American Psychological Association Honors Duquesne Educational Leader

Dr. Tammy L. Hughes, who holds the Rev. Martin A. Hehir, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair for Scholarly Excellence and serves as chair of the department of counseling, psychology and special education in the School of Education, has been elected a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Hughes is widely known as the author and co-author of many books and publications on child violence, bullying, childhood emotional disturbances and conduct problems. Her work includes assessment, counseling and consultation services of youth in juvenile justice settings.

To be considered for the honor of a Fellow, an APA member must demonstrate unusual and outstanding contributions with national impact on the field. Nominations made to divisions are then reviewed by the APA Fellows Committee, which in turn makes recommendations to the APA board and Council of Representatives. The council, which represents 150,000 APA members, votes on Fellow status.

“The School of Education boasts a faculty known for its scholarly contributions,” said Dean Olga Welch. “Dr. Hughes provides a stellar example of the faculty’s equal commitment to ensuring that its scholarship results in better educational outcomes for children and youth. Clearly, Dr. Hughes’ selection as an APA Fellow attests to the major impact of her scholarship on the practice of school psychology and the field of education.”

While being named a Fellow is a distinct honor, this is not the first time a professional group has recognized Hughes. In 2009, she received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to Children from the National Association of School Psychologists for collaborative efforts, as an APA leader, to find solutions to social problems that children face.

Hughes also has been recognized as Reviewer of the Year for the School Psychology Quarterly, received the President’s Award for Service and Leadership, an outstanding Service Award from Division 16 of the APA, and a President’s Award for Service and Leadership from the national organization Trainers of School Psychologists. In addition, she has received a President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and two Creative Teaching Awards at Duquesne.

“One of the greatest honors one can receive is recognition by an audience of your peers for the work you do,” Hughes said. “I am thankful that my work on behalf of children has had a positive impact.

“I believe that the field of school psychology shows great promise for bridging the services at-risk children need across school, family and community settings; school psychologists are especially well situated to advocate for intervening with youth who find themselves trapped in poverty and the school-to-prison pipeline,” Hughes said. “I look forward to next steps in developing policy around deterrent programming to keep children in school in a manner where they can realize meaningful successes.”