A professor at TCU since 2011, Naomi Ekas, Ph.D., now steps into the role of department chair of the department of psychology in the College of Science & Engineering.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Naomi Ekas into her new role as department chair. As a beloved professor, her classes, including the popular Taylor Swift course, draw students year after year, and she has maintained an active externally funded research program. Ekas serves as an excellent model for faculty and students as we move forward with our strategic plan," says Timothy Barth, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate studies and psychology professor.
Ekas’ expertise lies in the emotional and mental development of autistic and non-autistic children, with a focus on the influence of family dynamics. Her extensive experience and dedication to the teacher-scholar model make her the ideal leader to guide the department's research initiatives, foster growth and enhance the student experience.
TCU CSE sat down with Ekas to learn more about her vision for psychology.
How do you hope to enhance the student experience within the department?
I am looking forward to creating new ways for students to learn about careers in psychology and foster ways for TCU to help best prepare them for whatever career goals they have. I am also excited about the possibility of adding new courses to the department offerings, particularly in areas that students have expressed interest in, one example is the new course in forensic psychology.
Can you share any upcoming initiatives or projects you’re excited about?
I am excited about hiring new faculty members next year who will bring new research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and who will create new classroom opportunities for students. I am also eager to implement curriculum changes that will better serve our students as they prepare for careers in fields related to psychology and beyond.
How do you intend to support and promote research within the department?
Our department is already doing so many great things related to research. My goal is to continue to support an environment that stimulates curiosity and fosters collaboration. I hope to develop a speaker series that regularly brings faculty from other universities to TCU’s campus to share their research. The aim is to spark new ideas within our research program, leading to new collaborations. It is also a way to share the research conducted within the department and raise its profile.
What do you enjoy most about working in an academic environment?
I love that I still get to be a student. I am always learning whether it is a new discovery in my research lab or from the students in my classes. Our students bring unique perspectives, and I am thrilled that I get to learn from them. I also enjoy the flexibility of academia; working in different environments like university classrooms, research labs, public schools, and even different countries, I have the freedom to pursue new research and teaching interests as well. What other job in the world would allow you to create a course about the psychology of Taylor Swift?
What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in your field?
There are so many career options for those interested in pursuing a degree in psychology. I would encourage students to talk to a faculty member about these options or attend Psychology Club or Psi Chi meetings to learn more about careers. Having many options can be overwhelming, but our faculty are here to help and provide guidance. We can connect you with alumni who are in the career you might be interested in or who went through the same type of graduate program you are thinking about. It can be helpful to talk with someone who’s lived the TCU experience and has experienced success post-graduation.
What are some of your personal interests and hobbies?
The hobby that occupies my free time is traveling. This summer I visited my 100th United Nations (UN) country, Tanzania. My goal is to visit all 193 UN countries plus observer states. I am in my element when traveling to places off the beaten path and where I must get creative to communicate because I can’t speak the language. My experiences in other countries have informed my teaching in the classroom, too. One of my favorite classes to teach is “Child Development in a Cultural Context”. The class usually inspires me to visit somewhere new, allowing me to share the experiences I’ve had with children and families abroad with my students.
I’m also a Swiftie (Taylor Swift fan)!
What’s your favorite thing about TCU’s CSE? Your department?
I know this is cliché, but it really is the students! I enjoy mentoring and forming relationships with them. I am simultaneously happy and sad when they graduate. But mostly, I am excited to see how they will take what they’ve learned at TCU and make a difference in the world.
What message would you like to share with your department and CSE, as you step into this role?
I am excited to lead the department during a time of unprecedented growth at TCU. My fellow faculty have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly. I am grateful for the patience of the faculty and students as I step into this position, and encourage them to reach out with questions, ideas and suggestions for our department’s future.
