Educational psychology department announces 2021 Lichtenberg Lecture

LAWRENCE – The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Kansas will host the 2021 Lichtenberg Lecture at 3 p.m. Friday, April 16, via Zoom. The virtual lecture will feature Kevin Cokley, distinguished professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin.

Cokley also serves as the director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis at UT. He focuses on understanding the psychological and environmental factors that affect Black student achievement as well as racial and ethnic identity development, academic motivation and academic achievement.

Cokley’s presentation, “The Psychological Impact of Racism,” will provide educational and thought-provoking material for current and future educators to further develop their sociocultural competencies. Interested participants are to be advised that the discussion is intended to be intense and emotionally provocative to inspire reflection and growth.

“KU is truly fortunate to host such a distinguished and influential scholar as Dr. Cokley,” said David Hansen, department chair. “His work rightly challenges academia's longstanding, often unconscious, acceptance of a Eurocentric psychology, and Dr. Cokley brings needed awareness of the well-established field of Black psychology and its scholarship.”

Participation in the lecture is free and open to the public, though an online RSVP is required to receive the Zoom access details. Learn more and RSVP.

The Lichtenberg Lecture Series was established by former associate dean and professor emeritus James Lichtenberg as an annual event, designed to bring in professionals from across the country to KU to discuss topics in psychology, counseling, health and research each fall.

During this year’s lecture, the Department of Educational Psychology will also announce the first recipient of the Dedication to Social Justice and Liberation Award, a new student award recognizing a current graduate student in the department whose efforts show commitment to seek, find and forge the advancement of social justice and liberation. Read more about the award.

The Department of Educational Psychology is part of the top-ranked KU School of Education & Human Sciences.