ISU psychologists attend Educational Leadership Conference

Two members of the Idaho State University psychology department recently attended the National Educational Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., whose theme was “Sharing Psychology: Its Role in Education for Other Professions.” This conference is organized by the American Psychological Association and participation is by invitation.

Kandi Turley-Ames, Ph.D., chair of the department, was nominated to attend by the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychologists representing psychology department chairs. Tony Cellucci, Ph.D., director of the ISU Psychology Clinic, was representing the Association of Directors of Psychology Training Clinics.

The three-day conference began with a keynote address by Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Schneider’s speech, “Liberal Education and the Disciples We Need Now,” highlighted national developments in education for the 21st century and the need for a global perspective. Reactions from university deans across various disciplines followed the address.

A history of APA’s involvement in undergraduate education was followed by a series of panel presentations showcasing psychologists’ contributions to schools of business, architecture, education, fine arts and law. Other presentations included examining curriculum and psychologists’ contributions in various other health professions such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and public health. A major theme was that of education and research efforts to solve real problems frequently spread across disciplines today. Break-out sessions involved discussion of how best to prepare students for multidisciplinary challenges.

Conference participants were also provided a legislative update on the re-authorization of the Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In particular, this update focused on the Garrett Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Program and workforce development for psychologists and other mental health professionals in underserved areas such as the rural aging population. The last day of the conference included a visit to Capitol Hill to speak with Idaho legislators and their staffs.

ISU has the only accredited doctoral training program for psychologists in the state.