The calendar does not lie, yet somehow it seems impossible to be at the end of my first year as chair of the Department of Psychology. When I reflect on this year, I see a department whose members have worked tirelessly in the pursuit of outstanding research and teaching. It has been an exciting year with many accomplishments made possible by the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students as well as generous donations from our alumni. Here are a few highlights:
- The cutting-edge research that our faculty and students are conducting is truly making a difference. For example, our research on topics such as preventing and treating autism, decreasing health disparities, and understanding addiction are all helping to improve the quality of life for residents of Florida and beyond.
- We have disseminated the results of our research broadly, publishing over 60 articles in prestigious journals and giving a similar number of presentations at national and international conferences.
- The research and teaching excellence of our faculty and students continues to be recognized by university and national awards.
- Psychology is at the forefront of excellence in online education. Since the launch of our online B.A. program this fall, we have been recognized by TheBestSchools.org, Online-Psychology-Degrees.org, and Affordable Colleges Online as having one of the best online psychology degree programs in the country.
- Our department’s Diversity Awareness and Affirmation Committee held a series of interesting dialogues aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
- Through the generosity of gifts and endowments, we are able to continue supporting graduate students in a variety of ways, including fellowships and scholarships, small research grants, conference travel awards, and other awards in recognition of scholastic excellence.
The above is just a small glimpse into a productive and successful year! I am proud to lead this department and to support and promote the work of my colleagues. With a new university president and a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, both of whom have innovative ideas about bringing the University of Florida to pre-eminence, I look forward to positioning Psychology to be a leader in those efforts.