Paula Varnado-Sullivan

Professor Boosts Students' Scholarly Curiosity in Psychology

Paula Varnado-Sullivan didn’t set out to become a teacher. In fact, this year’s recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching happily stumbled upon the career path.

    “I accidentally discovered teaching. I was working in a hospital setting and was miserable,” recalls the professor of psychology. “I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in teaching a night class at Southeastern. I am not sure why I said ‘yes,’ as I am typically terrified of speaking in front of large groups. However, it was one of the best decisions I have made. I discovered I love teaching.”

    “My goal as an educator is to present information to students in a manner that is understandable and relevant,” she added. “The information presented should be applicable to the student’s everyday experiences. I also try to promote attendance and retention, because I appreciate the competing demands or temptations students often face.”     

    Originally from Denham Springs, the psychology graduate coordinator teaches a variety of general psychology courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. She created a group for her students called “Research Incubator for Psychology Students” (RIPS) to facilitate undergraduate research opportunities.

    “I feel that my most important innovations in teaching have been the development of RIPS and the summer program I do with graduate students to help them develop their research protocols and doctoral application of job materials,” she said.

    Varnado-Sullivan was the first member of her family to attend college. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from LSU and specializes in research and treatment of eating disorders, depression and anxiety.

     At Southeastern, she has chaired 23 thesis committees, one non-thesis committee, and served as a member of an additional 47. She has supervised 23 practicum students who have trained in a number of settings, including the university Counseling Center, Hammond Substance Abuse, and private practices in the community. She has also trained numerous graduate and undergraduate research assistants through their participation with independent research or as her research assistants.

    According to Susan Coats, interim head of the Department of Psychology, Varnado-Sullivan regularly engages students in scholarly work. She supervises research projects conducted by students who go on to present at national, state, or regional conferences. She secures money to fund student travel to conferences and collaborates with students on publications.

    “She is among our department’s most active faculty in terms of supervising these and other experiential experiences,” Coats said. “These activities allow students to develop valuable skills and, at the same time, boost students’ scholarly curiosity and interest in our field.

    “Her performance in class is certainly evidence of good teaching. Yet, what makes Dr. Varnado truly exceptional is her teaching and mentoring outside the classroom,” said Coats. “For years, Dr. Varnado carried the largest advising load in our department, as students would seek her out informally or request to be assigned to her. Students are drawn to Dr. Varnado because they accurately sense that she is there to help.”

    Elizabeth R. Brown, a former student of Varnado-Sullivan’s and now an assistant professor of social psychology at the University of North Florida, says Varnado-Sullivan is very dedicated to her students, and offered her much needed advice and guidance during her tenure at Southeastern.

    “Dr. Varnado-Sullivan provided me with a wonderful role model for the type of professor I want to be. She provided and continues to provide great mentorship and honest feedback, which have made her a well-known asset for undergraduate and graduate students.” she said. “Without her support and guidance, my experience at Southeastern would have lacked the necessary attributes that made me successful in my graduate and professional career. For that I am truly grateful.”

    Over the past 10 years, Varnado-Sullivan has served as faculty sponsor for the local chapter of Psi Chi, the national student honor society of psychology. Prior to her involvement, the chapter had fallen by the wayside, according to Coats. Varnado-Sullivan resurrected the organization and transformed it into a thriving student organization that today boasts an active membership. In recognition of her efforts, she was named the Psi Chi Southwestern Regional Advisor of 2012.

    “Motivated by a genuine interest in students and powered by her creativity, she has found ways to educate the whole student. Psi Chi, RIPS, the graduate summer program – these represent the primary avenues by which our students engage with their field and with one another outside of the classroom,” Coats said. “It is rare to find someone who invests as much personal time and effort into helping others succeed. Dr. Varnado personifies what it means to be an excellent educator.”