Psychology Faculty Awards and Leadership
All of the full-time faculty who teach in the Psychology major have earned doctoral degrees in psychology and have served as leaders both in the university and profession and have been frequently recognized for their contributions. In fact, as of 2021, the Shepherd University Outstanding Teaching award has gone to Psychology faculty twice as often as any other department and we have received the second highest number of faculty awards overall.
Here are some of the faculty’s awards and leadership roles:
Dr. Larry Daily
Ph.D. in Psychology, George Mason University
- Served for many years as the chair of the Psychology Department.
- Helped create and served as chair of Shepherd’s Institutional Review Board.
- Served as director of Shepherd’s Honors program.
- Led revision of the Psychology major curriculum consistent with American Psychological Association guidelines. Currently serves as department curriculum coordinator.
- Chaired the General Studies / Core Curriculum committee. Was a significant contributor to the development of Shepherd’s Core Curriculum.
Dr. Heidi Dobish
Ph.D. in Psychology, Tufts University
- Recipient of Shepherd’s Outstanding Teaching Award: 2010, 2020
- Recipient of Shepherd’s Outstanding Service Award: 2013
- Recipient of Shepherd’s Outstanding Advising Award: 2010
- Developed and directs the interdisciplinary Aging Studies minor.
- Chairs the committee that directs the annual Aging Well Workshop.
- Co-chaired the Department of Psychology.
- Served as acting Dean of Students.
- Chaired the General Studies committee.
- Invited faculty speaker at undergraduate convocation.
Dr. Lindsey Levitan
Ph.D. in Psychology, The University of Chicago
- Recipient of Shepherd’s Outstanding Teaching award: 2021
- Director of the department’s Research Exposure Requirement.
- Chaired the sustainability committee for White Hall and led sustainability efforts.
- Chaired departmental committees on degree and website development.
- Invited faculty speaker at undergraduate convocation.
Dr. Chris Lovelace
Ph.D. in Psychology, American University
Dr. Chris Lovelace- Currently serves as Psychology Department chair.
- Served two terms as president of Shepherd’s Faculty Senate.
- Chaired the university Core Curriculum committee.
- Currently serving as Parliamentarian to the Shepherd Assembly.
- Led two history of psychology study abroad trips (photo with the Mona Lisa at right).
Dr. Joe Merz
Ph.D. in Psychology, United States International University
- Shepherd College Outstanding Professor of the Year: 1987, 1990
- Long-time department representative to the Promotion & Tenure Committee.
- Served as interim chair of the Psychology Department.
- Received a Mentoring Award from Davis & Elkins College.
Former Faculty
Dr. Anne Murtagh
Ph.D. In Psychology, University of Montana
- Recipient of Shepherd’s Outstanding Teaching award: 2016
- Co-chaired the Department of Psychology.
- Bridgewater State College Award for Academic Excellence: 2005
- Helped create Shepherd’s Meditation Mondays event.