Psychology Department Announces Leadership Change

July 31, 2023

Northwestern Oklahoma State University has new leadership in the Psychology Department as Dr. Taylor Randolph has assumed the role as its new chair.

“As a respected member of the department and of the counseling profession in northwest Oklahoma for many years, Dr. Randolph has demonstrated strong leadership skills and genuine empathy for others,” said Dr. James Bell, vice president for academic affairs. “I have no doubt that he will continue to build upon these strengths as he steps into the role of department chair.”

Dr. Steve Maier, dean of faculty, also said he’s confident in Randolph’s abilities to lead the program.

“I look forward to working with Dr. Randolph as the new chair of the Psychology Department,” Maier said. “His broad scope of knowledge in counseling and experience as a full-time faculty member here at Northwestern will benefit the department and our students greatly. Dr. Randolph’s in-depth knowledge of the department’s degree offerings and his genuine, vested interest to empower others to make an impact in the discipline are invaluable. Through his leadership, I anticipate new avenues of programmatic growth and the enrichment of existing degree offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels.”

Randolph, who serves the university as an associate professor of psychology, joined the Northwestern faculty in the fall of 2016. He teaches courses in experimental psychology, research methodology and overcoming child trauma. He is involved with the NWOSU Enid Psychology Club, NWOSU Faculty Senate and NWOSU Diversity Committee. 

Randolph said he would like to increase visibility for the psychology department by highlighting the accomplishments of its students and faculty members. Randolph said the strength of the NWOSU psychology department lies in its students' drive to help others and to learn more about the field.

“The psychology department is blessed to have compassionate experts in the discipline of counseling psychology and education as faculty members,” Randolph said.

Randolph said spotlighting the differences made by the gifted individuals in the department will inspire others to become positive forces of change in the lives of individuals within their communities.

“I love to see the reaction of students when a topic of discussion hits home,” Randolph said. “When a student makes new neural connections, their emotions shine through in their eyes, their body language, and passion in their speech. This is when true, meaningful, transformational learning takes place.”

The Psychology Department under the School of Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree with minors in Sports Psychology, Substance Abuse and General Psychology. The department also offers a Master of General Psychology degree and a Master of Counseling Psychology degree with tracks in Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. 

For more information about the department, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-professional-studies/psychology or contact Randolph at (580) 213-3119 or jtrandolph@nwosu.edu.  

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu; 580-327-8480