Seton Hall Professor Honored with Presidential Citation for Transformative Global Leadership in Psychology Education

Susan Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, has been awarded a Presidential Citation from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP), one of the discipline's highest honors for contributions to psychology education.

The citation recognizes Nolan's visionary leadership in transforming psychology education into a truly global endeavor. As STP's director of international programming and former president, she has pioneered initiatives that bring evidence-based teaching resources to educators and students worldwide.

"Susan has done more than anyone to bring STP's resources to a global audience," the citation reads, highlighting her instrumental role in sponsoring international conferences in Australia, France, India and Mexico, and forging partnerships with teaching organizations across continents.

Nolan's journey in international psychology has been both extensive and impactful. She has served as a United Nations representative for the American Psychological Association for five years and conducted groundbreaking research as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia. Her work examines how psychology is taught across different cultural contexts, with a focus on learning outcomes, assessment and curricula.

Among her most significant achievements is co-founding and co-leading the International Collaboration of Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes (ICUPO), an initiative that has been pivotal in defining global competencies for psychology education. This work ensures that students worldwide receive rigorous and relevant training regardless of where they study.

Nolan's impact extends throughout her teaching and scholarship. After earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University and completing her clinical internship through the Vanderbilt University/Nashville Department of Veterans Affairs Internship Consortium, she joined Seton Hall's faculty, where she has taught courses ranging from Mental Health and International Psychology to Statistics. She has co-authored widely adopted textbooks for Worth Publishers/Macmillan and writes a regular blog for Psychology Today called Misinformation Desk where she tackles the pressing issue of scientific literacy and combating false information.

Her research interests have evolved to include studying stigma associated with mental illness and exploring misinformation in the classroom. She brings this global perspective directly to Seton Hall students, having developed a course in international psychology and leading study abroad programs, including International Psychology in Serbia. Through these programs, students gain firsthand experience understanding psychological principles across cultural boundaries, preparing them to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.

The citation particularly emphasizes Nolan's collaborative spirit and dedication to uplifting others. "She consistently uplifts students and colleagues — presenting with them, nominating them for opportunities and helping advance their careers," the recognition states. Her approach to leadership centers on building inclusive coalitions and creating welcoming spaces for diverse voices in psychology education.

Nolan's distinguished service record includes serving as President of STP in 2021 and President of the Eastern Psychological Association in 2014. She received Seton Hall's Faculty Service Award in 2014, recognizing her contributions to the university community.

"Her international work reflects her unique ability to rally people around the shared mission of teaching psychology effectively to as many students as possible," the citation concludes—a testament to Nolan's enduring commitment to excellence, equity and innovation in psychology education worldwide.

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