JuRaill Simpson '13
Psychology Graduate; Working with exceptional learners at the ARC

"My psychology major helped me understand people better, which is the basis of human interaction and behavior. This knowledge will help me in anything I do. My major also assisted me in developing and nurturing my personal relationship."

Maura Pantone '13
Dual Psychology-Sociology graduate; LaSalle University, Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Program

"My psychology major gave me great knowledge and the skill set for the future.  I had travel experience, conducted my own research, and was pushed to better myself.  I’ve had great mentors and I’ve made good friends.  I’m ready for my graduate work as I pursue my Psy D at LaSalle, eventually to become a child psychologist in the foster care system."

Ashley Acken '13
Dual Psychology-Sociology graduate; Duke University Divinity School/UNC-Ch School of Social Work

"As a psychology major I have been pushed intellectually, personally, and academically through the courses and research, and I know I’m prepared for graduate school.  My favorite experience was being able to produce a research project that I presented at a professional conference."

David Bowling '12
Dual Psychology-Politics graduate. Fors Marsh Group Research Associate

"My psychology major has made me more effective and comfortable in social situations. Ultimately, I plan to use my dual psychology-politics major in my job search with the government (Department of State, FBI/CIA) or in pharmacology, but right now I’m doing applied research for Fors Marsh Group to measure, understand, and influence how people think and make decisions."

Adam Osborne '12
Psychology Graduate; English and Music Minors. Pharmacy Tech

"This major helped me understand the way I, and other people, operate. Adam plans to pursue a Masters in metaphysics/parapsychology."

Michelle Lyons '12
Psychology Graduate; Sociology Minor; Living in the Netherlands

"Through the guidance of the psychology department I grew socially, professionally, and intellectually. I was a research assistant at the Veteran's Administration hospital, and I worked with children in a local day care center. I also designed and executed my own research, and then presented the results at a regional conference. These experiences allowed me to 'try on' different areas in which I was interested. No other department gives you this kind of experience, and I think I learned more as an undergraduate compared with students at other institutions. My future holds an advanced degree, and I look to work with veterans to try and help them re-integrate into civilian life. I may pursue my graduate degree here or in Europe."

Katie Zink '12
Psychology Graduate; Business Administration and Sociology Minors
Working as a special instruction developmental play therapist  at Partners in Learning

"My psychology major gave me a foundation for my future, both for my career and my personal life. I feel empowered with the knowledge that I can look at situations from a different angle than many people. I also have a basis for my education in the future; I feel confident in my ability to succeed in anything I try to accomplish. In the future, I will pursue a Master's Degree in either education or psychology.

The Psychology Department was like a second family to me. All of my fellow students were like brothers and sisters. Traveling to the Southeastern Psychological Association meetings in Jacksonville and New Orleans was awesome."

Megan Howard '12
Psychology Graduate

"I'm Interested in Psychology because it's in my genes! In the future I wish to get to my Ph.D."

Jennifer McDonnell '12
Psychology Graduate; Business and Sociology Minors; Early childhood education/Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary

"Psychology has helped me to better understand the people around me, which in turn enables me to work better with those people. I feel like I will be successful in any position that that requires working with the public. My two loves are kids and animals — I'd like to work for Faithful Friends (where I volunteer) or return to a position in early childhood education. I have enjoyed the friends I have made and the special times we shared everyday, getting through our studies and taking our tests. And we all had New Orleans for the Southeastern Psychological Association meeting!"

Alec Thompson '12
Psychology Graduate; Music Minor

"I like psychology because it's interesting and challenging, and I can meet other goals with that degree. I ultimately plan on moving on to graduate school in counseling and I think I got a really good foundation for that here!"

Peter Glisson '11
Psychology Graduate

"My courses in psychology gave me a better understanding not just of others, but of myself. By understanding the processes and behaviors that define our actions and interactions, it has become easier for me to understand and work with others. This knowledge will be of great service to me in my chosen occupation. I'm planning on being a career Army officer."

Tiffany Sowers '11
Planning to Pursue Art Therapy

"I am really going to miss the Psychology Department here at Catawba College. I don't know what I would have done without the professors in the department who have helped me in more ways than I had ever hoped for! It truly is an unexpected and welcoming family that I will be leaving behind with me this year. The Psychology Department at Catawba has taught me more about myself (and others) than most people learn about in their lifetimes. I feel as if I can now confidently walk away from this experience, knowing that I actually received something from my education. I will also be walking away with a new perception of the world, a better understanding of peoples behaviors in the social world, and (of course) a new sense of self!"

Paula Nobles '10
Seeks to Work in the NC or SC Prison System

"Being a psychology major at Catawba is extremely rewarding, as well as difficult. The professors push you to do your best, but also are there for you when you need help. The whole department is extremely tight-knit, just like a family. Fellow students are always together, and professors are always there when we need them. When I had a stressful moment and wanted to change my major, I quickly changed my mind because I couldn't imagine studying anything else. Catawba's psychology department has certainly been the place for me.

