2025 Presidential Citations

Stephanie Afful,
STP President

July 1, 2025 

It is my great privilege to award this year’s Presidential Citations to two inspiring colleagues: Dr. Stephen Chew and Dr. Susan Nolan. STP’s Presidential Citations recognize “individuals who have made extraordinary lifetime contributions to the Society and/or to the teaching of psychology.”

Many of you have read their work, engaged in meaningful conversations and collaborations with them at conferences, and witnessed firsthand their profound impact on the teaching of psychology. The highlights that follow only begin to capture their contributions—but they more than justify STP’s highest recognition.

Dr. Stephen L. Chew 

Professor of Psychology, Samford University

Dr. Chew’s teaching excellence has been widely recognized by STP (2005 Robert S. Daniel Excellence in Teaching Award), APA (2018 Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award), and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (2011 U.S. Professor of the Year).

But his impact extends far beyond the classroom. I want to especially highlight his exceptional writing, his generosity in sharing resources, and his remarkable ability to build community—through workshops, keynotes, thoughtful publications, and behind-the-scenes contributions.

His textbooks, columns, and online content have enriched psychology education for countless instructors. His willingness to share resources—whether through YouTube or STP forums—embodies the spirit of mentorship and collaboration that defines our community. His leadership as NITOP conference director has also been invaluable in fostering meaningful connections.

Colleagues describe Steve as “brilliant and humble” and a “consummate teacher.” A long-time advocate of active learning, Steve has inspired generations of educators. Past STP President Amy Fineburg, one of Steve’s former students, modeled her early teaching style after his, encouraging students to demonstrate psychological concepts in class. Steve not only cares about his own students, but all students.

Steve’s commitment to student success is evident in his widely viewed YouTube series on effective, cognitively based study strategies—now with over two million views. He also founded PsychFriday, a long-running event in Birmingham that engages high school students, teachers, and the public in psychology, while giving Samford students a platform to present their work.

Dr. Susan A. Nolan

Professor of Psychology, Seton Hall University

Dr. Nolan has an extraordinary record of service to STP (President, 2021), the Eastern Psychological Association (President, 2014), and Seton Hall (Faculty Service Award, 2014). She is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, the author of widely used Introduction to Psychology and Statistics textbooks, and a frequent contributor to Psychology Today.

I want to especially recognize Susan’s visionary leadership in expanding STP’s international programming and championing global learning. From her role as Vice President of Diversity and International Relations, through her presidency and its initiatives, to her current position as Director of International Programming, Susan has done more than anyone to bring STP’s resources to a global audience.

Under her leadership, STP has sponsored conferences in Australia, France, India, and Mexico, and partnered with international teaching organizations. Her work as co-founder and lead of the International Collaboration of Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes (ICUPO) has been especially impactful in defining global competencies.

In addition to her textbooks, writing, and advocacy, Susan is a true leader in every space she occupies.  Susan is a generous and skilled collaborator. She consistently uplifts students and colleagues—presenting with them, nominating them for opportunities, and helping advance their careers. She actively seeks out new collaborators and ensures that programs and initiatives are inclusive and welcoming.

Susan builds coalitions and opens doors. Her international work reflects her unique ability to rally people around the shared mission of teaching psychology effectively to as many students as possible.

Please join me in congratulating two of the very best, Dr. Stephen L. Chew and Dr. Susan A. Nolan! We will also be honoring them in Minneapolis this October at ACT. 

Read past letters from the STP President