Dr. Celeste Malone Wins Presidential Award

Dr. Celeste Malone, associate professor and coordinator of the school psychology program, received the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Presidential Award in recognition of exceptional service to children and school psychology at the NASP convention on February 26, 2019 in Atlanta, GA.

NASP is a “professional association that represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries. The world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health.”

When asked about the award, Dr. Malone noted that she often talks with her students about the importance of professional advocacy and need for diverse leadership in professional associations. Her involvement in NASP began when she was a graduate student and served as the NASP student leader for her graduate program at Temple University and as a student member of the convention committee when the NASP convention was in Philadelphia.

Since that time, she has continuously been involved in NASP and was appointed to the NASP Board of Directors as a strategic liaison in 2017. Dr. Malone recognizes the importance of graduate student leadership and encourages her students to get involved on both the local and national levels. She noted that she strives “to be a role model” for her students and make her “actions congruent with her words.”

The Presidential Award was especially meaningful to Dr. Malone because more than 15 students and alumni attended the conference to present their research and receive professional development. Much of the student research that was presented at the conference was directed by Dr. Malone and other members of the school psychology program.

All were surprised by this award and Dr. Malone noted that students were “as excited, or more excited, about the award than I was!” In the end, Dr. Malone hopes that this award motivates her students during their own professional and leadership journey.

Congratulations, Dr. Malone!