The Psychology Department at the University of West Florida offers small classes, personal attention from respected faculty and hands-on experience working with local organizations. The faculty's various specialties represent an extremely wide range of the field of Psychology offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as professional certifications.
Dr. Frank Andrasik has been awarded the Distinguished University Professorship for his outstanding contributions in teaching, service and scholarship. Congratulations, Frank!
This year, the Department of Psychology established Psychology Excellence Awards for psychology juniors and seniors. A student must have at least a 3.50 psychology grade point average to be considered. The faculty select award winners based on academic achievements.
Congratulations to our recipients this year. They received a certificate and item of recognition. Their photos will be displayed on our Wall of Fame, Bldg. 41, first floor.
2008 Psychology Junior Excellence Award Winners: Teresa Clarke, Jennifer Cohen, Carlise Downie, Kiley Ellegard, Natoshia Gallant, Summer Hargraves, Jessica Keroack, Matthew Kuza, Melissa Lane, Beverly Mainor, Sara Senkbeil, Matthew Wingard.
2008 Psychology Senior Excellence Award Winners: Jennifer Chambers, Matilda Kirkland, Leslie McLeod, Concetta Nelson, Cindy Swan, Christina Taylor, Joann Vaughn, Valerie Wenc, Cole Yuknis.
"As a UWF student majoring in psychology and public relations, I gained valuable 'real world' experience through a directed study at the Boys and Girls Club, under the instruction of Dr. Sam Mathews. I have been able to use my training from UWF over the last year in my position as a Tobacco Prevention Specialist at the Santa Rosa County Health Department. In partnership with our Regional Tobacco Coordinator, I designed a smoking prevention campaign called "Sweet Deception", aimed at empowering youth to recognize and fight back against the deceptive practices of the tobacco companies. Students at six Santa Rosa County schools are involved in the campaign, focused on eliminating youth access to tobacco. One of the campaign's major goals is to pass an ordinance banning candy-flavored tobacco products including but not limited to spit/smokeless tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. We have been invited to present the campaign at a national conference in the hope that it will become a national effort. Recently I was integrally involved in the submission and receipt of a new three-year grant for $384,000. With the new funding we plan to host two bi-annual youth leadership retreats as well as encouraging and assisting area businesses to develop smoke-free policies."
