Graduate School of Education and Psychology

GSEP Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) hosted its 35th anniversary celebration at Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, California on March 11, 2006. To commemorate the milestone, a 35th Anniversary Scholarship Fund was announced and all tax-deductible gifts made to GSEP during the anniversary year will be awarded to students. Keynote speaker was Dr. Miroslav Volf, author of numerous books on diversity from a faith-based perspective. He is also the Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology at Yale Divinity School and director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture.

GSEP Accreditations Awarded

The doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology was granted full reaccreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). In related news, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) granted full approval of the standards document prepared by the Educational Leadership Academy: the master of science in administration and preliminary administrative services (Tier I) credential program; and the doctor of education in educational leadership, administration, and policy. This approval results in full accreditation by the CCTC for both programs. Lastly, GSEP’s Office of Professional Development received a five-year accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) which is the longest accreditation period awarded.

Professor David W. Foy Receives Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award

David W. Foy, Ph.D., professor of psychology, received the 2006 Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology award from the California Psychological Association. In addition to his 14 years of service at GSEP, he also served as senior research consultant for the Veterans Administration’s National Center for the Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, in Menlo Park, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Center for the Family Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Center for the Family celebrated its 10th Anniversary and remains committed to promoting healthy relationships and strong families. Outreach activities include: marriage, parenting, and family presentations and seminars; services to equip young adults in developing healthy relationships; partnerships with churches and other organizations to provide resources for families; as well as linking churches and organizations to resources and speakers.

Professor Reyna García-Ramos Joins California Association for Bilingual Education Board

Dr. Reyna García-Ramos was elected to serve as a member of the board of directors for the California Association for Bilingual Education. The nonprofit organization was incorporated in 1976 to promote bilingual education and quality educational experiences for all students in California.

Doctoral Student Attends Prestigious Conferences

Michelle French, an organizational leadership doctoral student, attended the invitation-only Organizational Behavior Teaching Society Doctoral Institute at Nazareth College. French also gave a presentation developed in collaboration with GSEP faculty member Dr. Doug Leigh, at the Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference sponsored by the Doctoral Institute.

Professor Edward Shafranske Becomes APA Fellow

Professor Edward Shafranske was recently named a Fellow of the Society of Clinical Psychology of the APA, which also released a video titled Addressing Issues of Spirituality and Religion in Psychotherapy. The video features Dr. Shafranske in its distinguished clinician training series.