Morehead State University’s Dr. David Olson, associate professor of psychology, has been elected President-Elect of the Kentucky Psychological Association. Dr. Olson will serve as president-elect in 2014; president in 2015; and past-president in 2016.
Dr. Olson received a B.S. degree in psychology from Tulane University and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University.
Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, Dr. Olson practiced as a clinical psychologist for several years in Oklahoma. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Kentucky. Dr. Olson’s research interests center upon various personality dispositions, including narcissism, inhibitory and approach systems (BIS/BAS), and proneness to shame and guilt. He is particularly interested in the experience of danger and threat to the self and the various interpersonal, affective, and cognitive responses to such threats.
Dr. Olson serves as the director of Clinical Training for the M.S. program in Clinical Psychology and currently teaches three graduate courses. He regularly teaches undergraduate classes in Personality and in Abnormal Psychology.
The Kentucky Psychological Association has represented the interests of psychologists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky since 1932. Voting members include doctoral and master's level psychology professionals with a variety of training experiences and work placements. Affiliate members include students (from undergraduate through the post-doctoral year) and out-of-state psychology professionals. Allied health professionals may join as a KPA Supporter.
The Association has developed a strong voice in Frankfort on issues of practice and regulation, inclusion of mental health services in health care reform, and advocacy for services for the mentally ill. KPA has played a leadership role in developing coalitions with other professions, agencies, and advocates to provide greater coordination of services and public education on mental health issues.
Activities of Kentucky Psychologists include: university based research and teaching; provision of direct clinical services in private practice or within community care centers; work in psychiatric hospitals and medical centers; consultations to government agencies and the business sector; and, the provision of expert testimony on the legal system.
KPA's activities include a wide variety of educational offerings for psychologists and other mental health professionals, including a three-day Annual Convention. Members enjoy many opportunities for networking and information exchange through KPA activities and publications. Based on the widespread and growing participation of its members, KPA has dedicated itself to being an energetic and active voice for all of psychology in Kentucky.
KPA's partner organization, the Kentucky Psychological Foundation, is host to what is reported to be the largest state psychological association-sponsored academic conference in the country, and includes research competition and volunteer opportunities for graduate and undergraduate psychology students throughout the Commonwealth.
The 2014 KPF Spring Academic Conference will be held March 29 at Asbury University.