SU's Hopson Named Psychology Teacher of the Year

SALISBURY, MD---The Maryland Psychological Association has named Dr. Natalie Hopson, chair of Salisbury University’s Psychology Department, its Psychology Teacher of the Year for 2006.

Hopson, a 29-year veteran at the University, said she was surprised to receive the award, which recognizes a psychologist who has demonstrated dedication, innovation, and teaching excellence in psychology at the undergraduate level. She accepts the award Friday, October 27, at the association’s annual convention at the Marriott Conference Center in College Park, MD. Affiliated with the American Psychological Association, the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA) is the statewide professional association for Maryland psychologists. It has more than 1,200 members.

“Dr. Hopson’s continuous dedication and innovative work with undergraduate students both within and outside the classroom make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. Ellen Zinner, a former MPA president and assistant to the President at SU, who nominated Hopson.

Hopson was recognized in part for utilizing innovative technology, such as student response clickers, to stimulate discussion and ensure that students actively respond to questions. She recently received a Faculty Mentor Award to pilot the program at SU. She was also first in the Psychology Department to teach a Web course.

Hopson recently worked to establish an undergraduate research project poster competition at the association’s annual Ocean City Conference in May.

In 2002, Hopson was named Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society outstanding teacher of first year students and in 1997 received SU’s Excellence in Academic Advising Award. A licensed psychologist, she earned her Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Hopson currently teaches general psychology, but is best known for the Psychology of Women class she taught for more than two decades.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.
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