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October 5, 2018

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cheryl Repass, Professor of Psychology; Director, Graduate Psychology Programs

Education:

A.A. Communications/Liberal Arts | Central College 1983

B.S.  Elementary Education and Psychology| Roberts Wesleyan College 1985

M.A. Psychology | Alfred University 1987

Psy.D. Field of Specialization: School Psychology| Alfred University 1996


Tell me about yourself

I was born and raised in North Chili by my parents who are both devoted alumni, Ron Follansbee Sr. ’62 and Janet (who attended for about three years). I am also an alumni of Roberts as I completed my bachelor's degree in 1985 here before earning my Master’s Degree in School Psychology at Alfred University. I was working at the Churchville-Chili School District and have always been a practitioner at heart and love the merge in disciplines of psychology and education. My husband Robert’91’04 and I married in 1999 and have two children. Before, the birth of my first child, I was approached by the College to think about writing a curriculum for two newly proposed program offerings in school psychology and school counseling. After completing this work, I was asked to teach full time and joined the Psychology Department in 2001.

What brought you to Roberts Wesleyan College?

I was approached by Dr. Fred Coisman (beloved psychology professor) to teach as an adjunct professor in 1988.  In 2001, Dr. Coisman contacted me again, asking me to consider a full-time professor opportunity at Roberts.  This was a difficult decision for me as I enjoyed my work in the schools very much. However, I felt the Lord’s nudging and a real sense of peace that this was God’s will for my life and my family.    

When did you start becoming interested in psychology?

I became interested in the field of psychology while attending Roberts as an undergraduate student.  Dr. Rod Bassett and Dr. Fred Coisman engaged my thinking and my interest in helping others. Although neither of them had a background in school psychology, they helped me to search out this career opportunity as a way for me to join my passions for working with children, education, and psychology.  

Do you have any advice for someone considering graduate school or a doctorate in Psychology?

Psychology is an exciting and diverse field where the opportunities to serve others has never been as critically needed as it is today. I guess what I would most like for people to know is that earning a degree in psychology can open doors for many and varied exciting opportunities for helping others. The rewards you will receive back are immeasurable.

What do you like the most about teaching?

I probably enjoy teaching psychological assessment courses the most both at the undergraduate and graduate level. It is such an applied course and allows students to try and put pieces together in order to better understand human behavior. The course content can naturally produce some interesting discussions in the classroom, which I love.

What is an interest you have outside of teaching?

I continue to have a strong interest in public education and for serving my local community in my role on the school board.  For the past two years, I have served as Churchville-Chili school board president which has allowed me to work more closely with other board leaders in the area.  I also continue to enjoy my work as a practitioner serving as a consultant to area school districts and working with families through the identification and diagnosis of individual learning differences, in order to reduce learning barriers for children.   

What is one highlight from your time at Roberts?

 My biggest satisfaction has been working on and supporting the launch of the first doctoral program at the college. I work alongside some wonderful colleagues that have been dedicated to seeing our doctoral program succeed. It is a program that we are very proud of and represents some of our best qualities and strengths as a faculty and department.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My most favorite part of my job is being able to watch my students obtain employment in the area and enjoying the work and the relationships they are making in the schools. I know they are making a difference. I am grateful that they feel that their time at Roberts was time well spent and the education they received here was worth the sacrifices they may have made.

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is, “Do what you love, and love what you do."  I love this quote because I feel that I get to do this every day in my life work.  I am blessed to have been given the career opportunities that I have had in my life and know that I am truly doing what I love to do.  I pray for that same blessing for my students as well.


Student Insight:

Christina Hart, Psy. D. Student

"Without Dr. Cheryl Repass, I truly would not be where I am today. She has educated, trusted and encouraged me not only academically, but personally as well. Dr. Repass invests her time into supporting and showing compassion to her students. She ensures when we enter our profession, we will show integrity, competency and respect. I am very thankful for all of the knowledge and professionalism Dr. Repass has displayed and provided to each of her students, including myself."