Professor appointed to leadership role in national psychology organization

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JULY 17, 2020 — Sharon Nichols, a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at UTSA, has been elected as vice president for the American Psychological Association’s Division 15.

The American Psychological Association is a leading scientific and professional organization in psychology in the United States, with more than 121,000 members who are scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.

“I feel privileged to have been elected into this important role,” Nichols said. “This opportunity will provide me valuable experiences and collaboration that will further my ongoing interest in making educational psychology research more accessible to and impactful on teachers’ practices and policy decision making.”

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“[This role] will give me a platform to rebrand the field of educational psychology into a more relevant and impactful discipline.”

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Nichols will take on the leadership role for four years. The post has been previously held by well-known scholars like Julian Stanley, Robert Gagné, Richard Snow, Robert Sternberg and David Berliner. Nichols will take on the role of president during her third year. Division 15 is one of 54 divisions in the organization that focuses on educational psychology.

“Taking on this leadership role will give me a platform to rebrand the field of educational psychology into a more relevant and impactful discipline,” Nichols said. “Educational psychology research has a long and rigorous tradition that has helped to shape much of what we know about teaching and learning; however, our influence and relevancy have waned over time. I hope to help the field transform so that our theoretical and empirical contributions are more relevant to practitioners and policymakers.”

“Service to one’s academic discipline is a vital part of the faculty role at UTSA, and Dr. Nichols’s election speaks to her distinguished career and to the high quality of our UTSA faculty,” said Kimberly Andrews Espy, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Nichols for serving APA on behalf of UTSA.”

During the first two years Nichols plans to work with the leadership line to conduct the business of the division, using it as an opportunity to learn the ropes, she said.

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“In year 3, I assume the role of president and will be responsible for the work of the division. Specifically, I will be responsible for scheduling and setting meeting agendas, managing and leading executive committee meetings, and filling important committee roles to do the business of the division,” Nichols added.

The primary task of the president is to organize and manage the annual conference as well as set the theme for that year and help committees ensure the program includes high-quality presentations, managing awards, and running the member business meeting. By year 4, the presidents are to give the keynote speech at that year’s conference.

— Valerie Bustamante

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