Homecoming Honoree: Dr. Drew Curtis
Distinguished Faculty Achievement - Associate Professor of Psychology
Teaching, research, professional service and community service – Dr. Drew Curtis does it all for the benefit of his students.
A Houston native and an ASU faculty member since 2013, Curtis directs the nationally recognized Master of Science in counseling psychology degree program. He also directs ASU’s newest doctoral program, the Doctor of Psychology in counseling psychology that started classes this fall.
“It’s exciting to see it finally come to fruition,” Curtis said. “We are going to be able to continue to train students and equip them for jobs, and also serve mental health needs nationally and locally. I’ve seen the need for mental health services in San Angelo, so hopefully we’ll be able to serve our community.”
Serving his profession is also important to Curtis. He is president of the Psychological Association of Greater West Texas and just finished a term as president of the Southwestern Psychological Association.
“It’s my way of giving back to organizations that have given so much to me,” Curtis said. “There is also a lot of professional development. Plus, I get to see the most current research that hasn’t even been published yet, and then pass that on to my students.”
“There are many great people here and I enjoy what I’m doing.”
An avid researcher himself, Curtis has authored or co-authored numerous articles published in respected journals and made over 100 presentations at professional conferences and workshops. He is associate editor of the Journal of Psychological Inquiry, and he even published a popular textbook, “Abnormal Psychology: Myths of Crazy,” now in its third edition.
“I like to research the topics I’m interested in, and a lot of my research involves my students,” Curtis said. “It’s another avenue to enhance your teaching, and it also opens up travel opportunities for students to attend conferences.”
For his dedication to his students and ongoing contributions in his field, the ASU Alumni Association has named Curtis its 2022 Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award winner.
“It’s exciting to get to represent ASU,” Curtis said. “I care about the students, faculty and staff, and the community. To represent them all for the Alumni Association is a tremendous honor.”
Curtis and his wife, Rachel, have six kids ages 8 months to 11 years, four of them born in San Angelo, where the Curtis Family has found its niche in the Ram Family.
“There are many great people here and I enjoy what I’m doing,” Curtis said. “I find immense satisfaction at ASU, and San Angelo is now home.”