Interview
with Cherisse Y. Flanagan, M.S., L.P.C.
What unique experiences and or
advantages do you think ACU graduates have?
I believe that ACU students have an opportunity
to develop themselves as servant leaders during their time at ACU. The environment
is so rich with Christian leaders to mentor and guide. One thing I think is
very distinct about the ACU experience is global experience. It is the rare
class that does not have students from different countries and cultures to
learn and grow in relationship with you. I also think that students who take
advantage of the study abroad program and mission programs will have a better
foundation for which to maneuver our growing global world.
What is an average class
like? How do you lecture? What is your teaching philosophy/style?
I love
Psychology. I love teaching. My goal in teaching is to spark curiosity and
engage students in questioning and learning. I believe good teaching is much
more than a well-structured lecture, but includes collaboration between professor
and students. I strive to blend the best of classical instruction methods with
more participatory, open-ended techniques. I strongly value the use of probing
and discussion in my classes and believe that I have a special talent for this.
There are times when classroom dynamics make that difficult and I think of that
as a special challenge to overcome. I have learned to include non-threatening
activities involving self-disclosure early in the semester to help the students
begin developing relationships with each other. I believe that when they are
comfortable with each other and with me that it facilitates learning. I also strive
to include learning activities in my classes. Among my favorites is a group
activity using M&M’s to “build a house” which I use to illustrate
personality styles.
What do you expect from
students?
My charge to my classes is for them to be
authentic, accountable, thoughtful, curious, and passionate about learning.
When I teach Developmental Psychology, there is opportunity to make connections
to your own development and the life of your family. I never ask students to
share their own experiences if they are uncomfortable doing so, but I do try to
bridge the space between theory and our personal lives.
What strengths do you
bring to the department?
Enthusiasm, a desire to connect with students, and
real world counseling experience. As the Psychology Clinic Director, I bring
the strength of administration. I love to build programs – I enjoy creating
policies and seeing my work improve the education and training of our students.
Also, as one of only a few women on the psychology faculty, I bring the
feminine viewpoint and a desire to mentor students. I also make really great
coffee.
What are your Research Interests?
I am very interested in the development of
girls, particularly in the effects of media and the oversexualization of
children. For example, we know that media stereotypes reinforce a traditional
female role, limiting their vision for themselves. I am also very interested in
autism spectrum disorders, infant mental health, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is your personal
background? What is most important to you?
I was born in
I have a strong sense of who I am first
as a child of God, then as a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and teacher. In
all of those roles, I seek to develop
the gifts that God gave me to his glory. I value Christian Higher Education,
and especially the freedom at ACU to nurture and develop ourselves spiritually
and mentally, hopefully in the pursuit of making the world a better place.
What is your
education background?
Presentations and
publications
Flanagan,
C., Shewmaker, J. (2008). Princess and the popstar. Talk
presented at Highland
Church of Christ, March,
2008,
Flanagan,
C. Learning disabilities: Ethical considerations of assessment and
recommendations.
Guest speaker for the Abilene Psychological
Association, October 2006,
Flanagan, C., Schneller, G., Swenson, J.E.
Current trends in mental health on college campuses. Talk presented for the Abilene Psychological
Association, April 2006,
Flanagan, C. Balancing life and
work. Invited speaker for the City of
February 2003,
Flanagan, C. Case study analysis.
Invited clinical panelist for the Abilene Psychological
Association, December 2002,
Flanagan, C., Hughes, L. Surfin’ for
love: The culture of internet dating among college students.
Flanagan, C. Surfin’ for love:
Internet dating.
Hughes, L., Flanagan, C. Implementing
career and counseling programs in residence halls. Talk presented at the Texas Association of College
and University Student Personnel Administrators,
October 12, 1998,
Flanagan, C.Y., Perkins, T.S., &
Vanderford, C. (1996, April). Factors affecting the activities
of daily living in four stages
of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Paper accepted for presentation at the 42nd annual meeting of
the Southwestern Psychological
Association,
Perkins, T.S. & Flanagan, C.Y. (1995,
November). Psychological Distress Level and Closed Head Injury: Clinical Considerations and
Implications. Paper accepted for presentation at the 29th annual convention of the Association for
Advancement of Behavior Therapy,
Flanagan, C.Y. & Perkins, T.S. (1995,
April). Postconcussional Disorder and Mild Neurocognitive Disorder as proposed DSM-IV
Categories. Paper accepted for presentation at the 41st annual meeting of the Southwestern
Psychological Association,
Hale, D.D., Perkins, T.S. & Flanagan,
C.Y. (1994, April). Closed Head Injury and Personality Functioning: Preliminary
Findings and Clinical Cautions. Paper accepted for presentation at the 40th annual
meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association,
Kunkel, M.A., Williams, C.S., Plescia, J.
& Yungblut, C. (1989, April). Expectations About
Counseling/Psychotherapy
and Life Experiences in Elderly Persons. Paper accepted for
presentation at the 35th annual
meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association,
