Psychology Professor Named Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year

May 29, 2015

University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., congratulates John “Jack” O’Malley, Ph.D., ’64, professor of psychology emeritus at The University of Scranton, on his being named the 2014-2015 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year.

John “Jack” O’Malley, Ph.D., ’64, professor of psychology emeritus at The University of Scranton, has been named the 2014-2015 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year.

The award, formally known as the Gannon Award, in honor of Fr. Edward Gannon, S.J., is the oldest teaching award at the University. Established in 1969 by the University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, the award recognizes outstanding teaching among faculty. Student members of Alpha Sigma Nu select the professor to be honored.

The former chair of Scranton’s Psychology Department, Dr. O’Malley joined the faculty at the University in 1968. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. O’Malley has served as faculty advisor in the CAS Academic Advising Center, as Scranton’s NCAA faculty athletics representative and as assistant coach with the women’s varsity softball team.

Dr. O’Malley is currently chair of the Bochicchio Sports Character Initiative, a group of more than 100 professional educators and coaches who volunteer their time and expertise organizing and teaching workshops for coaches, parents and young athletes. The initiative has held an annual conference at The University of Scranton since 2006 and has welcomed many distinguished speakers.

His deep commitment to sportsmanship, youth sport and coach education has earned him numerous honors, including the Rev. Paul R. Beining Service Award from The University of Scranton, the Sports Ethics Fellow Award from the Institute of International Sport and an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award from the Pennsylvania State Athletics Directors Association. In 2012, he was inducted into the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Prior to this year’s selection as Scranton’s Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year, Dr. O’Malley received the 2014 O’Hara Award, which recognizes Scranton graduates and others who have achieved distinction in their professional or personal endeavors, and the Teacher of the Year Award from the University’s graduating class of 2009.

After graduating from The University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Dr. O’Malley earned his master’s degree and doctorate in general experimental psychology from Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio.

The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at The University of Scranton. Juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

 

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