Darshon Anderson
Darshon Anderson, assistant professor of psychology and director of Assessment for Diversity Initiatives at the University of Central Arkansas, has been elected president-elect of the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA).
SWPA is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and represents Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Anderson was elected president-elect in March.
“I was honored and excited to be elected for the position,” she said. “It is an honor to know that my colleagues, peers and students—which includes over 850 members—in the southwest region trust me to lead our organization. I am excited to help the organization grow and promote the advancement, communication and application of psychological science.”
Anderson has been a member of the organization for eight years. Before being elected to her new role, she was completing her third term as a professional representative of the association.
“It has meant a lot to me because it has served as a great source for networking, professional development and service,” Anderson said. “I have been able to establish research collaborations through attendance at the annual conference, learn new teaching strategies and techniques through the affiliate organization symposiums and seminars, and serve students as a graduate school panelist and as a reviewer of conference submissions and research award competitions.”
In her new role, Anderson will work with the organization’s president’s council and executive council to help drive key initiatives and plan the annual conference. After her year in this role, she will serve as president and preside over meetings and affairs of the association.
“My plan for the organization is to support and strengthen connections between members, professional and student, enhance the communication of research conducted by our membership, improve our organization’s social media presence and encourage the application of psychological knowledge to address large societal challenges,” Anderson said.
Anderson said her mentorship at UCA has supported the journey that led to this role.
“The mentorship that I have received from various colleagues at UCA has been extremely beneficial and helped prepare me for this role,” she said. “I appreciate the support and leadership of my colleague Dr. Shawn Charlton, who serves as the Southwest Regional vice president of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. I have also received invaluable mentorship from Dr. Angela Webster, who is the associate VP of the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion; Dr. Taine Duncan, who is chair of the Philosophy and Religion department and director of Gender Studies; and from Dr. Candice Barnes, who is the current Faculty Senate president and associate professor of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education.”
