Colorado State University Psychologist Appointed National Association’s President

Colorado State University psychology Professor Richard Suinn has been elected president of the American Psychological Association, the largest national organization representing psychologists.

Suinn will take office as president-elect of the association in January and as president in January, 1999. Suinn is the first psychologist from Colorado State and the first Asian-American to be elected to the post.

As president, Suinn plans to expand public awareness of psychologists’ major contributions in improving patients’ recovery from physical diseases. His goals at the top position also include bringing together psychological knowledge and treatment methods for cancer patients, and helping state legislators develop regulations for insuring quality mental health care.

APA recently introduced a major public education effort in Colorado that outlined the role psychologists play in treating depression, workplace stress and health-related issues.

During his 29-year tenure at Colorado State, Suinn has served as head of the psychology department and has been involved in numerous organizations related to his profession, including the Colorado Psychological Association, the Colorado Licensing Board and the Governor’s Mental Health Council. Suinn also is a former mayor and council member for the city of Fort Collins. In addition, Suinn has served as team psychologist for several U.S. Olympic teams and is a past member of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sport Psychology Committee in Colorado Springs.