FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Dr. Tom Jackson, professor of psychology at the University of Arkansas, has been twice honored recently by the American Psychological Association.

On Jan. 1 of this year, Jackson assumed the role of elected chair of the APA's Committee on Accreditation. This committee - composed of 21 members from various constituent groups - represents the highest evaluating body of more than 800 doctoral, internship and residency programs in psychology nationwide. It is the only committee authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to officially accredit psychology programs.

Jackson's dedication to the committee over the past several years strongly influenced the nomination process. In addition, the quality of his character was a deciding factor in the election, said Susan Zlotlow, director of program consultation and accreditation for the APA.

"Dr. Jackson is well-respected among colleagues within his field of study and within the profession as a whole," Zlotlow said. "Once he was nominated, no one else wanted to run against him. He was the logical and unanimous choice."

Jackson's field of study is the education, assessment, prevention and treatment of victims and perpetrators of violence. At the University of Arkansas, he coordinates the Center for Research on Aggression and Violence, also known as CRAV. This cooperative research group contains five faculty members and several doctoral students.

Through CRAV, Jackson conducts an outreach program for the NCAA - presenting workshops within college athletic departments on the dangers of violent behavior.

"We teach student athletes the difference between appropriate on-field and off-field behavior. We help them understand rape myths and instruct them on safe dating skills," he said. "We also help them understand that as student athletes they have special responsibilities and obligations that go along with their status."

Of the 3,000 athletes who have attended these workshops over the last ten years, not one has subsequently been charged for sexual or physical assault, said Jackson. However, charges have been filed against several students who missed the program.

This year, Jackson will chronicle the methods and success of these programs with the publication of a book: Violence Prevention for Athletes, co-authored by Dr. Doug McDonald, University of North Dakota, and Joanne Davis, an intern at the Medical University of South Carolina. He will also edit a special issue of the "Journal of Community Psychology" on violence within communities.

Jackson has previously published a book on acquaintance rape, and he acts as editor of "Innovations in Clinical Practice," an annual volume published by Professional Resource Press in Sarasota, Fla.

In addition to his work with CRAV, Jackson directs the UA doctoral program in clinical psychology. "Dr. Jackson is responsible for bringing this program to its current level of professionalism and prestige," said David Schroeder, chair of the psychology department. "His ability to unify faculty and to move them toward common goals and high standards has resulted in dramatic changes throughout the department."

This knack for bringing people together was also noted by the APA. "People like Dr. Jackson, and they trust him," said Zlotlow. "This may seem superfluous, but it's an important factor when working with so many different constituent groups. The chair must convince a wide variety of people that the purpose of accreditation is to raise standards within our profession. [Dr. Jackson] does this with finesse."

In a further show of gratitude for Jackson's work, the APA elected him a Fellow in the Division of Clinical Psychology -an honor granted to only five individuals this year out of 35,000 members. "The APA contains 60 divisions, and there are only 1,500 fellows," Jackson explained. "I view it as the highest honor that the APA can bestow on someone."

Despite his new responsibilities with the APA, Jackson is committed to continuing his work within the UA psychology department. "I have a real love for this program, this department, the university and the state," he said.

But according to Schroeder, the psychology department is not worried about Jackson neglecting his responsibilities. Jackson has already done them a great service. "As the clinical and experimental psychology programs pursue their goals, Dr. Jackson will add legitimacy in dealing with people at the national level," Schroeder said. "The reputation of our department has been tremendously enhanced through his accomplishments."

 

# # #