Dr. Ne’Shaun Borden Recognized As 40 Under 40 Honoree for Preparing Next Generation of Counselors

For Dr. Ne'Shaun Borden, preparing the next generation of counselors means much more than teaching students to memorize diagnoses and treatments. She has built a curriculum and a legacy around guiding students to develop the confidence, compassion and resilience required to make a lasting difference in the lives of their clients. In recognition of her impact across Northeast Florida, Borden was named to the Jacksonville Business Journal's 2026 40 Under 40 class.

An assistant professor and the program director of Jacksonville University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Borden is a licensed mental health counselor and trauma-informed care specialist who has dedicated her career to supporting children, adolescents and underserved communities through clinical practice, research and community partnerships.

"Counseling and counselor education allows me to combine my passion for service, education and social justice by helping individuals discover their strengths and build resilience," said Borden.

Her commitment to counseling was sparked early on in her career while she was working in public elementary schools. There she saw firsthand how emotional well-being can shape a child's learning, relationships and opportunities for years to come. Those experiences reinforced the importance of prevention and early intervention and ultimately inspired her career in clinical mental health counseling. Today, that perspective informs the way she prepares JU students for careers in schools, hospitals, private practices and community nonprofits.

"Every counselor we prepare has the opportunity to transform countless lives, and being part of that legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility I deeply value," said Borden. For JU students preparing to enter the counseling profession, her advice is straightforward: Be open to your own growth.

"Lean into feedback, embrace self-reflection, prioritize your own wellness and don't be afraid to ask for help," said Borden. "The strongest counselors are not those who have all the answers; they're the ones who remain curious, compassionate and committed to lifelong learning."