During the 2020 national convention of the American Psychological Association (APA) last fall, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Associate Professor, Heather Schoenherr, was appointed as the Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President on the Psi Beta National Council.
Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community colleges and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Psi Beta is an affiliate of the APA and the American Psychological Society (APS). The Psi Beta mission is to professionally develop outstanding psychology students at two-year colleges through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service.
As Psi Beta’s Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President, Schoenherr is excited for the opportunity this role provides to bring a community college voice to associations both regionally and nationally.
“It is essential faculty at two-year institutions are part of the conversation regarding the development of curriculum and outcomes for psychology majors,” said Schoenherr. “Psi Beta is a great way for students to network with other students and professionals interested in psychology while creating a pathway for them to transfer to four-year institutions and the workforce successfully.”
To date, Schoenherr’s work has included helping to develop a peer-reviewed journal to recognize research community college students’ conduct and an award for emerging researchers.
“I am passionate about engaging students outside of the classroom through research and professional development,” she said. “I know the power connection has to transform students both intellectually and interpersonally. Our chapter at CWI focuses on collaboration with other clubs and institutions, engagement with professionals in the field, and various service activities and research activities, including our latest research project exploring appreciation and well-being.”
"Psi Beta created a space for me to explore exciting research on a national level,” said CWI graduate, Charity Watson. “Because of Psi Beta, I got to present research with my team at the Idaho Psychological Association conference, an enriching experience that landed us a first place prize for our poster presentation. Working with my talented peers alongside our brilliant and inspiring faculty mentor, Heather Schoenherr, has instilled a passion for research that continues to edify me in my work as a research assistant for Boise State University."
Psychology students interested in learning more about CWI’s Psi Beta chapter are encouraged to contact Schoenherr at heatherschoenherr@cwi.edu.
