Monday, September 19, 2005

Writer: Julie Sartor, 706/542-4693, jsartor@uga.edu
Contact: Gayle Spears, 706/542-3931, gspears@uga.edu

Two doctoral students in UGA psychology programs receive the first Louise McBee Scholarships

Athens, GA – Two doctoral students in University of Georgia psychology programs have received the first Louise McBee Scholarships from the Athens Area Psychological Association (AAPA).

JaNae Taylor in the College of Education’s counseling psychology program and Amie Peloquin in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ clinical psychology program received the scholarship, which supports professional development of doctoral students in each of UGA’s three programs in psychology: counseling, school and clinical. There were no nominations in school psychology this year.

Taylor earned her master’s degree in community counseling at UGA. She received her bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University. During her graduate studies, she has facilitated counseling groups with female juvenile offenders and homeless women. She plans to pursue an academic career upon completion of her doctorate.

Peloquin earned her master’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and her bachelor’s from Saginaw Valley State University (Michigan). She is interested in researching how cognitive performance variables are related to an older person’s ability to live independently. After earning her doctorate, she intends to work as a neuropsychologist in a hospital setting, utilizing a team approach to treatment and care.

The AAPA created the scholarship to honor former Athens state representative and UGA administrator Louise McBee after her retirement. Prior to serving 13 years in the Georgia General Assembly, McBee held several posts at UGA, including dean of women, dean of students, assistant vice president for instruction, associate and senior associate vice president for academic affairs. She also served on the Institute of Higher Education faculty and retired from UGA in 1988 as vice president for academic affairs emerita.

The award, which recognizes McBee’s commitment to the field of psychology, issues related to women and UGA, covers the students’ registration fee to attend the Georgia Psychological Association Annual Meeting.