Date: August 24, 2011
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-4044
Fax: (708) 534-8399
E-mail: ematanyi@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
GSU Professor Honored for Educational Service
University Park, Illinois, August 23, 2011 - Dr. Jon Carlson, Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Governors State University, has received the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology. The award was presented at the APA’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Carlson, who began his GSU teaching career in 1971, was recognized for his contributions to the creation of educational and training materials in psychology for instruction and the public. The award, which is not given each year, recognizes continuous significant contributions made over a lifelong career in psychology. In receiving the award, Dr. Carlson joins the list of the most prominent psychology and counseling educators during the past half-century.
“Jon Carlson has a distinguished career in higher education, maintained an active private practice, served 34 years as a school psychologist and counselor, is a prolific author and scholar, and is an innovator in the development of media-based training materials,” the award citation states. “His contribution to education and training is noteworthy for the volume of his professional production, the scope of topics addressed, and his ability to produce meaningful tools to change how psychologists are trained.”
Dr. Shannon Dermer, Chair of GSU’s Division of Psychology and Counseling, said Dr. Carlson is a creative force in the fields of psychology and counseling.
“Dr. Carlson’s contributions are immeasurable and his energy is boundless,” she noted. “Not only has he been a force in the profession, he has been an inspiration to his colleagues and students. Part of the shining reputation of the Division of Psychology and Counseling, and specifically the counseling program, is due to Dr. Carlson's hard work and dedication to a program that has grown immensely in numbers and reputation over the years.”
Dr. Carlson is the author of 55 books and more than 160 journal articles. He has served as editor of several periodicals, including the “Journal of Individual Psychology” and “The Family Journal.” He has served as the relationship expert on Chicago’s “WGN Morning Show” and appeared on NBC’s “Today.”
Since 1995, Dr. Carlson has produced and hosted videotapes and DVDs used in the education and training of psychologists. He has participated in the production of more than 300 professional trade videos and DVDs at GSU, many with leading professional therapists and educators. Beginning in 2000, he has produced videos and DVDs exclusively for the American Psychological Association. More than 150 programs have been developed and published with APA Books and Videos.
Dr. Carlson holds Diplomates in both Family Psychology and Adlerian Psychology. In 2004, the American Counseling Association named him a “Living Legend.” In 2009, Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association named him “Distinguished Psychologist” for his life contributions to psychotherapy. Dr. Carlson has received 12 Faculty Excellence Awards at GSU.
