'Abnormal' Angelo State University Psych Professor Takes Leadership Role

SAN ANGELO, TX – Dr. Drew Curtis of the Angelo State University psychology faculty has been appointed the executive officer for the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA), the regional affiliate of the American Psychological Association.

Appointed to a three-year term, Curtis will serve at the direction of the SWPA president and Executive Council to carry out the business of the corporation and manage and supervise various issues and staff. His duties will include annual conference organization, selecting conference sites, managing organizational documents and bylaws, overseeing organizational insurance, attending executive council meetings, and offering consultation to the president and president's council.

"It is a great honor to continue to serve the Southwestern Psychological Association and further contribute to its success as the new executive officer," Curtis said. "SWPA has impacted so many students and professionals. In fact, it was the very first academic conference I attended. My hope is to continue the legacy of great leaders who have served the SWPA members and kept to the mission of promoting and strengthening psychology's scientific, professional and educational facets."

The SWPA serves approximately 1,170 members across nine states: Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Curtis previously served as president of SWPA.

"This appointment as executive officer is also another opportunity to continue developing relationships for our counseling psychology graduate students," Curtis said, "and to model the importance of collaboration, consultation and continuing education among mental health practitioners."

An ASU faculty member since 2013, Curtis is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, director of ASU's nationally recognized counseling psychology graduate programs, and president of the Psychological Association of Greater West Texas. He is also the author of two books:

• "Abnormal Psychology: Myths of 'Crazy'" (2020)
• "Foundations of Abnormality: Myths, Misconceptions, and Movies" (2018)

In addition to his books, Curtis has been published in a wide variety of professional journals, including the International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, Journal of Relationships Research, North American Journal of Psychology, American Journal of Psychological Research, International Journal of Health Sciences Education, Journal of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, and others. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State University and his doctorate from Texas Woman's University.