Professor Shane R. Jimerson Receives the Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Department of Psychology

Shane R. Jimerson, distinguished scholar and Professor of School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Department of Psychology at the School of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The award ceremony was held on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the University’s Great Hall.

Proceedings opened with welcoming remarks by the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos.

Next, Chryse (Sissy) Hatzichristou, Professor of School Psychology at the Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, spoke of Shane R. Jimerson’s work and personal qualities.

The formal conferment then took place with Professor Spyridon Tantaros, Chair of the Department of Psychology, reading the official citation.

Following that, the Dean of the School of Philosophy, Professor Dimitrios Drosos, invested the honouree with the academic gown of the School.

The ceremony closed with the awardee, Professor Shane R. Jimerson, giving a talk on ‘Bringing School Psychology Science to Practice: Preventing Bullying and Promoting Positive School Climate’.

In his welcome address, the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, said, among other things:

‘Today’s ceremony honours an individual who has dedicated his academic and research career to advancing learning, mental health, and the well-being of children and adolescents in school settings. His work has made a significant impact on the development of contemporary approaches to School Psychology worldwide. His research addresses key issues in school systems and relationships, including school safety, crisis prevention and intervention, student engagement, and the social and emotional development of young people. Through his work, he has consistently sought to bridge theory and practice in education, promoting evidence-based interventions and policies that foster safe, inclusive, and supportive school communities’.

Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis