Provost, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of Psychology and Education - Columbia University
About
What are you doing today in your career?
I am the Dean and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Columbia University Teachers College, and formerly a Psychology Professor and Associate VP for Research at Michigan.
What inspires you?
The reach of science inspires me. As Associate VP for Research, I get to see how scientific findings made by my colleagues result in improvements to the world. In Psychology, my colleagues are directly impacting policy on research administration, mental health treatment, media content, corporate practice, and lots of other things.
What impact has your Psychology degree at UM had on your career or life?
Obviously, I became a Psychology professor. However, even before that, I found that I was very well prepared for graduate work. The opportunities that I had at UM would have set me up for lots of different types of jobs.
What do you remember most about your time as an undergrad at UM?
My strongest memories are of the incredible mentoring that I received as a student. I had close relationships with several of my professors who welcomed me into their research groups. I have been fortunate to have maintained a number of these relationships and their mentoring has continued throughout my career.
What advice would you give to aspiring Psychology students?
The best education takes place outside the traditional classroom. Take advantage of all of the opportunities at Michigan. Participate in summer programs, independent study, study abroad, experiential learning. Ask lots of questions of professors, graduate students, and staff.
