Psychology honors former faculty and alumnus
The Department of Psychology posthumously inducted Aline Mahan, Ph.D. into the Department of Psychology Hall of Fame on Feb. 28, as part of ongoing celebrations at the college honoring 50 years of female faculty and 25 years of female cadet graduates. Also inducted were former Professor and Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement Conway Saylor, Ph.D., and Jonas Coatsworth, CGC ’03.
Aline Mahan made history when she became the first woman faculty member at The Citadel in 1974. She began her career in the Department of Education as the first full-time female associate professor. When the Department of Psychology was established in 1976, Mahan became part of the new program, which she was instrumental in developing. Under her leadership, the program first achieved approval by the National Association of School Psychologists. In 1988 she became the first woman to achieve the rank of colonel at The Citadel. Mahan retired in 1991 after 17 years of service. As an intellectual, Mahan’s work and courage opened doors of opportunity to those who have followed her example.
Conway Saylor made an impact both within the gates of The Citadel and in the community. Her service and incorporation of service learning into her teaching became a cornerstone of the Department of Psychology, cultivating a culture of learning through service among our graduates. Her work on The Citadel campus, and in the Psychology Department, helped focus us on the need to work to address chronic struggles facing children and families, and to do so with a sense of urgency, intensity and purpose.
Jonas Coatsworth is a champion, advocate, and caregiver for people in addiction recovery. Since his graduation from The Citadel Clinical Counseling program in 2003, he has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals in their recovery journey and made a lasting imprint on many agencies, coworkers and trainees in the community. Coatsworth has received state and national recognition for his tireless work and service. His commitment to ethical, evidence based, compassionate care is to be commended and emulated.