Loyola professor of psychology, Janet R. Matthews Ph.D., received the 2011 Louisiana Psychological Association Distinguished Psychologist Award on June 20 for her achievements and contributions to the science and profession of psychology.

“I was truly honored to be selected by the Psychological Association because it is a recognition not of one particular activity but a lifetime contribution to my profession,” Matthews remarked. “It was also important that this award was presented at a time when my psychologist-husband could be with me and share the experience. I could not have accomplished what I have done without his encouragement and support.”

Matthews joined Loyola’s Department of Psychology in 1984. She has held multiple professional offices including serving as chair of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, president of the Southwestern Psychological Association, president of the teaching division of the American Psychological Association, and member of the board of directors of both the American Psychological Association and the American Board of Assessment Psychology.

“For me, psychology is an exceptionally broad field,” said Matthews. “Some members of my discipline are highly specialized while others are more generalists, but none of us can really keep up with advances in the entire discipline. Having an understanding of the basic principles of psychology is helpful to those who have no interest in actually becoming a psychologist. These principles help you evaluate the adequacy of studies that are so often quoted in the popular media, understand relationship issues, analyze advertisements and how they can manipulate us to focus on certain products rather than others and aid us in our own self-evaluations.”

Matthews regularly teaches Psychology of Women, Clinical Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Practicum in Applied Psychology at Loyola. She has also published four books, 13 book chapters and more than 40 journal articles.