Hail to the Chief

By Desiree Holz ’23, July 20, 2021

Professor Bernard Beins named president of Eastern Psychological Association

Bernard Beins standing in front of a bookshelf

(Photo Submitted)

Professor of psychology Bernard Beins was named the Eastern Psychological Association’s (EPA) president for 2021. The honor comes 45 years after one of Beins’ earliest professional accolades.

“My first professional conference presentation in 1976 was at an EPA convention,” he said. “Naturally, I didn’t develop my connection to EPA with the thought that this would be the outcome. I simply did my best to further the work that EPA does. It is very gratifying to see that my professional friends and colleagues regard me highly enough to elect me to this role.”

An accomplished research psychologist, Beins organized and presided over the annual EPA conference, which featured presentations by several IC students. He also came up with the conference’s “Developing Critical Thinking” theme.

“I want people to come away with an understanding of the importance of psychology’s role in the development of critical thinking and how psychology can contribute to civic discussion.”

Bernard Beins, professor of psychology

Beins, will serve a one-year term and help determine the next president-elect as well.

“I want people to come away with an understanding of the importance of psychology’s role in the development of critical thinking and how psychology can contribute to civic discussion,” Beins said. “I also hope people think about what psychology has to say about critical thinking, scientific literacy and problem solving.”

“It is always a pleasure to see the pride students take in their work ... Our department is highly regarded for the way it prepares students to enter the professional community.”

Bernard Beins

IC students have been presenting research at EPA symposiums for years, something Beins, who received a Faculty Excellence Award in 2010, is very proud of.

“It is always a pleasure to see the pride students take in their work,” he said. “They realize that they are part of a larger community of research scientists and are contributing to the body of psychological knowledge. Their work is at the same high level of professionalism. Our department is highly regarded for the way it prepares students to enter the professional community.”

Previously, Beins, who joined the EPA in 1974, served as the association’s historian and organized its 125th year celebration. He also served as president of the New England Psychological Association in 2016.

The EPA is the oldest regional psychology association in the United States, has been a part of many cutting-edge ideas in psychology and played an important role in the development of psychology as a whole.