| A brief history of Paul Nelson: In a career spanning more
than 50 years, including 24 of them at APA, Paul Nelson, Ph.D., has been
a central force in shaping accreditation, psychology specialization, the
development of training councils, and the preparation of psychology
faculty. Dr. Nelson has been one of APA’s most visible representatives
of education since before APA formed its Education Directorate. As the
director of accreditation for 15 years, Dr. Nelson was instrumental in
reorganizing the accreditation system, developing guidelines, and
fostering the development of the Committee on Accreditation. He also
served as the initial interim director of the Education Directorate and
from there, became the deputy executive director of the Directorate and
director of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Education and
Training.
During the past decade, Dr. Nelson has been instrumental in bringing
together diverse, and sometimes conflicting, groups to address key
issues in education and training. The Council of Chairs of Training
Councils is one venue through which Paul’s legacy continues. Often
called the “ultimate diplomat,” Dr. Paul Nelson has left an indelible
mark on the field of professional psychology. To honor his knowledge,
integrity, and stewardship of psychology, CCTC presents the Paul Nelson
Award.
Definition/criteria: CCTC recognizes individuals who have
distinguished themselves through significant, long-term service to the
professional education and training community by bestowing on them the
Paul Nelson Award. In the mold of Dr. Nelson, individuals are recognized
for making exceptional contributions to the collegial environment and
culture of psychology education and training, as evidenced by leadership
in bringing together parties in a common purpose to address important
problems.
Rationale: The existence of CCTC speaks to Dr. Nelson’s vision
of bringing together people with conflicting points of view, in a manner
that allows them to forge alliances and relationships that create the
foundation for finding common ground and resolving problems. While many
awards already recognize outstanding “achievement” in psychology, the
Paul Nelson Award recognizes the spirit and model of collaboration
established by Paul in his work with CCTC, a true statesman and
diplomat.
Frequency: The Paul Nelson award will be on the CCTC agenda
every spring for consideration of bestowal. Because CCTC reserves the
award for truly exceptional and extraordinary contributions to the
professional education community, the award is not necessarily granted
on an annual basis, but rather, is determined at the discretion of CCTC
following an annual review of nominees.
Selection process: Any member of CCTC shall have the right to
nominate a person to receive the Paul Nelson Award. The nomination shall
be forwarded to the President of CCTC,
and all nominations will be considered at the spring meeting. The
decision to give the award shall be by consensus, in keeping with the
usual practice of CCTC. The award will be presented at an appropriate
time and place, dependent on the recipient.
Funding: The award should be recognized with an engraved
plaque. Funds for the plaque may be collected by voluntary donations
from CCTC members.
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