Department News

Two New Faculty Join the Psychology Department at Start of the Spring 09 Semester

The Psychology Department has grown to 10 faculty with the addition of two new faculty this semester. Mr. Randy Barnett has filled the Educational Psychology Position in the Department. Dr Jorie Edwards is a new Assistant Professor whose primary duties center on teaching courses in our graduate programs. Following is a brief bio on each person.

Mr. Randy Barnett

My name is Randy Barnett. I am originally from Elk City, OK, and a graduate of Merritt High School. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1996. In 1999, I obtained my Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Southwestern. In addition, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Psychologist. Prior to becoming employed as a full-time Instructor at SWOSU, I have worked at SWOSU’s Cedar Canyon Adventure Program for the past ten years where I served as the counselor for four years and the director for the past six years. For the past three years I have been teaching adjunct in the Psychology department. Currently I am working on a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Oklahoma State University and plan to complete my studies in May 2010. My research interests include motivational influences in the juvenile delinquent population.

In regards to my family, I have been married to my wonderful wife, Amy, for the past twelve years. The biggest joy in our life is our 5 year old daughter, Ella. In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and playing golf. I am excited to be joining SWOSU’s psychology department.

Dr. Jorie Edwards

Hello, I am Jorie Edwards, a native Midwesterner and new to the Weatherford area. I am looking forward to continuing learning about SWOSU and this community. I have a B.S from the University of Illinois where I majored in Psychology. Both my M.A. and Ph.D. focus on counseling psychology and are from Southern Illinois University. As a professional, I have had experiences both as a practitioner in college counseling centers and in private practice and all along I have been teaching various courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In this time, I have confirmed my strong belief that every one has unique strengths and amazing capacities to endure, learn, and grow from life’s many various challenges. I also believe in order for people to continue to learn about themselves, their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions need to be explored and nurtured. My clinical experience includes working with concerns such as anxiety, career development, communication, depression, interpersonal conflict, life transitions, stress, trauma recovery, and many other psychological and emotional issues. My research experience includes working with areas focused on career development, self-efficacy, and women’s concerns.