Roberta Nutt has been selected by the American Psychological Association (APA) Committee on Women Psychology (CWP) as a CWP Distinguished Leadership Award recipient for 2015 for her work on behalf of women in psychology.  Nutt is a Clinical Professor & Training Director of the Counseling Psychology Program in the Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences (PHLS).

The CWP particularly noted that Nutt’s work significantly contributed to establishing that women achieve equity as members of the psychological community and as consumers of psychological services.   Her work ensured that issues pertaining to women are retained at the forefront of psychology research, education, training and practice.

Nutt accepted her award at the American Psychological Association (APA) convention in Toronto, Canada during the Division 35, Society for the Psychology of Women, Business Meeting/Awards Presentation. The Award will also be published in Women’s Psych-E and is included on the CWP Leadership Awards Page.  Inclusion on the Leadership Awards page concretely demonstrates her sisterhood with the esteemed psychologists who have preceded her as CWP Leadership Awards recipients.

The award is based upon the lifetime emphasis in Nutt’s career on social justice and the psychology of women and psychological practice with women.  This emphasis is reflected in her journal articles, books and book chapters, professional presentations and practice, teaching, and leadership in developing national practice guidelines. 

“I am very honored and pleased to receive this prestigious American Psychological Association award,” said Nutt.  “Recognition of my personal commitment to women’s issues makes this award all the more meaningful.”

Nutt was one of the original contributors to the Principles Concerning the Counseling and Therapy of Women; the co-chair for the task force which developed APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women; and, the co-editor of a volume on Psychological Practice with Women: Guidelines, Diversity, Empowerment.

“Dr. Nutt’s distinguished record of service extends to her scholarship, professional practice, teaching, leadership, and service,” said Jennifer P. Wisdom, Chair, Committee on Women Psychology. “Her many endeavors reflect the impact and importance of her work.”

During her tenure at Texas Woman’s University, Nutt founded and served as director of one of the first counseling psychology graduate programs to offer opportunities to specialize in gender issues. Her service on the Texas State licensing board and committees helped ensured that gender-related ethical issues were addressed at the state level.

Nutt has served as the past-president and fellow of the Society of Counselling Psychology and the Society for Family Psychology, and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, the Society for the Psychology of Women, the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, and International Psychology.

“Dr. Nutt continues to make us proud with the national impact she has made in the advancement of women’s issues in the field of Psychology,” said associate professor and PHLS chair, Ezemenari Obasi.

Throughout her extensive service, she has modeled the importance of professional and civic involvement and a sense of social responsibility to extend to others the opportunities that one has been given. We all are better for her vision and commitment.