. Journal of College Access, 8(1), 46-88. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/vol8/iss1/5/

Mushunje, R. & Graves, S. L. (2023). Bibliometric analysis of suicide research among Black youth. Journal of Black Psychology, 49(3), 302-318. https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984211032209