Over 200 students graduated from Palo Alto University (PAU) with doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and counseling during commencement ceremonies held in June.     “Palo Alto University is committed to improving lives by educating and training the next generation of mental health professionals,” said PAU President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D. “I am so proud of the time and energy our students have invested in developing careers in psychology and counseling, as well as their commitment to helping others.

  

We asked 2019 graduates from our bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs to share a few thoughts about their PAU experience. We were curious what drew them to PAU, if there was something that stood out during their time with us and, of course, what comes next. We enjoyed their answers and thought you would, too. Wishing our 2019 grads every success!   Charlotte Wilkie, B.S. Psychology and Social Action Why PAU? I was drawn to PAU by the specialization in psychology, as well as the smaller class sizes.

Palo Alto University has announced its commencement speakers for graduation ceremonies taking place in June. Over 200 students will receive degrees from Palo Alto University’s doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s programs. Michelle Fine, Ph.D., will give the commencement address during doctoral ceremonies on June 8. Malik S. Henfield, Ph.D., will give the commencement address during ceremonies on June 22. Honorary degrees will be presented to both speakers.   Doctoral Commencement Dr.

Research being led by PAU faculty member C. Barr Taylor, M.D., is benefitting from two grants that focus on using technology to facilitate therapeutic treatment.  Taylor is among the principal investigators sharing in a $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The NIMH study will evaluate the use of coached programs provided on smartphones to help treat psychiatric common among college students, addressing the critical need for access to mental health services for college students.

Associate Professor Teceta Tormala, Ph.D., presents Christine Isotalo with Outstanding Student award for the M.S. in Psychology program.

Each PAU student finds their way through our doors in different ways. Dennis Haysley’s path was remarkably unique. After spending 20 years without a home and addicted to drugs, Haysley sought help to get off the streets, graduate from college, survive a quadruple heart bypass, and eventually, at the age of 70, reach his goal of earning an M.A. in counseling.

Dr. Zapf is Vice President for Continuing and Professional Studies at Palo Alto University and Founder of Concept Professional Training

PAU student Kellylynn Zuni, M.S., is one of only a handful of students selected by the Udall Foundation to participate in the 2019 Native American Congressional Internship. An independent review committee from the Foundation and the Native Nations Institute selected 12 students from 10 tribes and 10 different universities based on outstanding academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to careers in Tribal public policy.   Kellylynn (Diné) of the Black Streak Wood People clan and born of the Two Who Came to Water clan, is currently a Ph.D.

  The training of “budtenders” (cannabis dispensary staff) to formulate advice when making sales to the public at dispensaries around the country was the topic of a recent Psych Files podcast featuring Nancy Haug, Ph.D., a PAU professor and associate chair of the PAU’s Psychology Department. In an interview with Psych Files host Michael A. Britt, Ph.D., Dr. Haug discussed the findings of research she and her students conducted among 55 budtenders in eight states and Washington, D.C.