Div. 20 fellows committee report

Congratulations to Shevaun Neupert, PhD, new Div. 20 fellow.

As the fellows chair, I am pleased to announce that Shevaun Neupert has been recognized with fellow status in Div. 20. Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed within Div. 20, is an acknowledgement of distinguished and scholarly contribution to the field of adult development and aging. This recognition is based on her scientific and professional accomplishments and volunteer leadership and service within the field of psychology.

Neupert, an associate professor at North Carolina State University, has made outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in the forms of adding original empirical evidence to the literature, teaching and mentoring students in the field and providing service to local and national organizations that advance the field of psychology for both professional and lay audiences.

Here is what Neupert has to say about her newly achieved fellow status: “I am thrilled with this honor and am grateful to the many mentors, collaborators, research participants and students who make this work fulfilling and enjoyable.” A list of those who currently hold fellow status in Div. 20 can be found online.

Interested in becoming a fellow of Div. 20?

Application for fellow status is open to any APA member who meets the criteria of both APA and Div. 20. The requirements and access to the online application for Initial Fellow status are available on the APA fellows website. This page also provides advice for applicants and endorsers on submitting a successful application.

Div. 20 criteria for fellowship status can be found on the Div. 20 fellows page (PDF, 7KB). Div. 20 welcomes self- and other nominations for fellow status in APA and the division.

There are two processes: 

• If you are currently not a fellow in any APA division, you would be applying for initial fellow status.
• If you are a fellow in another APA division and you are a member of Div. 20, you can request consideration for fellow status in Div. 20.

Nominees should be aware of the importance of the nominee’s self-statement, which must make clear exactly how the nominee has made “unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology” (an essential APA requirement). Such contributions must go well beyond those typically necessary for tenure or promotion recommendations for individuals in academic positions. Also, although not mandatory, evidence of involvement in APA in general and Div. 20 in particular is very helpful and greatly strengthens the application.

Recommenders must fill out two forms. One is called a “Worksheet” and contains a rating scale. The second form (the “Fellow Status Evaluation Form”) includes the actual letter of recommendation. Nominees are expected to send both forms to their recommenders, unless someone else is handling the entire nomination process. The last day to submit all of the materials for initial fellow applications is Dec. 1.

The application process for individuals who are already fellows of an APA division requires only a current CV and brief cover letter sent directly to Alan Stevens. The deadline for submitting materials for current fellows is April 1.

Please contact Alan Stevens if you have any questions.