The Minnesota Psychological Association was founded in 1936 by University of Minnesota psychology professors E.G. Williamson, Donald G. Paterson and others from the psychology departments of Macalester College, Hamline University, Augsburg College and St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. The purpose was to establish an identity organization which psychologists could join and discuss common concerns and to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of research outcomes and teaching practices. The organizational structure was relatively informal, governed by an Executive Council (now called the Governing Council) with, initially, an Executive Secretary as the presiding officer. Eventually the Executive Secretary became the Executive Officer, which title remained for many years until more conventional organizational labels were adopted. By the middle 1950s, following the 1947 Boulder conference on the scientist-practitioner model, the association began to gradually move away from an academic orientation. A lobbying effort eventually yielded legislation establishing Certified and Certified Consulting Psychologist labels. By the latter 1960s, the limitations of that legislation were increasingly recognized and MPA established a formal lobbying effort to enact licensure. After initial failure, enabling legislation was passed in 1973 establishing a state board of psychology and Licensed and Licensed Consulting Psychologist designations with formal implementation taking place on April 1,1975. MPA since then has shifted its primary focus to the practice of psychology, but still retains a strong focus on research and evidence-based practice. Concurrent with the shift to applied practice has come the need for professional management of the association. In earlier years it was not uncommon for Executive Officers and other members of the Executive Council to remain in office for several years, supplying continuity and stability. Dr. Sam C. Scher holds the all-time record for Executive Officer of 19 years; Dr. Roland M. Peek was second at 13 years. It was not uncommon for members of the Executive Council to remain for a decade. Now the continuity and structure comes from the organization rather than individual people. MPA remains the most significant lobbying influence for Minnesota psychologists in the state legislature, and works with the Minnesota Board of Psychology to further the interests of psychologists in Minnesota. MPA is represented nationally at American Psychological Association meetings and committees. MPA Past Presidents2021: Jordan Robinson
2020: Willie Garrett
2019: Susan McPherson
2018: Bruce Bobbitt
2017: Steven Girardeau
2016: Robin McLeod
2015: Scott Palmer
2014: Steven Vincent 2013: Tabitha Grier-Reed 2012: Dan Christensen 2011: Joy Piccolino 2010: Rebecca Hage Thomley 2009: Harriett Copher Haynes 2008: Michael Brunner 2007: Mark Miller 2006: BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya 2005: Patricia Stark 2004: Elizabeth Super 2003: Kack Rossmann 2002: Myra Barrett 2001: Judith Steller 2000: Duane G. Ollendick 1999: Steve P. Gilbert 1998: Jack O’Regan 1997: Kathy Harowski 1996: Marge Charmoli 1992-1995: Seymour Z. Gross 1989-1991: Susan T. Rydell
1985-1988: Dennis O. Andersen 1982-1984: Barbara Dorset 1979-1981: Dorothy Loeffler 1977-1978: Alan H. Roberts 1975-1976: A. Jack Hafner 1973-1974: Wendell M. Swenson 1970-1972: Sam C. Scher 1969: Evelyn N. Deno 1963-1968: Roland M. Peek 1961-1962: Howard R. Davis 1956-1960: William Schofield 1951-1955: William M. Hales |