Shane Jimerson receives honorary doctorate from University of Liege, Belgium

Professor Shane Jimerson of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Liege, Belgium. This award recognizes his scholarly contributions in advancing research and practice to create safe, supportive, and effective schools to benefit the development of students.

Professor Baye highlighted Professor Jimerson’s seminal science, scholarship, and leadership. She noted his contributions to the “research and practitioner communities, with the state-of-the-art on major issues, including school bullying, and more recently, how to implement multi-systemic prevention and intervention plans to support students' cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural development.” Baye underlined that hallmark of Jimerson’s scholarly and professional efforts throughout his career has been an emphasis on evidence-based interventions to support students. With more than 400 professional publications, Jimerson is recognized internationally as one of the most prolific and preeminent leaders in the field of school psychology.

Rector and Professor Pierre Wolper presented the Honorary Doctorate to Professor Jimerson, highlighting the significant scientific contributions he has made in “advancing the science and practice in the field of education, educational psychology, and school psychology.” His scientific contributions and leadership in professional societies, including the International School Psychology Association, as well as Division 16 of the American Psychological Association reflect his distinction and commitment to bringing science to practice to benefit children, families, education professionals, and communities throughout the world. 

Professor Jimerson met with faculty and students at the University of Liege to discuss contemporary scholarship and also provided a presentation focused on continuing to advance science and practice in the fields of education, educational psychology, and school psychology.

“Such recognition from the distinguished faculty and leadership at the University of Liege is humbling,” Jimerson commented upon receiving this Honorary Doctorate. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have tremendous opportunities to collaborate with colleagues around the world. International collaborations further inform the importance influence of contexts and cultures on the development of children.”

Furthermore, Jimerson noted that “There are many shared challenges facing children and education professionals around the globe, and through our collaborative efforts I am confident that will continue to use science to inform professional practices to support the development of children in schools and communities around the world. Ongoing interdisciplinary and international collaborations are essential to furthering both science and practice.”

For those interested, you can learn more about Dr. Shane Jimerson and the school psychology programs at the Gevirtz School.