Nov. 3, 2023

Psychology honor society recognized again as a Model Chapter

By Georgia McGonigle, communication assistant

The Northwest Missouri State University chapter of Psi Chi, an international honor society of psychology, has been named a Psi Chi Model Chapter for 2022-23, marking the fifth time in six years that the chapter has received the recognition.

“I think this chapter continuously receives the model chapter award because we are constantly trying to plan events and bring people together to feel supported, not just academically, but personally,” Mackenzie Wilcoxson, the 2022-23 president of the Northwest Psi Chi chapter and a senior psychology major from Union Star, Missouri, said. “We want people to have a place where they can relate with others and allow others to help them through whatever trials or triumphs they face.”

Psi Chi annually honors 50 chapters as recipients of the award, a recognition of healthy and active chapters that demonstrate communication and cooperation within their chapters and with the Psi Chi headquarters. Model chapters must meet nine objectives, which include inducting new members, voting in annual Psi Chi elections and fulfilling other chapter responsibilities. Northwest’s chapter was also designated a Model Chapter in 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Pictured left to right and representing Psi Chi are Dr. Jason McCain, co-advisor; Mackenzie Wilcoxson, president; Hannah Nielson, treasurer; Quinn Weakley, vice president; and Dr. Keely Cline, co-advisor. Jaded Goedeke, the organization’s secretary and social media coordinator, is not pictured. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Keely Cline, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Jason McCain, assistant professor of psychology, are co-advisors of the Northwest Psi Chi chapter.

“Receiving the Model Chapter award multiple times largely reflects having committed officer teams,” Cline, said. “Our officers dedicate time and energy to planning out and facilitating events. This requires teamwork and a vision of what Psi Chi can contribute to our University.”

Wilcoxson believes participating in Psi Chi has provided her with connections and new experiences outside of the classroom.

“It has given me a community and friends that I don’t feel I would have found any other way,” Wilcoxson said. “I love how our organization brings people together and supports them in their academic endeavors. This organization has contributed to my academic success by opening up multiple opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Psi Chi’s purpose is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship and to advance the science of psychology. Students must major or minor in a psychology program and be in the top 35 percent of their class based on cumulative GPA to be eligible for membership in the chapter.

Being a part of Psi Chi gives students an opportunity to continue developing as scholars.

“Psi Chi membership also opens up access to resources that move beyond Northwest,” Cline said. “It gives students access to resources offered by the international organization that can aid in their professional development, including opportunities to apply for scholarships and grants.”