NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Susan Barnett has been named acting head of the Department of Psychology at Northwestern State University.

     She has been a member of Northwestern’s faculty since 1995. She was promoted to assistant professor of psychology in 2001 and associate professor in 2007. Barnett was coordinator of the undergraduate psychology program in 2001-2003 and coordinator of the addiction studies program in 2003-2006.

     “We have an astounding and diverse faculty who represent the spirit of Northwestern State University through their dedication to teaching and advising psychology majors, minors, and graduate students,” said Barnett. “Beyond a doubt, the students are our top priority at Northwestern. I look forward to working with my fellow faculty members and students to continue strengthening the Department of Psychology.”

      In 2002, she received NSU’s Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year Award. Since 2004, Barnett has served on the University’s Academic Advising Council.

      During her career, Barnett has also worked in the public school systems in Tulsa, Okla., Richmond Va., Canyon, Texas and in Lincoln and Webster parishes. She has also taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Lenoir Community College and Guilford Technical Institute.

     Barnett has made numerous presentations at local, state, national and international conferences. Her area of research is “Student well-being,” which includes the areas of college classroom well being, positive psychology and faculty academic advising. Barnett has an extensive publication record. She is the co-author of Instructor’s Resource Guide for Plotnik’s Introduction to Psychology and has co-authored articles in state and national professional journals.

     She has been active in the Student Attitudes Research Team at NSU, which has presented opportunities for graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty members to conduct research.

     Barnett earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Winona State University and a doctorate at California Coast University.