Interview with Jeffrey N. Wherry, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.,

Having been a student and now a professor at ACU, what advantages or unique abilities do you think ACU psychology graduates obtain from their education and other experiences at ACU?

Availability of faculty and involvement with students stands out as the ACU difference.  This was true for me as an undergraduate student from 1974-1977, and as a faculty member it is something for which I strive.  The Christian perspective and the integration of faith and learning is an additional, expected difference, but one that should not be underestimated in terms of its impact on a lifetime.

What is an average class like?

There is a mixture of lecture utilizing Power Point, question and answer, and anecdotes. In graduate classes, students are expected to develop and apply various psychological skills.

How do you help students learn material?

I present and assess knowledge in different formats. Classes typically require some applied project, so that the material becomes more alive. Additionally, a wide variety of materials are posted for students on Blackboard.

What do you expect from students?

Effort, willingness to accept feedback, a good attitude, and seriousness with their studies—also a good sense of humor.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I would like to build on student strengths, so that every student earns a grade that is consistent with their knowledge and level of commitment to the course. I try to emphasize what we know based on science and to differentiate my experience or opinion from what science confirms. Integration of Christmas principles related to family and child development and emphasized.

What strengths do you bring to the department?

A blue collar attitude with regard to work. That is, I generally work as hard or harder than students.

What are your areas of scholarship experience?

Child trauma, PTSD, and dissociation

Child abuse, assessment

 
What are your research interests?

The effects of child sexual abuse

What is your educational background?

Abilene Christian University (1977) B.S. and B.S.Ed.

University of Texas at Tyler (1979) M.S. in Psychology

University of Southern Mississippi (1982) Ph.D. in School Psychology

What was your dissertation topic?