After graduating, I plan on searching for a job somewhere in the Carolinas in the prison system. I'm not very picky when it comes to jobs, but my main goal is to work with inmates. Graduate school is an option for the future, and if I do decide to attend, it will most likely be for criminology. My overall dream would be to one day be a criminologist."

Andrea Clabaugh '10
Pursuing Master's Degree at Johns Hopkins

"I began my journey at Catawba majoring in Elementary Education, however, psychology seemed to suit me better. I love the intimacy of the psych department. The professors always have their doors open to the students. We have become a family, and I will truly miss them after graduation. I will be attending Johns Hopkins University for graduate school. I have been accepted into the MAT program for Elementary Education. There, I will be able to combine my love of psychology with my passion for teaching young children."

Lauren Graham '10
Master's Degree in Public Health, UNCC; Physician's Assistant graduate school

"The Psychology Department at Catawba College has encouraged me to challenge myself academically and personally. The small class sizes have allowed me to develop close professional relationships with my professors. I have appreciated the opportunity to do extensive research and take great pride in my long-term research project. Catawba's Psychology professors have modeled a superior work ethic that will serve me well in the future. As I approach my graduate studies, I look forward to expanding upon the knowledge, skills, and professionalism that Catawba has instilled in me."

Kira Capano '09
M.S., UNC-Chapel Hill

"The Psychology department at Catawba prepared me for graduate school tremendously. I was not overwhelmed by the amount of work, the strict adherence to APA style writing, or was I unfamiliar with how to complete research. I liked that I was able to grow as a student in the psych department and how helpful the professors were at helping me achieve my goals. Without them I would not be where I am today! Currently, I am in graduate school at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When I graduate I will have a Master's of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology as well as be a Licensed Professional Counselor."

Jessica Davison '09
Graduate School in Educational Counseling

"As a psychology major I had the benefit of small classes and individual attention from each of my professors. The coursework and research were challenging at times, but in the end you'll end up with valuable skills, a path for your career and maybe even a publication."

Katherine Fair '08
Crisis Therapist at a Community Mental Health Agency

"I went to graduate school and received my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Once graduated, I got a job in Lexington, North Carolina at Daymark Recovery Services which is a large Community Mental Health agency. I am an Emergency Services Clinician which means I am a crisis therapist. I love my job and it fits great with where I want to be in my professional life right now and will give me the knowledge and experience I need to further my career."

Lauren Fluegge '08
Pursuing Ph.D. at UNC-Greensboro

"I love the psychology program because the professors are always there to help you learn. Any time I had a question, professors would take their time to make sure I understood. Their priority is to promote learning and facilitate discussion. Plus, they always make class fun and interesting. 

I'm now working on my Ph.D. in Educational Research Methodology at UNCG. The psychology department prepared me well for graduate school. Because I learned how to present papers and projects, I was well practiced for research in graduate school, where presentations can be intimidating. The faculty in the psychology department gave me invaluable practice in writing papers; now, writing in APA style is not a chore but rather second nature."

Ashley Boles '08
Pursuing a M.A. in Counseling at Campbell University

"The Psychology Department at Catawba College is small, but in a good way; the Professors were easily accessible and always willing to help you learn, not only about Psychology, but about life in general. Being able to participate in and conduct experiments gave me experiences I will never forget. Currently, I work as an Associate Professional at a Day Treatment facility for children and adolescents who have behavior disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and anger management issues. I work towards assisting them in learning how to regulate their behaviors and symptoms to remain and/or return to a normalized setting. I have recently been accepted into Campbell University in their Graduate Program for Community Counseling after which I will be able to be a Licensed Professional Counselor."

Alexander Lopez '05
Psychology Graduate; MS/LPA

"Catawba College's Psychology department provided me with a solid academic foundation. My experiences both in and out of the classroom instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance. After graduating from Catawba College in 2005 I attended graduate school at Springfield College in Springfield, MA. I received a Master of Science in the area of Clinical Psychology. During my time at Springfield College, the value of my Catawba College education became apparent. I entered graduate school with a working knowledge of psychology, strong writing skills, and most importantly research experience. During my second year of graduate school I obtained an internship through the NC Division of Prisons. At this internship I was afforded the opportunity to conduct psychological evaluations and psychological testing procedures on inmates. After graduating from Springfield I returned to the Charlotte area and became licensed as a Psychological Associate (Masters-Level Psychologist). I am currently in private practice in Concord, NC. I specialize in psychological examinations (Intellectual, Personality, Neuropsychological, and Psychoeducational). I am also on staff at CMC-Northeast Medical Center where I provide psychological consultations to their Emergency Department."