After 25 years of transformative work at the USC Rossier School of Education, Professor of Clinical Education Mary Andres has retired, leaving a lasting legacy through her role in shaping the school’s esteemed Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. Her career, celebrated at a retirement event at USC’s University Park Campus on Oct. 4 and attended by colleagues, alumni and friends, reflects her deep commitment to education, mental health and the development of the next generation of therapists.
Andres, who began teaching at USC in 1995, initially joined the university as a staff psychologist at the counseling center. She transitioned into teaching, and by 2005, played a central role in revitalizing the MFT program alongside professors Ginger Clark and Ruth Chung. Under their leadership, the program doubled in size, became highly competitive and expanded to include online offerings and a doctoral program in mental health leadership. Today, nearly 1,000 graduates of the program serve as licensed therapists, many occupying leadership roles in mental health organizations throughout Southern California and beyond.
During her retirement celebration, Andres reflected on the relationships she has built over her career. “Every single relationship that I have with the people in this room matters to me,” she told attendees. “It is so wonderful to see the impact of this program. You are excellent therapists, professors and supervisors and I’m so grateful to witness the energy you put into the world.”
Andres emphasized the importance of the broader community fostered by the MFT program, which includes more than 800 alumni who stay engaged through mentorship, supervision and professional support. She also praised those alumni providing therapy to clients on insurance or at low cost, acknowledging their role in expanding access to mental health services to all.
Throughout her career, Andres has been dedicated to cultivating the personal growth of her students alongside their professional development. From their first day in the program, students conquer their fears and anxiety to gradually transform into skilled, grounded practitioners ready to make an impact in the field. Andres described this process as a “beginning, middle and end,” highlighting her joy in witnessing students’ growth and their subsequent contributions to the community.
Looking ahead, Andres plans to focus on personal pursuits, including travel, hiking, art and spending time with loved ones. She will maintain a small private practice in Venice and return to USC to teach one lecture in the sexuality class each year. “I want to have more fun,” she said. “I want to keep living an interesting life. And when life is lighter, I will see more clearly how I can continue to make an impact in the world.”
USC Rossier has honored Andres’ contributions with the creation of the Mary Andres MFT Endowed Scholarship Fund, designed to support second-year MFT students and ensure her legacy of mentorship and commitment to mental health education endures.
As colleagues and alumni celebrated her career, Andres’ remarks underscored the profound mutual impact of her professional journey. “A hallmark of being part of a community is that we polish each other,” she said. “You have sharpened my strengths and softened my rough edges. I thank you for that so much.”
Through her leadership, teaching and mentorship, Mary Andres leaves behind a thriving MFT program, a robust community of graduates and a transformative impact on the field of mental health.
Mary Andres
- Professor of Clinical Education
