Jacqueline S. Mattis, Ph.D. is Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-Newark. She earned her B.A. in psychology from New York University, and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of African American and Afri-Caribbean youth and adults, and on the factors that are associated with positive psychological and psychosocial development of urban-residing African American and AfriCaribbean youth and adults. She uses quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the factors that contribute to volunteerism, civic engagement, altruism, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, optimism, and positive parenting among urban-residing African American and Afri-diasporic people. She has co-authored numerous articles and has served on the editorial boards of numerous journals. She co-authored (with collaborator Fulya Kurter) two books on counseling in the Turkish cultural context, including a handbook entitled “Culturally sensitive counseling from the perspective of Turkish practitioners” (Bahcesehir University Press). This handbook explores the topic of culture, cultural diversity and intercultural dynamics within Turkey as these issues apply to the practice of counseling. Among the honors she has received over her career are the Distinguished Psychologist Award from the Association of Black Psychologists; and NYU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award for teaching excellence, leadership, social justice and community building. She has been recognized for her mentorship and teaching. She received the Paul M. Fitts Graduate Mentor Award from the University of Michigan Graduate Leadership Council) for outstanding mentorship of graduate students in Psychology, and the Cornerstone Award for unique contributions to enhancing the academic and social progress of African American students at the University of Michigan. She also received the Outstanding Mentor Award from the University of Michigan’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities program.
She has appeared as a guest on numerous podcasts including Speaking of Psychology hosted by the American Psychological Association; On Humans, hosted by Ilari Makela; and 10 Percent Happier, hosted by Dan Harris.
As an administrator she is focused on reimagining liberal arts education as a space for engaging the genius of faculty, staff, students, and community members to address real world challenges. She is most joyful when she has the privilege of working with students, and the opportunity to work with colleagues to take risks in the service of social good.