From the Desk of PAU President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D.
Whether you are new to PAU this year, a returning student, alum, faculty or staff – it is my honor to welcome you to the 2018-2019 academic year! Now, in my third year as president, I continue to be impressed by the caliber and passion of our students and faculty, the work our graduates are pursuing and the difference we are making to improve lives in our communities.
Whether advocating for changes in mental health legislation or bringing civility and respect to the legislative process, psychologists can play an important role in shaping public policy. That was the message during a symposium titled “Psychology's Voice at the Table: Psychologists as Advocates and Elected Officials” at the American Psychological Association Convention last month in San Francisco.
Elizabeth Choi, an international student in her third-year of the Ph.D. program with a focus in neuropsychology, was awarded two separate student research awards from the American Psychological Association (APA). Both awards were presented during the APA 2018 Convention, which took place in August at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Students rarely win more than one APA research award in a given year. Submissions are selected based on the quality of the research and the fit with the mission of various APA divisions.
Recently retired PAU psychology professor Leonard Beckum was recognized for his service to the campus during a special dinner last month. He was presented with a resolution from PAU’s Board of Trustees and an ‘Outstanding Service Award” plaque. Beckum was with Palo Alto University from 2006 to 2017. He devoted half his time to the Ph.D. program and the other half to the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium program. He was honored for his outstanding service, dedication and leadership.
Palo Alto University (PAU) President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D., is pleased to announce that Kimberly Balsam, Ph.D., has been appointed chair of the university’s department of psychology and that William Snow, Ph.D. will chair the university’s department of counseling. The new appointments come as the university establishes a new departmental structure that better aligns its core academic offerings. Balsam and Snow are the inaugural chairs of these new departments.
An update for the Palo Alto University community
To the Point - From PAU President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D.
PAU at APA 2018 – Join Us!
PAU graduate students Abigail Kramer and Elizabeth W.M. Choi will receive ‘Blue Ribbon’ awards for their research during the 2018 American Psychological Association (APA) convention, August 9-12 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The competitive awards will be presented August 10 during a ceremony in which the awardees will give a short presentation. They will also receive a $450 monetary award for their work.
More than a change of scenery was in store for a cohort of PAU international master’s students hailing from as far away as China, Mexico and India. The group of seven came to California last month for a week-long clinical interviewing class that included hands-on training and clinical site visits.