Brad A. Alford, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at The University of Scranton

Jun 25, 2013
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 27, for Brad A. Alford, Ph.D., professor of psychology at The University of Scranton, at noon in the PNC Auditorium (room 133) of the Loyola Science Center.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 27, for Brad A. Alford, Ph.D., professor of psychology at The University of Scranton, at noon in the PNC Auditorium (room 133) of the Loyola Science Center.

Brad A. Alford, Ph.D., 60, of Greentown, formerly of the Progress, Miss., community, died June 21, in Scranton after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Alford was born May 1, 1953, in Tylertown, Miss., the son of the late C.A. Alford, Jr., and supportive mother Marilyn Alford. He is survived by his son Jason, New York, N.Y., and his wife Cheryl, of Greentown.

A Professor of Psychology at The University of Scranton for 23 years, Dr. Alford contributed empirical, theoretical, and meta-theoretical research on behaviorism and cognitive therapy. He completed his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Cognitive Therapy, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Alford published several important books and numerous articles in the top psychotherapy journals. He worked closely with Dr. Aaron T. Beck, recognized as the father of cognitive therapy.

Dr. Alford joined the faculty of the University’s Psychology Department in 1989 and was promoted to professor of psychology in 1999. His previous positions include visiting assistant professor, Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky; clinical director, Northwest Tennessee Mental Health Center, Inc., Martin, Tennessee; and program director, Intensive Rehabilitation Program, Western Mental Health Institute in Tennessee.

We are defined by the people we love and the things we do. Dr. Alford was a loving father and husband, a beloved professor to his students, and a thoughtful and kind older brother. He was always generous with his time in helping others, respected for his healing work in his profession, and admired for his wisdom. He was a strong, smart, happy, and good man. His dignified and accomplished life, his courage, and his cheerful vitality will be deeply missed.

Special friends included the late Geary Alford, Gina Alford, Jack Sawyer, Jim Buchanan and the late Buddy Simmons. Immediate relatives include Gary Alford of Silverthorne, Colo., Richard Alford of Brandon, Miss., the late Ronnie Alford of McComb, Miss., Susan Moore of Hattiesburg, Miss., and John Alford of Sandestin, Fla.

Gifts in memory of Dr. Alford can be made to “The Dr. Brad Alford Memorial Fund” at The University of Scranton. Memorial gifts can be made online at www.scranton.edu/makeagift by checking “Other” and writing in “Dr. Alford.” Checks can be mailed to The University of Scranton, P.O. Box 1385, Scranton, Pa., 18501-1385. For additional information please call 570-941-7725. 

A memorial service will be held at The Loyola Science Center, PNC Auditorium (room 133) at The University of Scranton, Thursday, June 27, at noon.


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